Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Concordia University Wisconsin

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) provides the foundational sciences needed for students planning careers in medical sciences, healthcare, biomedical research, or further professional study. Students study areas such as human biology, microbiology, cell biology, genetics, chemistry, and physics while choosing a Human Biology, Pre-Medical, or Research track to align the degree with their career goals.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

Students establish their scientific foundation through BIO 1501 – Functional Human Biology I, CHEM 1414 – General Chemistry I, and BIO 1502 – Functional Human Biology II, alongside CUW's core curriculum. This year introduces students to human biological systems while building the chemistry and quantitative skills needed for more advanced biomedical coursework.

Year 2:

Students progress into more specialized biomedical sciences through courses such as BIO 2600 – Biology of Microorganisms, CHEM 2414 – Organic Chemistry I, and PHYS 1514 – General Physics I. These subjects strengthen students' understanding of microorganisms, chemical processes, and physical principles relevant to biological and health sciences.

Year 3:

The curriculum moves deeper into molecular and cellular processes with BIO 3200 – Cell Biology, BIO 3400 – Genetics, and CHEM 3214 – Biochemistry, depending on the student's selected track. Students following the Pre-Medical or Human Biology pathways can also take subjects such as Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Immunology, Pathophysiology, and Human Physiology.

Year 4:

Students complete advanced coursework and tailor their studies to their intended pathway. Research-track students can undertake BIO 4200 – Molecular Biology, BIO 4990 – Undergraduate Research, or CHEM 4990 – Undergraduate Research, while all students complete BIO 4900 – Biology Senior Seminar and can explore areas such as pharmacology, histology, immunology, and advanced anatomy.

Focus Areas:

Human Biology, Pre-Medicine, Biomedical Research, Anatomy and Physiology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, cell biology, genetics, chemistry, and microbiology; learn to communicate biomedical information effectively; apply the scientific method and critical thinking to health-science problems; and develop preparation for careers or advanced education in biomedical science, research, and healthcare.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The degree is designed to prepare students for advanced health-science education, including medical, physician assistant, dental, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary, chiropractic, and physical therapy programs. CUW also identifies competitive pathways and educational relationships involving Physician Assistant Studies at Concordia University Ann Arbor, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Illinois College of Optometry, and Palmer College of Chiropractic.

Reputation & Employability:

CUW's 2022–23 First Destination Survey reports that 97% of graduates were employed or attending graduate school, while 78% were employed and 85% of employed graduates were working in their major field. The university also reports a $53,000 median salary across graduates surveyed and that 65% completed an internship, clinical, practicum, or field placement while at CUW; these are university-wide figures rather than Biomedical Science-specific outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) gives students practical experience through laboratory-based science courses, undergraduate research, and internship opportunities. The curriculum includes dedicated laboratory work in chemistry and biology, while students interested in research can complete BIO 4990 – Undergraduate Research or CHEM 4990 – Undergraduate Research and work with faculty on scientific projects. The program also offers BIO 3990 – Biology Internship and CHEM 3990 – Chemistry Internship, allowing students to connect their academic preparation with professional experience.

Students can gain hands-on experience through:

Biomedical laboratory training: Students complete laboratory-based coursework alongside subjects such as human anatomy and physiology, cell biology, immunology, microbiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology.
Undergraduate research: BIO 4990 – Undergraduate Research and CHEM 4990 – Undergraduate Research provide opportunities to participate in research under faculty guidance.
Internships: Students can earn academic credit through BIO 3990 – Biology Internship or CHEM 3990 – Chemistry Internship, providing direct exposure to professional environments.
Research projects: CUW students and faculty are involved in research areas including antibiotic development, antimicrobial activity, natural products, pharmacogenetics, and translational environmental health research.
Biomedical research exposure: CUW's School of Pharmacy faculty research includes work on antibiotic compounds, antimicrobial activity against pathogens, drug discovery, and pharmacogenetics, providing relevant research environments for students interested in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences.
Research presentation opportunities: CUW students participate in events such as the CUW Undergraduate Research Symposium and the Milwaukee-area Undergraduate Biological Research Conference, where undergraduate research projects are presented.
Digital/computational skills: Students can study BIO 533 – Bioinformatics: Principles and Applications in the Biomedical Sciences curriculum, introducing computational approaches relevant to modern biomedical research.

Facilities and resources: CUW's Biomedical Sciences students benefit from laboratory and research environments across the School of Arts and Sciences, Life & Earth Sciences, Physical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy. These resources support hands-on study and faculty-led research in areas such as molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, pharmacology, drug discovery, and antimicrobial research. The university also provides opportunities to present undergraduate research through campus and regional research events

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) prepares students for biomedical research, laboratory-based careers, and further education in healthcare and life sciences. Depending on their chosen pathway, graduates can pursue roles such as Biomedical Research Assistant, Laboratory Technician, Clinical Research Assistant, and Biotechnology Specialist, or use the degree as preparation for professional health programs:

Career services: CUW provides career support through its career services resources, including assistance with career exploration, résumé development, interview preparation, job searching, and connecting students with employers.
Internship experience: The curriculum includes BIO 3990 – Biology Internship and CHEM 3990 – Chemistry Internship, allowing students to gain professional experience related to their studies.
Research opportunities: Students can complete BIO 4990 – Undergraduate Research or CHEM 4990 – Undergraduate Research, working with faculty on research projects and developing practical scientific skills.
Research connections: CUW's School of Pharmacy conducts research in areas including antibiotic development, antimicrobial activity, drug discovery, and pharmacogenetics, providing relevant research environments for students interested in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences.
Graduate outcomes: CUW's 2022–23 First Destination Survey reported that 97% of graduates were employed or attending graduate school, with 78% employed and 85% of employed graduates working in their major field. These figures are university-wide rather than specific to Biomedical Science.
Salary: The same university-wide survey reported a $53,000 median salary. This is not a Biomedical Science-specific salary figure.
Professional pathways: The program prepares students for further study in medicine, physician assistant studies, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, chiropractic, and physical therapy.
Professional/industry connections: CUW identifies educational relationships and pathways involving institutions such as Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Illinois College of Optometry, Palmer College of Chiropractic, and Concordia University Ann Arbor's Physician Assistant Studies program.
Accreditation value: CUW does not identify a separate specialized professional accreditation for the Biomedical Science bachelor's degree. Its value is primarily as an undergraduate foundation for employment, graduate study, and professional healthcare programs.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Biomedical Science, students can continue into graduate programs in biomedical sciences, biology, biotechnology, public health, or related life-science fields. Students following the pre-professional pathway can also apply to medical, dental, pharmacy, optometry, physician assistant, veterinary, chiropractic, or physical therapy programs, subject to the individual institution's prerequisites and admission requirements.