Biomedical Anthropology B.S.

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of South Florida

Program Overview

The Biomedical Sciences B.S. at the University of South Florida (USF) is designed for students interested in health and biomedical careers, particularly those considering professional programs such as medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and other health sciences. Students build a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics while having the flexibility to select advanced science coursework aligned with their academic and professional interests.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
Students begin by developing a strong foundation in the natural sciences through courses such as BSC 2010 Biology I: Cellular Processes and BSC 2011 Biology II: Diversity, supported by laboratory work. Chemistry foundations are also introduced through CHM 2045 General Chemistry I and CHM 2046 General Chemistry II, alongside mathematics and general education coursework.

Year 2:
The curriculum progresses into more advanced scientific preparation, including CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry I and CHM 2211 Organic Chemistry II, with laboratory components. Students also continue developing their quantitative and physical-science background through mathematics and physics courses, creating the foundation needed for upper-level biomedical study.

Year 3:
Students move further into biomedical and upper-level science coursework, with subjects such as PCB 3023 Cell Biology, PCB 3063 General Genetics, and MCB 3020 Microbiology forming part of the advanced science preparation associated with the major. These courses deepen students' understanding of cellular processes, genetics and microorganisms while supporting preparation for health-professional pathways.

Year 4:
The final stage provides flexibility for students to select advanced-level biology, chemistry and biomedical electives according to their interests and professional goals. This structure allows students to strengthen areas relevant to future health-professional or biomedical study while completing the requirements for the B.S. degree.

Focus Areas:

Health-professional preparation, biomedical sciences, biology, chemistry, genetics, cell biology, microbiology, advanced natural sciences, pre-medical preparation

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop foundational and advanced knowledge in the natural and biomedical sciences, strengthen laboratory and scientific reasoning skills, apply scientific concepts to health-related areas, and build academic preparation for professional or graduate study in fields such as medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and other health sciences.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Biomedical Sciences B.S. is designed as a gateway to health-professional programs and is structured to fulfill many admissions requirements for professional schools in the health sciences, including medicine, pharmacy and dentistry. USF does not identify a separate professional accreditation for this undergraduate Biomedical Sciences degree on the official program information.

Reputation (Employability & University Recognition):

USF's official 2026 Points of Pride reports that the university ranks No. 43 among U.S. public universities according to U.S. News & World Report and highlights USF's strong career-readiness focus. The university also reports that about 68% of its bachelor's degrees are in high-demand areas, including STEM fields, and that USF receives nearly 15,000 graduates each year who contribute to the workforce.

USF is also classified as an R1 doctoral university with very high research activity, placing it among institutions focused on the highest levels of research activity. This research environment can be particularly relevant to students interested in biomedical and health sciences.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Biomedical Sciences B.S. at the University of South Florida (USF) can build practical experience through laboratory-based coursework and undergraduate research opportunities connected to biomedical science. USF’s Molecular Biosciences department specifically identifies Biomedical Sciences as one of its research focus areas, while the university provides access to specialized research infrastructure across its Tampa campus.

Students can also gain exposure to advanced biological research methods, instrumentation and data analysis through USF’s research facilities and shared core resources. The university’s research environment includes facilities supporting microscopy, flow cytometry, proteomics, genomics and other biomedical investigations, giving students opportunities to see how modern biomedical research is conducted.

Key experiential opportunities and resources include:

Undergraduate research: USF’s Molecular Biosciences department offers undergraduate research opportunities, with Biomedical Sciences listed as one of its four specialized research areas. Eligible students can work with faculty researchers and gain experience in research environments.
Biomedical research laboratories: The department operates in USF’s Bioscience Facility (BSF) and Interdisciplinary Sciences buildings, supporting biomedical research and teaching.
Advanced microscopy: The Molecular Biosciences research facilities include confocal microscopy and fluorescent microscopy, providing access to imaging technologies used in biological research.
Flow cytometry: USF provides a Flow Cytometry facility, an important resource for analyzing cells and biological samples.
Proteomics and mass spectrometry: The Proteomics Core Facility uses high-performance mass spectrometers and nano-flow liquid chromatography for protein identification and quantitative proteomics. Undergraduate students can receive training in sample processing and database searching.
Bioinformatics software: The Proteomics Core lists MaxQuant, Perseus and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis among its research and analysis tools.
Genomics resources: USF's research facilities include both a Genomics Program Computational Core and Genomics Program Sequencing Core, supporting genomic research and analysis.
Research collaboration and internships: The USF Research Park supports biotechnology and life-sciences research and specifically identifies student internships and collaborations among its activities.
Health-sciences environment: USF Health's Morsani College of Medicine conducts research across basic, translational and clinical sciences, with collaborations involving areas such as public health, nursing and pharmacy.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biomedical Sciences B.S. at the University of South Florida (USF) can prepare students for entry-level roles in biomedical and laboratory settings as well as further study in health professions and biomedical sciences. USF specifically identifies Biomedical Sciences as a popular natural-science major for students pursuing graduate health-professional programs, with pre-health advising available alongside major advising.

Potential career directions include: Biomedical Laboratory Technician, Research Assistant, Clinical Research Coordinator, Pharmaceutical Research Associate.

Career development and progression opportunities include:

Career support: USF's Center for Career & Professional Development provides individual career coaching, resume/CV and cover-letter assistance, mock interviews, networking support, career fairs, employer recruiting events, and help finding internships, co-ops and full-time positions. Students can also use Handshake to search for internships and employment opportunities.
Internships and work experience: USF offers an all-majors internship course, IDS 3947 Cooperative Internship, which can be taken for 0–6 credits, while its Co-op program integrates paid, career-related work experience with a student's academic program.
Employment and salary information: USF provides Labor Market Insights through Career Services, allowing students to explore career options, salary information, employment trends and market data. USF does not publish a Biomedical Sciences B.S.-specific salary figure on the official program information, so a program-specific salary should not be presented as a USF statistic.
University–industry/healthcare partnerships: USF Health has a longstanding academic partnership with Tampa General Hospital (TGH), its primary teaching hospital and chief academic partner. The partnership supports clinical research, clinical trials and translational studies, connecting laboratory discoveries with patient care.
Biomedical and health ecosystem: USF Health also works with organizations including Moffitt Cancer Center, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital and Lehigh Valley Health Network, providing a broader academic-healthcare environment around the university.
Research reputation: USF is an Association of American Universities (AAU) member and describes itself as a high-impact research university. Its USF Health ecosystem integrates education, research and patient care, with more than 1,000 providers and over one million patient visits annually.
Graduation and further-study pathway: The Biomedical Sciences major is specifically identified by USF as a popular natural-science major for students preparing for graduate health-professional programs. Students can work with both a major advisor and a certified pre-health professions advisor to plan prerequisites and strengthen preparation for their intended professional program.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Biomedical Sciences B.S., students can continue into graduate or professional education depending on their career goals. USF Health offers pathways including the M.S. in Medical Sciences, Pre-Professional Program, designed for students preparing for programs such as M.D., D.O., D.D.S., Pharmacy and Physician Assistant programs; students interested in research can also pursue graduate study in biomedical sciences and related disciplines.