BSc in Medical Lab Sciences: Biomedical Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

City University of New York

Program Overview

The BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences: Biomedical Science at Hunter College prepares students for careers in biomedical laboratories and other health-related professions, combining theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory skills and problem-solving. It is particularly suited to students planning careers or further study in biomedical and health-related fields, including graduate programs and other advanced scientific or clinical pathways.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

Students establish their scientific foundation through courses such as CHEM 102 – General Chemistry, BIOL 100 – Principles of Biology, and MATH 12550, while also completing English composition and foreign-language requirements. This stage builds the chemistry, biology and quantitative knowledge needed for more advanced biomedical study.

Year 2:

The curriculum progresses into more advanced science with BIOL 102, CHEM 222, and CHEM 223, supported by physics and statistics or mathematics. Students strengthen their understanding of biological and chemical processes while completing Hunter Core requirements that broaden their academic preparation.

Year 3:

Students move into the specialist Medical Laboratory Sciences curriculum, studying subjects including Human Physiology: Integration and Control (MLS 312), Clinical Microbiology I (MLSP 351) and Clinical Microbiology II (MLSP 352). These courses develop knowledge of human physiological systems and microorganisms relevant to biomedical laboratory work, with Clinical Microbiology II covering anaerobic bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Year 4:

The final year focuses on advanced biomedical laboratory study through courses such as Clinical Biochemistry 2 (MLSP 355), Cell and Tissue Culture (MLS 450) and MLS 457, alongside electives. Cell and Tissue Culture gives students practical exposure to primary cultures, cell preservation, cytotoxicity assays and monoclonal antibody techniques, while advanced coursework brings together laboratory and biomedical knowledge.

Focus Areas:

Fundamental laboratory skills, clinical microbiology, clinical biochemistry, human physiology, cell and tissue culture, biomedical research, clinical subspecialties, advanced biomedical sciences, laboratory problem-solving, experimental strategies.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop theoretical and practical laboratory skills, problem-solving abilities, laboratory strategy development, biomedical research capabilities, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and the ability to apply scientific knowledge to biomedical laboratory problems. The curriculum specifically emphasizes practical skills alongside theoretical understanding across the disciplines covered by the program.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Biomedical Science major is designed as a biomedical science and laboratory-focused degree for students pursuing biomedical or health-related careers and further education. Importantly, Hunter College states that this specific major does not meet the requirements for New York State licensure as a clinical laboratory technologist; students seeking a licensure-qualifying pathway should consider Hunter's separate BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences: Clinical Science.

Reputation (Employability):

Hunter College states that Medical Laboratory Sciences graduates pursue entry-level careers in research and diagnostic laboratories, as well as further education in graduate programs, medical school and other clinical specialties. The college also identifies hospitals, nonprofit research institutions, pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology companies as employment settings for MLS graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences: Biomedical Science at Hunter College combines theoretical study with practical laboratory training, emphasizing fundamental laboratory skills, clinical subspecialties, advanced biomedical courses, problem-solving and the development of laboratory strategies. Students can also gain direct research experience through MLS independent-study courses, where they work under the supervision of an MLS faculty member to formulate research questions, design experiments, collect and analyse data, and present their findings.

Students can build practical and research skills through:

Laboratory skills: The curriculum includes MLSP 30000 – Fundamental Concepts and Techniques in the Medical Laboratory, providing a foundation in laboratory techniques and strategies used in biomedical laboratory settings.
Clinical laboratory subjects: Students gain specialised knowledge through courses such as MLSP 34900 – Hematology, MLSP 35100 – Clinical Microbiology I, MLSP 35200 – Clinical Microbiology II, MLSP 35400 – Clinical Biochemistry I, and MLSP 35500 – Clinical Biochemistry II.
Biomedical research: MLS 48001/48002/48003 – Independent Study allows students to undertake supervised biomedical research. Students learn to formulate hypotheses, develop research questions, design experiments, collect and analyse data, and present research findings.
Cell and tissue culture: MLS 450 – Cell and Tissue Culture provides practical exposure to areas such as primary cell cultures, cell preservation, cytotoxicity assays and monoclonal antibody techniques.
Computing and data processing: MLSP 36100 – Computers and Data Processing in the Medical Laboratory specifically introduces computer-based skills and data-processing applications relevant to medical laboratory work.
Research facilities: Medical Laboratory Sciences is based at Hunter College's 701 West, Brookdale department location, while Hunter has also renovated laboratory and research spaces for the Medical Lab Sciences Department. The college's broader research environment includes specialised laboratory facilities supporting biomedical and scientific research.
Library resources: Materials specifically supporting Medical Laboratory Sciences are held at the Cooperman Library on Hunter's Main Campus, including circulating books and reserve materials. Students also have access to Hunter's online library resources and research assistance through Ask-A-Librarian.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Medical Laboratory Sciences: Biomedical Science program at Hunter College prepares students for entry-level careers in research and diagnostic laboratories while also building a foundation for further study in biomedical and health-related fields. Graduates can pursue opportunities in hospitals, nonprofit research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology organizations, or continue into graduate and professional education.

Typical career roles: Biomedical Laboratory Technician, Research Laboratory Technician, Clinical Laboratory Researcher, Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology Laboratory Associate

Here is how Hunter College supports students as they move toward employment and further study:

Career services: Hunter’s Career Center provides career fairs, career panels, workshops, career advising, and access to Handshake for full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities.
Employment and internships: HunterWorks connects students with employers through internships, mentorships, career support, and recruitment opportunities. The initiative is working toward a 40% internship rate and an 80% employment rate within 12 months of graduation; these are HunterWorks goals, not current graduate outcomes.
Industry connections: HunterWorks develops partnerships with private, public, and nonprofit-sector employers in New York City, creating opportunities for internships, experiential learning, and direct recruitment.
Professional preparation: The program's learning outcomes emphasize biomedical research and clinical-laboratory skills, laboratory data interpretation, computer skills, safe laboratory practice, and understanding of ethical and regulatory standards.
Salary figures: Hunter College's official program sources reviewed do not publish a current program-specific graduate salary figure, so a salary number would not be reliable to include.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the degree, students can continue into graduate programs in biomedical and health-related fields, medical school, and other clinical specialties. Hunter College also offers a Biomedical Laboratory Management MS, which can provide a pathway toward advanced knowledge and leadership roles in biomedical laboratories.