Biomedical Science, BAS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Pennsylvania

Program Overview

The Biomedical Science, BAS at the University of Pennsylvania brings together engineering sciences, biology, biomedical sciences, and medicine to help students explore how technology and science can address challenges in human health. It is designed for students interested in areas such as medicine, biomedical research, business, or law, while offering flexibility through liberal arts, communications, business, and fine-arts coursework.

Curriculum Structure:

First Year:
Students build a strong scientific and quantitative foundation through courses such as MATH 1400 – Calculus, Part I, CHEM 1012 – General Chemistry I, PHYS 0140 – Principles of Physics I, and BE 1000 – Introduction to Bioengineering. They also begin developing computational skills through ENGR 1050 – Introduction to Scientific Computing.

Second Year:
The curriculum moves deeper into biology and bioengineering with BIOL 1121 – Introduction to Biology: The Molecular Biology of Life, BIOL 1123 – Introductory Molecular Biology Laboratory, BE 2000 – Introduction to Biomechanics, and BE 2200 – Biomaterials. Students also study BE 2700 – Bioengineering Laboratory Principles and quantitative subjects such as ENM 3750 – Biological Data Science I: Fundamentals of Biostatistics.

Third Year:
Students develop more advanced biomedical and engineering knowledge through BIOL 3310 – Principles of Human Physiology, BE 3090 – Bioengineering Modeling, Analysis and Design Laboratory I, and options including BE 3010 – Bioengineering Signals and Systems, BE 3060 – Cellular Engineering, or BE 3500 – Introduction to Biotransport Processes. Professional and free electives also allow students to shape their studies around their interests.

Fourth Year:
The final year emphasizes advanced study, specialization, and independent work. Students complete BE 4970 – Senior Thesis in Biomedical Science and BE 4980 – Senior Thesis in Biomedical Science, giving them an opportunity to undertake an intensive project connected to their career interests and present their research.

Focus Areas:

Biomedical Data Science and Computational Medicine, Systems and Synthetic Biology, Therapeutics, Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, and other specialized biomedical science and bioengineering areas available through Penn's nine optional concentrations.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop interdisciplinary knowledge across biology, biomedical science, engineering, medicine, mathematics, and computing, alongside laboratory, quantitative, research, communication, and problem-solving skills. The curriculum also provides opportunities to develop focused expertise through concentrations and independent thesis research.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Biomedical Science, BAS is a Bachelor of Applied Science degree within Penn Engineering. Penn's official catalog does not identify a separate professional accreditation specifically for the Biomedical Science BAS; the program instead provides interdisciplinary preparation relevant to medicine, research, business, law, and biomedical fields.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

The University of Pennsylvania provides dedicated Career Services for undergraduates, including labor-market information covering employment trends, employers, education levels, earnings, technical skills, and job titles. Penn also identifies Biomedical Science, BAS as a program within its School of Engineering and Applied Science and notes its relevance to careers in medicine, business, and law.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biomedical Science, BAS at the University of Pennsylvania provides students with practical experience through laboratory-based bioengineering courses, interdisciplinary projects, and independent research. Students work with facilities and resources that connect biology, medicine, engineering, and scientific computing, while the senior thesis provides an opportunity to apply their knowledge to an independent biomedical research project.

Students can gain practical experience through:

Bio-MakerSpace: The Stephenson Foundation Educational Laboratory & Bio-MakerSpace provides equipment and supplies for hands-on work in molecular biology, physiology, chemistry, microfluidics, biomechanics, and biomedical engineering.
Laboratory projects: Courses such as BE 2700 – Bioengineering Laboratory Principles and BE 3090 – Bioengineering Modeling, Analysis and Design Laboratory I provide practical laboratory and design experience.
Biomedical research: Penn's biomedical research environment provides access to core facilities supporting microscopy, cell sorting, imaging, genomics, bioinformatics, and other biomedical research applications.
Scientific computing: ENGR 1050 – Introduction to Scientific Computing develops computational skills relevant to biomedical analysis and research.
Senior thesis: BE 4970 – Senior Thesis in Biomedical Science and BE 4980 – Senior Thesis in Biomedical Science allow students to undertake independent research during their final year.
Facilities and resources: Students benefit from the Stephenson Foundation Educational Laboratory & Bio-MakerSpace and Penn's biomedical research core facilities, supporting practical work across molecular biology, biomechanics, biomaterials, microfluidics, imaging, genomics, and bioinformatics.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biomedical Science, BAS at the University of Pennsylvania prepares students for interdisciplinary pathways connecting biomedical science, engineering, medicine, research, business, and law. The program’s combination of scientific coursework, bioengineering training, laboratory experience, and senior thesis research can support students who want to enter the biomedical sector or pursue advanced professional and graduate education.

Typical career roles: Biomedical Researcher, Clinical Research Coordinator, Biotechnology Specialist, Biomedical Engineering Associate.

Students can build their professional pathway through:

Career support: Penn Career Services provides undergraduate students with career advising, employment resources, career fairs, recruiting events, and access to job and internship opportunities.
Employment and salary information: Penn Career Services provides labor-market information covering employment trends, employers, earnings, education requirements, technical skills, and job titles, allowing students to research potential career paths.
University–industry connections: Penn Engineering maintains relationships with industry through its research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and career activities, giving students opportunities to connect their engineering and biomedical education with real-world applications.
Accreditation value: The Biomedical Science, BAS is a Penn Engineering Bachelor of Applied Science degree; the official program catalog does not identify a separate professional accreditation specifically for this BAS.
Graduation outcomes: Penn graduates can pursue employment or continue into medical school, graduate research, business, law, and other advanced professional pathways. The program's interdisciplinary preparation is particularly suited to students who want to combine biomedical science with another professional field.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BAS, students can continue into graduate-level biomedical science, bioengineering, biotechnology, or related research programs, or pursue professional education such as medical school, law school, or business school, depending on their career goals and admission requirements.