Jun 04, 2026

2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog

Biomedical Sciences, B.S.

About the Degree

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences prepares students for careers at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and medicine. Faculty advisors work closely with each student to plan a series of required and elective courses based on individual interests and career goals. Through coursework in molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, as well as advanced elective courses in biomedical science, including microbiology, biochemistry, histology, neurobiology, bioinformatics, and more, students develop a deep understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying disease states and the principles driving modern medical research. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on laboratory experience, equipping graduates with the critical thinking and scientific skills demanded by today’s healthcare and research industries. The Biomedical Sciences degree allows flexibility and can incorporate semester-long study abroad opportunities. Students are encouraged to engage in faculty-mentored research, clinical observation opportunities, and interdisciplinary coursework that bridges the gap between basic science and applied medicine. Graduates of the Bachelor’s of Science in Biomedical Sciences are well-positioned to pursue advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, allied health programs, or graduate research.

Core Curriculum

Nine Courses in Biology

BI 101 General Biology I (4 Credits)
BI 102 General Biology II (4 Credits)
Please note: Students who wish to take upper-level courses (200-level and above) must have met one of the following two criteria: The average of the student’s grades in BI 101 and BI 102 must be greater than or equal to a C- (1.7 GPA) OR the student must have received transfer credits for BI 101 and BI 102 upon admission to Arcadia.
BI 190 Careers in Biology (2 Credits)
BI 201 Evolution and Population Biology (4 Credits)
BI 204 Genetics (4 Credits)
BI 209 Foundations in Cellular and Molecular Biology (4 credits)
BI 242 Reading and Writing in Biology (4 Credits)
BI 290 Junior Seminar in Biology (2 Credits)
OR two semesters of BI 380/Faculty Sponsored Research by the end of the junior year.
BI 490 Senior Seminar in Biology (4 Credits)

Two Courses in Chemistry

Do not count in Major GPA

CH 101 General Chemistry I (4 Credits)
CH 102 General Chemistry II (4 Credits)
OR
CH 111 Conceptual Chemistry I (4 Credits)
CH 112 Conceptual Chemistry II (4 Credits)

Six Cognate Courses

Do not count in Major GPA

MA 141 Elementary Statistics (4 Credits)
MA 201 Calculus I (4 Credits)
CH 201 Organic Chemistry I (4 Credits)
CH 202 Organic Chemistry II (4 Credits)
PH 201 Fundamental Concepts of Physics I (4 Credits)
PH 202 Fundamental Concepts of Physics II (4 Credits)
OR
PH 211 Conceptual Physics I (4 Credits)
PH 212 Conceptual Physics II (4 Credits)

Four Biology Electives

Four Biology electives at the 300-level of those listed here:

BI 317 Developmental Biology (4 Credits)
BI 318 Human Genome and Disease (4 Credits)
BI 325 Cell Biology (4 Credits)
BI 327 Histology (4 Credits)
BI 333 Molecular Biology (4 Credits)
BI 335 Neurobiology (4 Credits)
BI 336 Pathophysiology (4 Credits)
BI 337 Immunobiology (4 Credits)
BI 338 Bioinformatics (4 Credits)
BI 340 Biochemistry (4 Credits)
BI 345 Cancer Biology (4 Credits)
One course must have a lab. These courses must be taken at Arcadia University or an approved study abroad course may be substituted.

Note: Students completing both BI205/Human Anatomy and BI206/Human Physiology will have the option to count these two courses as one of the four required 300-level electives in Biology.

Internship or Independent Research

(Does not count in Major GPA)

Practical experience in the form of BI 370 Internship in Biology, BI 380 Faculty Sponsored Research, or BI 389 Independent Study is encouraged, but cannot be used to meet the requirements for four 300-level elective courses.