Biomedical Sciences 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 provides a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics, making it particularly suitable for students planning careers in healthcare, biomedical research or further professional study. The program also gives students flexibility to select advanced science courses that match their academic and professional interests, including preparation for medicine, pharmacy and dentistry.

Curriculum Structure:

First Year:

Students build their scientific foundation through courses such as BSC 2010 Bio I – Cellular Processes, CHM 2045 General Chemistry I, and MAC 2311 Calculus I. BSC 2010 introduces cellular structure, biochemistry, genetics and gene expression, while the chemistry and mathematics courses establish the quantitative foundation needed for later biomedical study.

Second Year:

Students progress into more advanced biological and chemical concepts through courses such as BSC 2011 Biology II, CHM 2046 General Chemistry II, CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry I, and BSC 2093C Human Anatomy & Physiology I. These subjects strengthen understanding of biological diversity, organic molecules and human body systems.

Third Year:

The curriculum moves toward upper-level biomedical science through courses such as BCH 3053, MCB 3020 Microbiology, PCB 3023 Cell Biology, and PCB 3063 General Genetics. Students can then begin tailoring their studies through advanced biology and chemistry options aligned with their intended health or research pathway.

Fourth Year:

Students complete additional upper-level biology and chemistry coursework, including laboratory-based options and biomedical electives, allowing them to develop greater depth in areas relevant to their goals. Options include subjects such as PCB 4234 Principles of Immunology, PCB 4744 Biomedical Physiology, CHM 4292 Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry, and CHM 4274 Introduction to Drug Discovery.

Focus Areas:

Biomedical sciences, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, human anatomy and physiology, immunology, biomedical physiology, medicinal chemistry, drug discovery

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop a stronag understanding of biological and chemical processes, laboratory-based scientific knowledge, analytical thinking and the scientific foundation needed for healthcare, biomedical research and advanced professional study.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Biomedical Sciences B.S. is designed as a gateway to health-professional programs and fulfills many prerequisite requirements for fields such as medicine, pharmacy and dentistry. USF's official materials do not identify a separate specialized professional accreditation for this bachelor's program.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

USF was ranked No. 43 among public universities in the U.S. and No. 88 overall in the latest U.S. News & World Report national university rankings reported by USF.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students can gain practical experience through undergraduate research, laboratory work and health-related experiences alongside their academic studies. USF's Biomedical Sciences research environment covers areas including cancer, aging, diabetes, endometriosis and neurodegenerative disease, with research using C. elegans, transgenic and knockout mice, tumour models, and 2D and 3D cell cultures. Students can also connect with research involving Moffitt Cancer Center, the Health Informatics Institute and other USF Health units.

Specific opportunities include:

Undergraduate research: Students can pursue research experiences with USF faculty, including work in biomedical sciences, genome integrity, bacterial pathogenesis, and molecular biophysics and systems biology.
Moffitt Cancer Center: USF biomedical sciences students have participated in undergraduate research at Moffitt, including laboratory work connected with drug discovery and cancer research.
Biomedical research models: Research opportunities can involve C. elegans, transgenic and knockout mice, mouse tumour models, and 2D/3D cell culture systems.
Laboratory coursework: Students gain practical exposure through laboratory components associated with courses such as BSC 2010L Cellular Processes Lab and BSC 2093C Human Anatomy & Physiology I.
Research presentation: USF undergraduate researchers can present their work through university research events and conferences; Biomedical Sciences students have participated in interdisciplinary research projects and presentations.
Health-related experience: USF's health and medical career resources provide opportunities and guidance around internships, experiential learning and healthcare-related career preparation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biomedical Sciences B.S. is particularly well suited to students who want to continue into professional healthcare education or build a foundation for biomedical research. Graduates can progress toward medical, dental, pharmacy, physician assistant and other health-professional programs, while research-oriented students can pursue graduate study or biomedical research roles.

Typical career directions include Biomedical Researcher, Clinical Scientist, Biotechnologist, Laboratory Researcher. USF also lists biomedical research, biotechnology and related scientific careers among opportunities for students in its health and science programs.

Key progression advantages include:

Career support: USF's Center for Career & Professional Development provides career coaching, resume and CV reviews, interview preparation, internship and co-op searches, employer events, career fairs and graduate-school planning.
Health and research partnerships: Students can benefit from USF Health's connections with organizations including Moffitt Cancer Center, the Health Informatics Institute and other healthcare and research units.
Research experience: Biomedical Sciences students have opportunities to work with faculty research groups and participate in research presentations, helping build experience for graduate or professional applications.
University reputation: USF is ranked No. 43 among U.S. public universities and No. 88 overall in the latest U.S. News ranking reported by the university, supporting the broader recognition of the institution.
Salary/employment statistics: USF does not publish a program-specific employment rate or graduate salary figure for the Biomedical Sciences B.S. on the official sources reviewed, so a program-specific figure should not be added without further official evidence.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into medical school, dental school, pharmacy, physician assistant programs and other health-professional programs. Students interested in research can also progress to master's or Ph.D. study in biomedical, biological or related scientific disciplines. USF also offers accelerated pathways such as its 7-Year B.S./M.D. Program, in which eligible students major in Biomedical Sciences before progressing to the Morsani College of Medicine.