Biology Major: Biomedical Science Concentration - Bachelor of Science (BS)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Wisconsin La Crosse

Program Overview

The Biology Major: Biomedical Science Concentration, B.S. at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse is designed for students interested in human and mammalian biology, healthcare, biomedical research, and pre-health professions. The curriculum combines biology, chemistry, statistics, anatomy and physiology, cell biology, genetics, and advanced biomedical electives, giving students a strong foundation for professional or graduate study.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

Students build their scientific foundation through BIO 105 General Biology, followed by chemistry and mathematics/statistics requirements. This stage establishes the biological and quantitative knowledge needed for more advanced biomedical coursework.

Year 2:

Students move into more specialized biological sciences with courses such as BIO 203 Organismal Biology, BIO 306 Genetics, and BIO 312 Human Anatomy and Physiology I. These courses develop understanding of organisms, heredity, and human biological systems.

Year 3:

The focus becomes increasingly biomedical, with BIO 313 Human Anatomy and Physiology II and BIO 315 Cell Biology, supported by advanced chemistry such as CHM 301 Analytical Chemistry and organic chemistry. Students can also begin exploring areas such as molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, cancer biology, or bioinformatics through electives.

Year 4:

Students complete advanced 400-level biology coursework and BIO 491 Capstone Seminar in Biology, while choosing electives that can include BIO 435 Molecular Biology, BIO 436 Molecular Biology Laboratory, BIO 440 Bioinformatics, BIO 443 Molecular Mechanism of Disease and Drug Action, or BIO 449 Advanced Microscopy and Biological Imaging. Opportunities such as BIO 450 Internship in Biology, BIO 489 Independent Study in Biology, and BIO 499 Independent Research can further connect classroom learning with professional or research experience.

Focus areas:

Human and mammalian biology, anatomy and physiology, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, cancer biology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, disease mechanisms, drug action, biomedical research, pre-med, pre-vet, pre-health professions.

Learning outcomes:

Biological and biomedical knowledge, scientific reasoning, quantitative skills, biological data analysis, laboratory skills, research experience, understanding of human physiology and disease, scientific communication, and preparation for professional or graduate study.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The Biomedical Science concentration is an academic biology degree rather than a separately listed professional clinical program. UW–La Crosse is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC); the university's current programmatic-accreditation list does not identify a separate accreditation for this Biology concentration.

Reputation (employability):

UW–La Crosse reports that about 65% of biology graduates continue to graduate or professional school, while 98% of biology graduates who did not continue their education were employed within one year. The university also reports partnerships with organizations including Emplify Health, Mayo Clinic Health System, and the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, creating opportunities connected to biomedical and health-related work.

The university's 2022–23 First Destination Report specifically recorded 52 graduates in the Biomedical Science concentration, with 18 continuing their education and 15 employed among the 34 graduates with known outcomes; the reported average salary was $41,247 among the two salary reports received.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biology Major: Biomedical Science Concentration, B.S. at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse gives students substantial practical experience through laboratory-based coursework, faculty-mentored research, internships, job-shadowing, and work with healthcare and research organizations. The concentration’s Human Anatomy and Physiology sequence includes computer simulations, microscopy, mammal organ dissections, and cadaver prosections, while advanced biology courses provide opportunities to develop molecular, cellular, and biomedical research skills.

Students can also conduct independent research with Biology faculty in areas including cell and molecular biology, bioinformatics, genetics, developmental biology, neuroscience, cancer biology, endocrinology, toxicology, and integrative systems biology. UWL’s Biology Department uses modern research facilities in the Prairie Springs Science Center, and students can connect with regional organizations such as Mayo Clinic Health System, Emplify Health, and the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center through research, internships, job shadowing, and other activities.

Students can build this practical experience through:

Laboratory experience: BIO 312 and BIO 313 Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II include computer simulations, microscopy, mammal organ dissections, and cadaver prosections.
Human Cadaver Dissection: BIO 410 Human Cadaver Dissection uses a regional anatomy approach and includes computer-based learning projects and literature reviews.
Research opportunities: Most undergraduates have opportunities to conduct independent research with faculty mentors, including biomedical research in areas such as neuroscience, endocrinology, cancer biology, cell and molecular physiology, reproductive physiology and toxicology, and integrative systems biology.
Internships and job shadowing: The department identifies opportunities at local laboratories and hospitals, allowing students to gain exposure to professional biomedical and healthcare environments.
Research facilities: Prairie Springs Science Center includes 36 instructional laboratories and 22 research laboratories serving Biology and other science departments.
Digital tools: The program specifically incorporates computer simulations into Human Anatomy and Physiology laboratory work. The university does not identify a specific commercial software package as a required program-wide tool on the official Biomedical Science concentration pages.
Field-based learning: Biology courses and research can use the Mississippi River and La Crosse River Marsh, both located close to campus, while additional opportunities include trips to field stations in northern Wisconsin.
Regional research connections: Students can interact with practicing scientists and medical professionals through partnerships with Emplify Health, Mayo Clinic Health System, and the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center.
Library and learning resources: UWL provides academic and research resources through its campus library system, supporting students' scientific literature searches and research projects.

Facilities & Resources: The program benefits from UWL’s Prairie Springs Science Center, which provides modern instructional and research laboratories, including the Anatomy & Physiology Suite. The Biology Department also has access to state-of-the-art research equipment and facilities, while the university’s health-science environment provides additional opportunities to interact with allied-health programs and researchers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biology Major: Biomedical Science Concentration, B.S. at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse is particularly suited to students planning careers or further study in healthcare, biomedical research, and the life sciences. UWL reports that about 65% of biology graduates continue to graduate or professional school, while 98% of biology graduates who do not continue their education are employed within one year.

Typical career roles: Biomedical Research Associate, Research & Development Associate, Technical Services Specialist, Healthcare/Medical Sales Representative.

Key progression and career advantages include:

Career services: UWL’s Academic Advising Center & Career Services provides access to Handshake, job postings, career events, and resources such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook, O*NET, Wisconsin AHEC Health Careers Information Center, and Explore Health Careers. These resources help students investigate employers, required skills, education and potential salary ranges.
Biomedical Science employment outcomes: In UWL’s 2022–23 First Destination Report, the Biomedical Science concentration had 52 graduates; among the 34 graduates with known outcomes, 18 continued their education and 15 were employed. The reported average salary was $41,247, based on only two salary reports, so it should not be treated as a typical guaranteed salary.
Broader Biology outcomes: Across the Biology major, UWL reports that 98% of graduates who did not continue their education were employed within one year.
University–industry and research partnerships: Biology students can benefit from UWL partnerships with Emplify Health, Mayo Clinic Health System, and the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, alongside opportunities at local laboratories and hospitals.
Industry preparation: UWL specifically states that Biomedical Science students, depending on their research experience and electives, may qualify for entry-level positions in sales, technical service, or research and development.
Professional preparation: The concentration is designed as an excellent option for pre-med, pre-vet and pre-health professions students, with coursework that can meet prerequisites for many professional programs.
Accreditation value: The Biomedical Science concentration is part of UWL’s Biology major and is not presented by the university as a separately professionally accredited clinical program. Its value for professional progression therefore comes primarily from its science curriculum, preparation for professional-school prerequisites, research experience and UWL’s institutional academic standing.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the B.S., students can pursue graduate study in areas such as biology, physiology, cell biology, nutrition and biochemistry. The degree can also support applications to professional programs including medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, optometry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, podiatry and other health professions; UWL also offers an accelerated Biology & Physical Therapy pathway for qualified students