Program Overview

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Introduction to Biomedical Sciences

The Biomedical Sciences program is designed for students aiming for a career in healthcare, such as medicine, dentistry, or chiropractic care. This program focuses on the study of human and animal systems, their functions related to health, disease, and the healing process.

Program Overview

The Biomedical Sciences program provides a broad education, hands-on laboratory skills, and a strong foundation in lab safety. Students will graduate ready for careers in biomedical laboratory research, education, health professions, or industry.

First-Year Courses

In the first year, students will take foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. These courses include:

• BIOL 130/130L – Introductory Cell Biology/Laboratory
• CHEM 120/120L – General Chemistry 1/Laboratory
• One program elective
• One elective
• PHYS 111/111L – Physics 1/Laboratory or PHYS 121/121L – Mechanics/Laboratory

Upper-Year Courses

After the first year, students will focus on human biology with courses in anatomy, physiology, histology, microbiology, and biochemistry. Sample upper-year courses include:

• BIOL 241 – Introduction to Applied Microbiology
• BIOL 273 – Principles of Human Physiology 1
• BIOL 302 – Functional Histology
• BIOL 355 – Biology of Human Aging
• BIOL 449 – Public Health Microbiology

Skills Developed

The Biomedical Sciences program helps students develop various skills, including:

• Data analysis
• Laboratory methodology
• Resiliency
• Communication
• Organization and time management

Customizing the Degree

Students can customize their Biomedical Sciences degree by adding a minor or a diploma in Biotechnology Technician from Conestoga College. Popular areas of focus for minors include Psychology, Medical Physiology, Chemistry, Biophysics, and Biochemistry.

Admission Requirements

Ontario students must have six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including:

• English (ENG4U) with a minimum final grade of 70%
• Advanced Functions with a minimum final grade of 70%
• Calculus and Vectors with a minimum final grade of 70%
• Two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, Physics

Admission averages are typically in the low 80s.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Biomedical Sciences program can pursue careers in medicine, dentistry, nursing, and other health disciplines. They can also work in medical research centers, hospitals, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries.

Sample Career Paths

Some career paths for Biomedical Sciences graduates include:

• Physician
• Occupational Therapist
• Production Coordinator
• Naturopathic Doctor Registered Acupuncturist
• Clinical Operations
• Staff Optometrist
• Research Data Management Coordinator
• Tissue Donation Coordinator
• Clinical Research Project Assistant

Program Comparison

The Biomedical Sciences program is distinct from other programs like Biology, Biochemistry, and Biomedical Engineering. While all these programs focus on science, they have different areas of emphasis and career paths.

Biomedical Sciences vs. Biology

Biomedical Sciences focuses on human and animal biology, with a broader science knowledge base, including more chemistry and physics. Biology, on the other hand, starts with a broad foundation in all aspects of biology and allows students to focus on specific areas like plants, animals, or microbiology in upper years.

Biomedical Sciences vs. Biochemistry

Biochemistry studies the chemical reactions in living systems, with courses that are about 60% chemistry and some biology and physics. Biomedical Sciences, in contrast, focuses on the health of humans and animals, impacted by viruses, microbes, bacteria, and genetic and environmental factors.

Biomedical Sciences vs. Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering combines principles of engineering and biology to design and develop medical devices, systems, or biomaterials. Biomedical Sciences, on the other hand, focuses on how the health of humans and animals is impacted by various factors and prepares students for careers in biomedical laboratory research, education, health professions, or industry.

Biomedical Sciences vs. Health Sciences

Both Biomedical Sciences and Health Sciences are flexible programs that can help students achieve their goals in healthcare and medical professions. However, after the first year, Health Sciences courses combine topics like life sciences, social sciences, and research, applying these concepts to important healthcare subjects. Biomedical Sciences focuses on more traditional medical-based science, such as organic chemistry and molecular biology, and offers more opportunities to get into lab facilities.