Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, BS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Central Florida

Program Overview

The Biomedical Sciences B.S. at the University of Central Florida (UCF) gives students a multidisciplinary foundation in human disease, biology, chemistry and medicine, making it well suited to students planning careers in biomedical research, biotechnology or professional health fields. Students study areas including anatomy, molecular biology, cell biology, neurobiology, physiology, microbiology and immunology, with opportunities to choose specialized tracks such as Neuroscience, Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Microbiology.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

Students build their scientific foundation through courses such as Biology I (BSC 2010C), Chemistry Fundamentals I (CHM 2045C) and Chemistry Fundamentals II (CHM 2046). These courses establish the biology and chemistry knowledge needed for the more advanced biomedical curriculum.

Year 2:

Students progress into subjects such as Organic Chemistry I (CHM 2210), Organic Chemistry II (CHM 2211) and Organic Laboratory Techniques I (CHM 2211L), while also developing their mathematical and statistical foundation through Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (MAC 2311C) and Statistical Methods I (STA 2023).

Year 3:

The curriculum becomes more specialized, with courses including General Microbiology (MCB 3020C), Quantitative Biological Methods (BSC 3403C) and Molecular Biology I (PCB 3522). Students begin connecting laboratory methods and molecular biology concepts with biomedical research and human disease.

Year 4:

Students deepen their knowledge through advanced courses such as Molecular Biology II (PCB 4524) and Medical Biochemistry (BCH 4024) or Biochemistry I (BCH 4053), alongside restricted electives that can include Nanobiotechnology (BSC 3424) and Biomedical Informatics: Sequence Analysis (BSC 4434). Students are also required to complete a UCF-designated High Impact Practice, while undergraduate research is encouraged for those considering graduate or professional education.

Focus Areas:

Human disease, molecular biology, cell biology, anatomy, neurobiology, physiology, microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, biotechnology and biomedical research.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop an understanding of human disease and treatment, laboratory skills including PCR, protein purification, electrophoresis and Western blotting, and preparation for technical careers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries or further study in professional and graduate programs.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

UCF does not identify a separate professional accreditation for the Biomedical Sciences B.S. on the official program page. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for professional schools in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic practice and physician assistant training, as well as graduate education and technical careers in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

Reputation (Employability):

UCF's official Biomedical Sciences page states that occupations in biomedical sciences are projected to grow by more than 11% through 2029 and reports median earnings of $89,000 for biomedical sciences graduates. These figures are presented by UCF as career information for the field rather than as a guaranteed salary for individual graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biomedical Sciences B.S. at the University of Central Florida gives students opportunities to move beyond classroom learning through undergraduate research, directed research with faculty, clinical internships and hands-on laboratory work. Students can participate in research focused on areas such as cancer, cardiovascular biology, neuroscience, infectious disease and immunity, while the program develops practical biomedical laboratory skills including PCR, protein purification, electrophoresis and Western blotting. UCF also provides dedicated biomedical research facilities, including Biosafety Level 3 laboratories, a transgenic animal facility and specialized microscopy and anatomy laboratories.

Students can gain this practical experience through several specific opportunities and facilities:

Undergraduate research: Students can work directly with Burnett School faculty on biomedical research projects. UCF offers programs including PURE (Program for Undergraduate Research Experience), GEAR (Group Effort Applied Research), RAMP (Research and Mentoring Program), AIM (Applied Industrial Microbiology) and the Honors-in-the-Major Program.
PURE research program: This year-long program provides selected Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology students with additional research training, faculty access and preparation for postgraduate education and careers. Students are also encouraged to present their research at scientific conferences.
Clinical internships: The Burnett School offers pre-health clinical internships through partnerships in Central Florida, giving students exposure to healthcare environments alongside their biomedical studies.
Biomedical research laboratories: The Biomedical Sciences Building on UCF's Main Campus contains research laboratories, core laboratories and a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory.
Burnett Biomedical Sciences Building: The five-story facility at Lake Nona houses faculty research laboratories, three Biosafety Level 3 laboratories and a major transgenic animal facility.
Microscopy Laboratory: Students have access to a specialized microscopy environment using virtual digitized slides, along with a ten-headed microscope, digital image capture and multiple video monitors for studying normal and abnormal tissues.
Computer-enhanced Anatomy Laboratory: UCF's anatomy facility has 35 computer-enhanced workstations specifically designed for human anatomy instruction.
Clinical Skills and Simulation Center: The College of Medicine has a 7,500-square-foot simulation center with 16 exam rooms, medical equipment, standardized patients, training simulators and medical mannequins. The center also supports research and development in virtual simulation technology.
Biomedical research areas: Students can engage with research across UCF's Cancer, Cardiovascular, Immunity & Pathogenesis, Neuroscience and Molecular Microbiology divisions.
Interdisciplinary research: The Burnett School collaborates with UCF's College of Optics and Photonics and Nanoscience Technology Center on biomedical applications of photonics and nanoscience.

Facilities: The program's facilities include the Biomedical Sciences Building, Health Sciences II, Biomolecular Research Annex, Burnett Biomedical Sciences Building at Lake Nona, computer-enhanced Anatomy Lab, Microscopy Lab and Clinical Skills and Simulation Center. The Lake Nona biomedical facility is located alongside the UCF College of Medicine and other major biomedical research institutions, supporting collaboration across medical research and education

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biomedical Sciences B.S. at the University of Central Florida prepares students for entry-level careers in biomedical and laboratory-related fields as well as further professional or graduate education. UCF specifically highlights pathways into medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic practice and physician assistant training, while the program also develops skills relevant to biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

Typical career roles include: Research Scientist, Biologist, Clinical Immunologist, Forensic Scientist. UCF's Burnett School also identifies careers such as analytical chemist, geneticist, pharmacologist and tissue and transplant coordinator.

Students can build their professional profile through UCF's academic, research and clinical opportunities:

Career and academic support: The Burnett School provides undergraduate academic advising, academic success coaching, undergraduate research opportunities and pre-health clinical internships to help students plan their next academic or professional step.
Clinical experience: UCF has established agreements with healthcare providers and physicians in the greater Orlando area for one-semester clinical shadowing internships. Selected students can earn one academic credit through MCB 4941.
Clinical research partnership: Students can participate in clinical research internships at AdventHealth Orlando, working under the mentorship of program directors and research personnel for 10–15 hours per week.
Industry and healthcare connections: UCF's College of Medicine includes the UCF Lake Nona Hospital, in partnership with HCA Healthcare, and the UCF Lake Nona Cancer Center, bringing medical education, patient care and cancer research together.
Employment and salary information: UCF states that occupations in biomedical sciences are projected to grow more than 11% through 2029 and lists $89,000 as median earnings for biomedical sciences graduates. These are field-level figures presented by UCF, rather than a guaranteed salary for individual graduates.
Experiential learning value: UCF classifies Burnett School clinical, surgical and clinical research internships as High-Impact Practices, providing direct exposure to healthcare environments and research.
Graduation pathways: UCF's Biomedical Sciences B.S. is structured to support both workforce entry and progression into professional schools or graduate programs. The Burnett School offers MS, PhD and MD-PhD opportunities for students continuing into advanced biomedical education.
Accreditation/professional qualification: UCF does not identify a separate professional accreditation for the Biomedical Sciences B.S. on its official program page. The degree instead provides academic preparation for professional schools and biomedical careers.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can pursue UCF's M.S. in Biomedical Sciences, Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences or MD-PhD pathway, or apply to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic practice or physician assistant training.