Biomedical Sciences, BS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Iowa

Program Overview

The Biomedical Sciences, BS at the University of Iowa is a strong choice for students who want to understand how the human body works, how diseases develop, and how scientific discoveries can improve healthcare. The program brings together biology, chemistry, genetics, microbiology, physiology, biochemistry, and other sciences, making it particularly suitable for students considering medicine, biomedical research, graduate study, or other health-related careers.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students begin by building a solid foundation in the sciences through subjects such as CHEM:1110 Principles of Chemistry I, CHEM:1120 Principles of Chemistry II, and BIOL:1411 Foundations of Biology. Along with chemistry and biology, students develop their mathematical, communication, psychology, and sociology skills, giving them a broad base for understanding both science and human health.

Second Year: The focus becomes more detailed as students explore areas such as BIOL:2512 Fundamental Genetics, CHEM:2210 Organic Chemistry I, and CHEM:2220 Organic Chemistry II. Courses such as MICR:2157 General Microbiology and MICR:2158 General Microbiology Laboratory help students understand microorganisms and laboratory techniques, while physics and other supporting subjects strengthen their scientific knowledge.

Third Year: Students move into more advanced biomedical topics through courses including BMB:3120 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, BMB:3130 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, and HHP:2400 Fundamentals of Human Physiology. They also study STAT:3510 Biostatistics and BIOL:3373 Human Population Genetics and Variation, allowing them to connect molecular processes, genetics, physiology, and data analysis to human health and disease.

Fourth Year: In the final year, students have more opportunity to tailor their studies through advanced biomedical electives, laboratory work, and experiential or research-based learning. Options can include subjects such as BIOL:3314 Genomics, MICR:3147 Immunology and Human Disease, MICR:3159 Bacteria and Human Disease, and MICR:3168 Viruses and Human Disease, helping students explore areas that match their future academic or career interests.

Focus Areas

Biochemistry and molecular biology, genetics and genomics, human physiology, microbiology, immunology, human disease, biomedical research, chemistry, statistics and data analysis, medical sciences, psychology and sociology.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to understand biological processes at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels, apply scientific principles to biomedical questions, evaluate scientific information and research, interpret experimental and statistical data, and communicate scientific findings effectively. The program also helps students develop the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills needed for further education and careers in biomedical and health-related fields.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Biomedical Sciences, BS is an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree and is not presented by the University of Iowa as a separately professionally accredited program. Instead, the curriculum provides a broad scientific foundation that can support pathways such as medical school, graduate study, biomedical research, and other health-related professional programs.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Iowa highlights strong outcomes for its graduates, with 95% of Iowa graduates reported as employed, continuing their education, or not seeking employment within six months of graduation. Biomedical Sciences students can also benefit from the university's connections with the Carver College of Medicine, hospitals, laboratories, and research opportunities, giving them opportunities to gain experience relevant to their future careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biomedical Sciences BS at the University of Iowa gives students plenty of opportunities to move beyond classroom learning and develop practical skills through laboratory work, research, and real-world experiences. Students can take part in investigative laboratory courses covering areas such as cell biology, neurobiology, genetics, biotechnology, developmental biology, and bacterial pathogens. The program also encourages students to gain experience through faculty-mentored research, internships, paid research positions, and other approved biomedical experiences, helping them build skills that are useful for graduate study, healthcare, and biomedical research. Students can also explore bioinformatics and genomics, giving them experience with modern approaches used in biomedical science. The university's research environment, including the Carver College of Medicine and its associated biomedical facilities, provides additional opportunities to engage with research and healthcare-related activities:

Investigative laboratory experience: Students can complete hands-on laboratory courses such as Cell Biology Laboratory, Neurogenetics Laboratory, Neurobiology Laboratory, Genetics and Biotechnology Lab, Developmental Biology Lab, and Genetics of Bacterial Pathogens Lab and Discussion.
Independent research: Students can participate in research through courses such as Introduction to Research and, for eligible honors students, Honors Research in Biology.
Internships and paid research: The program allows approved internships and paid hourly research positions to contribute toward its experiential-learning requirement when they meet the program's requirements.
Faculty-mentored research: Students can work with faculty from areas including Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology on biomedical research activities.
Bioinformatics and genomics: Coursework such as Bioinformatics for Beginners and Genomics introduces students to computational and genomic approaches used in modern biomedical research.
Research presentations and publications: Students may document research experiences through activities such as fellowships, presentations, appointments, and publications, helping them develop scientific communication skills.
Biomedical research environment: Students benefit from the university's wider biomedical research community, including opportunities connected with the Carver College of Medicine and related research and healthcare facilities.
Undergraduate research opportunities: Through the university's undergraduate research resources, students can explore mentored research projects across different areas of science and health.
Practical preparation for further study: Laboratory and research experiences allow students to develop hands-on scientific skills that can support progression into medical, graduate, or other health-related programs.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biomedical Sciences BS at the University of Iowa gives students a strong foundation for careers in biomedical research, laboratory science, healthcare, and biotechnology. It also provides a useful pathway for students who want to continue into medical school, graduate research, or other professional health programs, with opportunities to build research and practical experience during the degree.

Typical career directions include Biomedical Research Assistant, Laboratory Technician, Clinical Research Coordinator, Biotechnology Research Associate. Students can strengthen their transition into employment or further study through the university's career and research resources:

Career support: The Pomerantz Career Center helps students explore career options, find internships and employment opportunities, prepare application materials, and develop skills for entering the workforce.
Research experience: Students can use the university's undergraduate research opportunities and research scholarships to gain hands-on experience that can strengthen applications for research positions and graduate programs.
Graduate outcomes: Among May 2025 graduates in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 96% were employed, continuing their education, or not seeking employment within six months of graduation.
Salary information: University-wide graduate outcomes report a median salary of $55,000 within six months of graduation and a median income of $80,210 ten years after graduation. These figures apply to University of Iowa graduates overall and are not specific to Biomedical Sciences graduates.
Healthcare and research environment: Students study within a university that includes the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine and a broad biomedical research community, providing exposure to medical research and healthcare-related activities.
Medical school preparation: The Biomedical Sciences curriculum is designed to include coursework relevant to medical-school admission and preparation for the MCAT, making it a suitable academic foundation for students considering medicine.
Research and industry exposure: Students can develop experience relevant to private-sector biotechnology, laboratory, healthcare, and research organizations through university research and career opportunities.
Graduation outcomes: The degree develops scientific reasoning, laboratory skills, research experience, and the ability to evaluate scientific information, supporting both employment and further academic study.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue their education through medical school, master's programs, doctoral programs, and other professional health programs. At the University of Iowa, students can pursue MS and PhD study in Biomedical Science, with research areas including Cancer Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology, Experimental Pathology, Molecular Medicine, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Pharmacology.