Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Eastern Kentucky University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is a 120-credit, on-campus program designed for students interested in biomedical research, healthcare, and graduate or professional study. Students build a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, physiology, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, and biomedical ethics, with six concentration options including Biomedical Research, Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Physician Associate, and Pre-Veterinary.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

Students begin with the fundamentals of biological and chemical sciences through BIO 111 – Cell and Molecular Biology, BIO 111L – Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, and CHE 111 – General Chemistry with its laboratory component. The second semester introduces BIO 112 – Ecology and Evolution, CHE 112 – General Chemistry II, and supporting subjects such as psychology or sociology depending on the chosen concentration.

Year 2:

Students move toward human health and biomedical applications through BIO 208 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, BIO 320 – Principles of Microbiology, and CHE 361 – Organic Chemistry I, alongside laboratory work and physics. Students also take BIO 332 – Careers in Biomedical Sciences, connecting their academic preparation with potential professional pathways.

Year 3:

The curriculum becomes more specialized with BIO 315 – Genetics, BIO 331 – Cell Biology, and BIO 348 – Vertebrate Physiology, while CHE 430 – Biochemistry of Macromolecules or CHE 431 – Metabolic Biochemistry develops understanding of biochemical processes. Students also study PHI 383 – Health & Biomedical Ethics, strengthening their understanding of ethical issues in healthcare and biomedical practice.

Year 4:

Students advance into molecular and immune-system sciences through BIO 531 – Principles of Molecular Biology and BIO 527 – Immunology, with additional restricted electives allowing students to tailor the degree toward their chosen concentration. Depending on their pathway, students can also explore subjects such as BIO 528 – Virology, BIO 535 – Pathogenic Microbiology, BIO 546 – Histology, BIO 533 – Bioinformatics: Principles and Applications, and CHE 432 – Biochemistry Laboratory.

Focus Areas:

Biomedical Research, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Physician Associate, Pre-Veterinary, Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Virology, Biomedical Ethics

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop biological and laboratory knowledge, critical and creative thinking skills, scientific problem-solving abilities, and preparation for biomedical research or professional healthcare education. The curriculum also provides the required and recommended coursework for a range of graduate and professional programs.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

EKU's Biomedical Sciences B.S. is specifically structured as preparation for medical, dental, physician associate, optometry, and veterinary professional programs, as well as careers in biotechnology, industrial microbiology, and pharmaceutical sales. EKU does not identify a separate specialized professional accreditation for the Biomedical Sciences B.S. on the official program page; its value is primarily in preparing students for subsequent professional or graduate study.

Reputation & Employability:

EKU reports that its Biomedical Sciences graduates have progressed to graduate and professional programs at institutions including the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, University of Alabama, Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine, Indiana University, Southern University, and Marshall University. The university also highlights career support through its Office of Academic and Career Services, including résumé and cover-letter assistance, interview coaching, career-document review, and job-search support.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.S. in Biomedical Sciences at Eastern Kentucky University is strongly hands-on, with laboratory coursework, required internships, faculty-mentored research, and opportunities to shadow professionals in biomedical fields. Students can tailor practical experience to their interests through six concentrations, while research students can progress from laboratory or field shadowing to developing, conducting, and potentially publishing independent research with a faculty mentor.

Students can build practical skills through the following opportunities:

Laboratory-based learning: Core courses include Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, General Chemistry Lab, Human Anatomy & Physiology Labs, Organic Chemistry Lab, and Biochemistry Laboratory, giving students repeated hands-on laboratory experience.
Required internships: The Biomedical Sciences program includes required internships, providing hands-on experience and mentoring from professionals in relevant fields.
Faculty-mentored research: Students can work directly with faculty members on research projects, ranging from laboratory or field shadowing to developing, implementing, and publishing independent research. BIO 598 – Special Problems can be used for independent research for eligible students.
Biomedical research areas: The Biomedical Research concentration allows students to explore areas such as clinical pharmacology, medical pathology, toxicology, immunology, virology, pathogenic microbiology, histology, and bioinformatics.
Bioinformatics: BIO 533 – Bioinformatics: Principles and Applications provides an opportunity to develop knowledge in computational approaches used in biomedical research.
EKU Greenhouse: The Department of Biological Sciences operates a 3,600-square-foot greenhouse with climate control and automation, including a dedicated research room.
Research collections: Students have access to the Ronald L. Jones Herbarium and the Dr. Branley Branson Museum of Zoology, which houses extensive zoological research collections.
Research funding and partnerships: EKU faculty guide undergraduate research projects funded by organizations including the National Institutes of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, Earthwatch, and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Facilities and resources: The Department of Biological Sciences is based in EKU's Science Building and provides laboratory and research environments supporting molecular, cellular, biomedical, ecological, and zoological studies. Its resources include the EKU Greenhouse, the Ronald L. Jones Herbarium, and the Dr. Branley Branson Museum of Zoology, while faculty-led research provides additional opportunities to work directly in laboratory and field settings.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biomedical Sciences at Eastern Kentucky University gives students a foundation for biomedical research, laboratory careers, biotechnology, and professional healthcare pathways. Graduates can pursue roles such as Biomedical Researcher, Clinical Research Assistant, Laboratory Technician, and Biotechnology Specialist, while the program also provides preparation for medical, dental, veterinary, optometry, and physician associate programs:

Career support: EKU's Office of Academic and Career Services provides career counseling, résumé and cover-letter assistance, interview preparation, career-document reviews, job-search support, and connections to employment opportunities.
Internship experience: The Biomedical Sciences curriculum includes required internships, allowing students to gain professional experience and mentoring in their area of interest.
Research opportunities: Students can participate in faculty-mentored research and develop experience ranging from laboratory or field work to independent research.
Graduate outcomes: EKU reports Biomedical Sciences graduates continuing into professional and graduate programs at institutions including the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, University of Alabama, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Indiana University, Southern University, and Marshall University.
Employment outlook: EKU's program information cites U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections of 10% growth for medical scientists from 2022–2032, with 20% for veterinarians, 9% for optometrists, and 4% for dentists over the same period. These figures represent national occupational projections, not EKU-specific employment rates.
Salary information: EKU's official program page does not provide a specific graduate salary figure for the Biomedical Sciences B.S., so an EKU-specific salary should not be assumed.
Professional preparation: The program offers concentrations aligned with Biomedical Research, Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Physician Associate, and Pre-Veterinary pathways.
Accreditation value: EKU does not list a separate specialized professional accreditation for the Biomedical Sciences B.S.; the degree is primarily positioned as preparation for employment, graduate study, and professional healthcare programs.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can continue into graduate study in areas such as biomedical sciences, biology, biotechnology, microbiology, public health, or related life sciences. Students following the pre-professional concentrations can also apply to medical, dental, optometry, physician associate, or veterinary programs, subject to each institution's admission and prerequisite requirements.