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The Bachelor of Applied Science in Biomedical Science at the University of Pennsylvania brings together biology, biomedical science, engineering, and medicine to help students understand and tackle real-world challenges in human health. It is a strong choice for students interested in medicine, healthcare, biotechnology, biomedical research, business, or law who want a flexible degree with a strong foundation in biomedical and technological subjects.
Curriculum Structure
First Year: Students begin by building a solid foundation in mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and bioengineering. Courses such as MATH 1400 Calculus, Part I, CHEM 1012 General Chemistry I, and BE 1000 Introduction to Bioengineering introduce students to the scientific and engineering concepts that support biomedical study.
Second Year: Students progress into more specialised biomedical and engineering topics while strengthening their laboratory and analytical skills. Courses such as BE 2000 Introduction to Biomechanics, BE 2200 Biomaterials, and BE 2700 Bioengineering Laboratory Principles help students understand how engineering principles can be applied to biological systems and medical challenges.
Third Year: The program moves toward the analysis of human biological systems and practical bioengineering applications. Students explore courses such as 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.
Fourth Year: In the final year, students bring together their knowledge through advanced study, independent research, and professional electives. The BE 4970 Senior Thesis in Biomedical Science and BE 4980 Senior Thesis in Biomedical Science provide an opportunity to undertake substantial independent work while tailoring the remainder of the degree toward individual interests and future career plans.
Focus Areas
Biomedical Science, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics, Biomaterials, Bioengineering Laboratory Methods, Biological Data Science, Biostatistics, Cellular Engineering, Biotransport Processes, Bioengineering Signals and Systems, Human Physiology, Biomedical Devices, Biomedical Imaging, Systems and Synthetic Biology, Neuroengineering, Therapeutics and Drug Delivery, Nanomedicine, Immune Engineering, Computational Medicine
Learning Outcomes
Students develop a broad understanding of biology, biomedical science, medicine, and engineering while building practical skills in laboratory techniques, biomechanics, biomaterials, biological data analysis, physiological systems, scientific computing, engineering modelling, and biomedical design. The program also strengthens research, problem-solving, analytical, communication, and independent project skills through laboratory courses, advanced electives, and the senior thesis.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The Biomedical Science BAS is designed as a flexible Bachelor of Applied Science rather than a traditional professional engineering degree. It is particularly suitable for students interested in pathways such as medicine, healthcare, biomedical science, biotechnology, business, and law, while its engineering and biomedical coursework provides a strong foundation for further study and careers in related fields.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
The official University of Pennsylvania sources do not provide a specific QS or Guardian employability ranking for the Biomedical Science BAS. Penn Career Services provides undergraduate first-destination information covering areas such as employers, job titles, graduate schools, and post-graduation outcomes.
The Biomedical Science BAS at the University of Pennsylvania gives students plenty of opportunities to turn classroom knowledge into practical biomedical skills. Through dedicated bioengineering laboratories, computational work, design projects, independent research, and a senior thesis, students can gain experience working with biomedical data, laboratory techniques, modelling, prototyping, and medical technology. Penn also provides access to specialised facilities and equipment that allow students to explore areas such as molecular biology, physiology, biomechanics, microfluidics, electronics, and biomedical design. Students can build this practical experience through:
Bioengineering Laboratory Principles (BE 2700): Students develop hands-on skills in laboratory methods, data collection, analysis, and technical reporting while working with concepts related to mechanics, materials, and electronics.
Bioengineering Modeling, Analysis and Design Laboratory I (BE 3090): Students apply modelling, programming, mathematical analysis, and data analysis to biomedical problems, with laboratory activities covering areas such as dialysis, drug delivery, neuroscience, and biological systems.
Scientific computing: ENGR 1050 Introduction to Scientific Computing gives students practical experience using computational approaches to analyse and solve scientific and engineering problems.
Bio-MakerSpace: The George H. Stephenson Foundation Educational Laboratory and Bio-MakerSpace in Skirkanich Hall provides more than 50 types of equipment and hundreds of supplies for areas including molecular biology, physiology, chemistry, microfluidics, mechanical testing, electronics, and prototyping.
Prototyping and design equipment: Students can work with resources such as 3-D printers, a laser cutter, sewing machines, Instron mechanical testing systems, and electrical and electronic prototyping equipment.
Project-based learning: Bioengineering laboratory courses allow students to work on practical projects involving physiological studies, instrumentation, circuit design, medical devices, biomechanics, biomaterials, microfluidics, and cell engineering.
Medical device development: Students can gain practical design experience through biomedical projects involving medical devices, microcontrollers, instrumentation, and engineering design.
Senior thesis: The curriculum includes BE 4970 Senior Thesis in Biomedical Science and BE 4980 Senior Thesis in Biomedical Science, giving students the opportunity to undertake substantial independent research or project work during their final year.
Independent research: BE 4900 Independent Project in Bioengineering allows students to develop an independent research project, evaluate relevant literature, conduct research, prepare a written paper, and present their findings.
Biomedical data and computational research: Students can explore advanced areas such as biological data science, brain-computer interfaces, theoretical and computational neuroscience, and multiscale modelling of chemical and biological systems.
Summer research internships: Penn's Summer Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP) provides a 10-week biomedical research experience involving Principal Investigator mentorship, laboratory research, analytical training, scientific seminars, and presentation of research findings.
Interdisciplinary learning environment: The Bio-MakerSpace supports projects that combine biology, chemistry, electronics, mechanics, and engineering, allowing students to explore biomedical challenges from multiple perspectives.
The Biomedical Science BAS at the University of Pennsylvania gives students the flexibility to pursue careers across healthcare, biomedical science, biotechnology, business, and related fields. Its combination of biology, biomedical science, medicine, engineering, scientific computing, and flexible electives also provides a strong foundation for students who plan to continue into professional or graduate education.
Typical career roles include: Biomedical Researcher, Biomedical Data Scientist, Biotechnology Professional, Medical Device Professional
Students can strengthen their career prospects through:
Penn Career Services: Students can access career advising, resume and interview guidance, internship support, networking opportunities, workshops, and employer events. Penn's Handshake platform also provides access to job and internship opportunities, career events, and career advising appointments.
Engineering and technology opportunities: Penn provides Engineering and Technology Career Days where students can meet organisations recruiting for internships and full-time positions.
Biomedical and biotechnology employers: The BioSciences Career Fair connects students with employers from biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, consulting, science communication, patent law and intellectual property, government, nonprofits, startups, and policy.
Career fairs and networking: Students can participate in career fairs and networking events that provide opportunities to interact directly with recruiters and explore potential internships and employment options.
University-industry connections: Penn's innovation ecosystem helps connect university research with commercial organisations. The Penn Center for Innovation supports partnerships that help move biomedical discoveries and technologies toward real-world applications.
Employment and salary information: The official Penn sources reviewed do not provide a current employment percentage or specific average salary for graduates of the Biomedical Science BAS. Therefore, a program-specific employment rate or salary figure cannot be reliably stated.
Flexible professional preparation: The BAS allows students to combine biomedical and technology-focused study with liberal arts and other areas, helping them shape their education around their individual career goals.
Long-term professional value: The interdisciplinary nature of the degree can support progression into medicine, business, law, biomedical fields, biotechnology, and other related areas. It is particularly useful for students who want to maintain several career or further-study options.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can pursue employment, medical or professional programs, graduate education, business, law, or dual-degree pathways. Optional concentrations also allow students to develop more specialised knowledge in areas such as Biomedical Data Science and Computational Medicine, Biomedical Devices, Neuroengineering, Therapeutics and Drug Delivery, Nanomedicine, and Immune Engineering.
Further Academic Progression: After completing the Biomedical Science BAS, students can continue into medical school, graduate programs, professional degrees, or postgraduate study related to biomedical science, bioengineering, biotechnology, computational medicine, healthcare, business, or law. The program's flexible curriculum and optional concentrations allow students to build an academic foundation suited to their chosen future pathway.
Applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores; however, those facing hardship in meeting this requirement may submit a testing waiver instead.
Penn has no minimum SAT or ACT score requirement and gives no preference to either test; if both are submitted, Penn considers the higher score.
Applicants are exempt from English proficiency testing if English is their native language or their primary language of instruction for at least three years; otherwise, they must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.
Profile Assessment: Science applicants are generally assessed on the rigour of their Mathematics and laboratory-science coursework. Relevant preparation may include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus or Statistics, depending on the intended field. Research, science fairs, Olympiads, laboratory exposure, independent investigation and environmental or community-science projects can demonstrate scientific curiosity and analytical thinking.Advanced Placement(AP) Guidance: AP availability depends on the student's school. Relevant APs can strengthen an application and may earn university credit, but are not compulsory unless the university or programme explicitly requires them.Extracurricular activities: Estimated extracurricular contribution: 20–30%. Penn values initiative, collaboration, practical engagement, and community contribution. Activities that naturally connect with the selected undergraduate school—Wharton, Engineering, Nursing or Arts and Sciences—may strengthen the application, but students should avoid creating an artificial connection solely for admission.Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.Biomedical ResearcherBiomedical Data ScientistBiotechnology ProfessionalMedical Device ProfessionalBiomedical EngineerBioengineering ResearcherComputational Biology ProfessionalBioinformatics ProfessionalMedical Imaging SpecialistNeuroengineering ProfessionalBiomaterials Specialist
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