Program Overview

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Introduction to the Biomedical Science Program

The Biomedical Science program at Ohio State is designed for high-ability and highly motivated freshmen who wish to engage in biomedical research as undergraduates and plan to pursue graduate or professional education in medicine, research, or other areas of healthcare. Students pursuing this major should have a strong interest in research and human disease and should enjoy coursework in subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, and physiology.

Admission to the Major

Admission to the major requires a separate application. To be eligible to apply, a student must be a high school senior and apply for freshman admission to Ohio State. In addition to completing the Common Application for freshman admission, students must also submit a separate online application to the biomedical science major. The application deadline is November 15 of each year. Approximately 26 high school seniors are selected for the biomedical science major each year.

Curriculum

The biomedical science major requires the following:

• Traditional pre-med courses in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics
• Advanced science electives in areas such as anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry
• Courses in biomedical science, including an extensive research experience

The biomedical science curriculum is designed to be both rigorous and flexible. Students begin taking major coursework in their freshman year as they learn to conduct scientific literature searches, develop a research hypothesis, and begin to read and analyze biomedical science literature.

Study Abroad

An optional study abroad experience is offered for biomedical science seniors. While abroad, students perform community and educational services with partner agencies. Past senior cohorts have traveled to Malawi, Guatemala, and Estonia. Biomedical science students also take full advantage of study abroad opportunities offered by Ohio State's Office of International Affairs as well as outside agencies.

Internship

To help students determine which field is best for them, the biomedical science program offers students a variety of experiences, including a summer internship shadowing residents at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Honors and Scholars

The biomedical science major is the sole honors-based major at Ohio State, meaning all of the biomedical science courses are classified as honors. The major has strong ties with the Honors and Scholars Center, and students are strongly encouraged to apply for the Honors or Scholars Programs through their freshman application.

Research

Research is one of the hallmarks of the biomedical science major. Students are required to join a research lab in the second semester of their freshman year or first semester of their sophomore year. In fact, the junior year biomedical science courses are structured around the students' research endeavors. Students have opportunities to work in prestigious research labs throughout The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Student Organizations

The Biomedical Science Major Student Organization (BMSMSO) is open to students enrolled in the major. The purpose of this organization is to foster community among the four biomedical science cohorts and to facilitate mentoring and tutoring opportunities for students in the major.

Possible Careers

The biomedical science major is designed to strongly prepare students for graduate and professional programs in areas such as biomedical research, medicine, and other areas of healthcare. Currently, about 50 percent of biomedical science graduates go on to medical school, 25 percent go on to pursue a PhD or a joint MD/PhD, and 25 percent pursue other graduate programs.

Program Objectives

Graduates from the biomedical science program will:

• Be prepared for success in a professional or graduate program in medicine or other advanced health-focused programs.
• Possess the motivation to pursue graduate/professional education in biomedical research and/or the health sciences and be a leader in improving the nations healthcare delivery system.
• Have the ability to acquire and evaluate information from a wide data source as it relates to complex problems.
• Have the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and function comfortably in various cultural, political, and social environments within the context of healthcare and the biomedical sciences.
• Be sensitive to the humanistic aspects of healthcare and healthcare-related services.
• Possess knowledge and skills that are fundamental to the formulation, conduct, and reporting of clinical or basic science research.
• Appreciate and value the importance of research and the advancement of knowledge for the progress of society.
• Adapt to challenges and opportunities by bringing a wide knowledge base to problem-solving tasks, and who integrate life-long learning into all phases of life.
• Have knowledge of policy issues related to healthcare and the interaction of social, political, and environmental factors that impact the field.
• Be prepared to enter the workforce in areas such as pharmaceutical sales, forensic science labs, genetics labs, and other entry-level lab positions.