Biomedical Sciences (BMSC)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Auburn University

Program Overview

Auburn University’s B.S. in Biomedical Sciences is designed for students interested in medicine, dentistry, optometry, biomedical research, and other health-related pathways. The program builds a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology, while also incorporating laboratory and experiential learning opportunities.

Curriculum Structure

Freshman Year:

Students begin with core scientific foundations through BIOL 1020 Principles of Biology, BIOL 1030 Organismal Biology, and CHEM 1030 Fundamentals Chemistry I, alongside laboratory courses in biology and chemistry. This year also introduces students to academic and career planning through SCMH 1950 COSAM Major Career Exploration.

Sophomore Year:

The curriculum progresses into CHEM 2070 Organic Chemistry I, CHEM 2080 Organic Chemistry II, and BIOL 3200 General Microbiology, giving students deeper knowledge of chemical processes and microorganisms. Students also study STAT 2510 Statistics for Biological and Health Sciences and complete an experiential learning elective, supporting the development of practical and analytical skills.

Junior Year:

Students move into advanced biomedical subjects including BCHE 5180 Biochemistry I, BCHE 5190 Biochemistry II, BIOL 3000 Genetics, and BIOL 5500 Immunology. Physics, psychology, and PHIL 1030 Ethics and the Health Sciences broaden their scientific and health-professional preparation.

Senior Year:

The final year focuses strongly on biomedical specialization through BIOL 5600 Biomedical Physiology, BIOL 4100 Cell Biology, and BIOL 4101 Cell Biology Laboratory, together with BMSC electives. Students can use approved experiential learning options such as undergraduate research, internships, or study abroad to complement their academic preparation.

Focus Areas:

Human biology, physiology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, cell biology, immunology, microbiology, chemistry, physics, pre-health preparation, biomedical research, and clinical-related sciences.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop a strong foundation in biological and physical sciences, laboratory experience, critical-thinking and analytical skills, and preparation for advanced study in medicine, dentistry, optometry, biomedical research, and other health-related fields.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Auburn University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The official Auburn accreditation listing does not identify a separate specialized professional accreditor specifically for the B.S. in Biomedical Sciences.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

Auburn reports an 85% undergraduate first-destination success rate for 2021–22 in its Strategic Plan metrics. For the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Auburn reports No. 49 among U.S. public universities and No. 102 nationally; Auburn's official strategic-plan data also lists its 2026 QS international ranking in the 851–900 range.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Auburn University’s B.S. in Biomedical Sciences integrates practical learning into the curriculum through laboratory courses, approved undergraduate research, internships, and study-abroad opportunities. Students can work with faculty mentors on laboratory research and data analysis, while upper-level laboratory courses develop hands-on skills in experimental design, instrumentation, and interpretation of scientific data. The program also provides pathways for clinical experiences and shadowing, helping students connect biomedical science with professional healthcare environments.

Students can further build practical experience through:

Undergraduate research: Students can participate in faculty-mentored laboratory research, data analysis, and scholarly projects in biomedical and health sciences.
Internships: The BMSC curriculum specifically includes approved internships as an experiential-learning option, including opportunities in clinical, research, and industry settings.
Laboratory experience: Courses such as BIOL 4101 Cell Biology Laboratory, BIOL 3201 General Microbiology Laboratory, and the first-year biology and chemistry laboratory courses provide structured hands-on training.
Research facilities: Students involved in research can access Auburn’s Research Instrumentation Facility (AURIF) in the Rouse Life Sciences Building, which supports biological sciences research and provides instrumentation training and specimen-preparation assistance.
Biomedical research facilities: The Department of Biological Sciences provides access to facilities including the Genomics and Sequencing Laboratory, Advanced Microscopy and Imaging Laboratory, and Hybridoma Facility.
Clinical exposure: Biomedical Sciences students are supported in finding clinical experiences and shadowing opportunities, providing exposure to patient care, healthcare systems, and professional roles.
Study abroad: Study Abroad is one of the approved experiential-learning options within the BMSC curriculum.
Pre-health professional development: Auburn’s Pre-Professional Application Course (PPAC) provides workshops, mock interviews, individual meetings, application reviews, and essay feedback for students preparing for professional-school applications.
Teaching and research spaces: The Department of Biological Sciences has laboratories and teaching spaces in the Sciences Center Complex, Rouse Life Sciences Building, and Funchess Hall, with additional research laboratories in the CASIC Building.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biomedical Sciences at Auburn University prepares graduates for professional health programs as well as careers in healthcare, clinical research, biotechnology, and related scientific fields. Auburn reports that 84% of Biomedical Sciences graduates from the 2022–2025 graduating cohorts enrolled in continuing education within six months, while 88% of the Class of 2025 were employed within six months.

Typical career directions include Medical Assistant, Health Educator, Healthcare Manager, and Clinical/Research roles; graduates also progress into medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, physical therapy, and other professional programs.

Key support and outcomes include:

Career Services: COSAM provides career coaching, employer engagement, internship and job listings, and access to the Handshake career platform.
Pre-Health support: Auburn’s Pre-Health Programs offers individualized advising, workshops, professional-school fairs, mock interviews, application assistance, and guidance on clinical and research experience.
Professional-school preparation: Auburn reports that 84% of students who participated in its Pre-Professional Application Course (PPAC) were accepted into professional school in the cited year.
Employment outcomes: Auburn reports that 88% of B.S. Biomedical Sciences graduates in the Class of 2025 were employed within six months, while 96% reported satisfaction with their first-destination career outcome.
Employer connections: Auburn hosts healthcare and life-sciences career events where students can meet employers and explore internship, part-time, and full-time opportunities.
Graduate destinations: Recent graduates have continued to institutions including Auburn University, UAB, University of South Alabama, VCOM-Auburn, and ACOM, while workforce destinations include East Alabama Medical Center, Christ Health Center, Inc., and local medical practices.
Salary information: Auburn's official first-destination reporting collects self-reported base salary data, excluding bonuses, housing allowances, and other benefits; the current Biomedical Sciences program outcomes page does not publish a specific salary figure for BMSC graduates.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the B.S., students can progress into professional doctorate programs such as medicine (MD/DO), dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, or other health professions, or pursue master's and research-doctorate study. Auburn also offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Biomedical Sciences, providing a direct university pathway for students interested in advanced biomedical research.