Program Overview

M.S. in Biomedical Sciences

The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MiBS) program is a full-time program that provides a core curriculum in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and physiology, along with several optional courses in three customized tracks – Medicine, Research, or Drug Discovery. The program is designed to prepare recent undergraduates for medical or graduate school or a career in the biomedical industry.

Overview

The MiBS program is an ideal way to use a gap year to build credentials and experience to propel oneself to any advanced degree. Students will have access to hands-on faculty advising and mentoring to help them do their best and submit compelling applications. The program can be completed in 10 months, and students can begin after their spring graduation and finish in time to start medical or graduate school the following August.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the MiBS program should have a bachelor's degree in a biological or related discipline (e.g., psychology, chemistry, engineering, physics). Although there are no prerequisites, courses in general biology, cell/molecular biology, calculus, general physics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry are encouraged. Competitive candidates will have:

• Excellent academic record of 3.0 GPA or above
• Competitive GRE, MCAT, or DAT exam scores (not required)
• Three strong letters of recommendation
• Motivation to learn biomedical sciences
• Personal statement focused on educational interests and career goals

Curriculum Requirements

The program requires a total of 30 credit hours, including:

• MBS 600: Journal Club (2 credits)
• MBS 601: Biochemistry for the Biosciences (3 credits)
• MBS 602: Molecular Biology for the Biosciences (3 credits)
• MBS 603: Gross Anatomy and Histology (3 credits)
• MBS 604: Advanced Molecular and Cell Biology (3 credits)
• MBS 605: General Physiology (2 credits)
• MBS 608: Basic Pathobiology (3 credits)
• MBS 631: Laboratory Research (3 credits)
• MBS 632: Physician Shadowing (3 credits)
• Electives (2-3 credits)

Sample Plan of Study

The program can be completed in 10 months, with the following sample plan of study:

• First semester:
  • MBS 601: Biochemistry for the Biosciences (3 credits)
  • MBS 680: Professional Development Workshop (1 credit)
  • MBS 631: Laboratory Research (2 credits)
• Second semester:
  • MBS 600: Journal Club (1 credit)
  • MBS 602: Molecular Biology for the Biosciences (3 credits)
  • MBS 603: Gross Anatomy and Histology (3 credits)
  • MBS 604: Advanced Molecular and Cell Biology (3 credits)
  • MBS 631: Laboratory Research (3 credits)
• Third semester:
  • MBS 600: Journal Club (1 credit)
  • MBS 605: General Physiology (2 credits)
  • MBS 608: Basic Pathobiology (3 credits)
  • MBS 632: Physician Shadowing (3 credits)
  • Electives (2-3 credits)

Mission

The Miller School of Medicine offers an intensive 10-month Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MiBS) designed to fit perfectly in a gap year. The program's mission is to provide students with a comprehensive education in biomedical sciences, preparing them for a career in the biomedical industry or for further education in medical or graduate school.

Goals

The program has the following goals:

1. Students will learn about various science disciplines such as biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and physiology.
2. Students will focus on any of the three customized tracks – Medicine, Research, or Drug Discovery.
3. Students will participate in physician and clinical shadowing or directed research to prepare them for a career in the biomedical sciences.

Student Learning Outcomes

The program has the following student learning outcomes:

1. Students will draw from advanced biomedical knowledge within specific science disciplines to investigate fundamental processes and mechanisms of health and disease.
2. Students will be able to critically evaluate the scientific literature pertinent to the field of study.
3. Students will demonstrate research skills, including the development of sound hypotheses, design of experiments, and interpretation of results.
4. Students will apply quantitative reasoning and statistical analysis techniques in the exploration and testing of theories and hypotheses.
5. Students will demonstrate knowledge of current and emerging technologies in their respective field of study.
6. Students will demonstrate problem-solving skills in addressing specific research problems.
7. Students will apply laboratory skills such as planning of experiments, data acquisitions, data management, analysis, and interpretation to a specific research problem.

Courses

The program offers a range of courses, including:

• MBS 600: Journal Club (1 credit)
• MBS 601: Biochemistry for the Biosciences (3 credits)
• MBS 602: Molecular Biology for the Biosciences (3 credits)
• MBS 603: Gross Anatomy and Histology (3 credits)
• MBS 604: Advanced Molecular and Cell Biology (3 credits)
• MBS 605: General Physiology (2 credits)
• MBS 608: Basic Pathobiology (3 credits)
• MBS 631: Laboratory Research (1-3 credits)
• MBS 632: Physician Shadowing (1-3 credits)
• MBS 635: Special Topics in Biomedical Sciences (1-3 credits)
• MBS 680: Professional Development Workshop (1 credit)
• MBS 700: Biomedical Internship (1-3 credits)

Electives

The program offers a range of electives, including:

• MBS 606: Human Neuroscience (2 credits)
• MBS 607: Human Cardiovascular Physiology (2 credits)
• MBS 615: Structural Biology and Drug Design (2 credits)
• MBS 616: Basis of Mitochondrial Medicine (2 credits)
• MBS 617: Human Embryology (1 credit)
• MBS 618: Anatomy Dissection Elective (2 credits)
• MBS 619: Concepts in Clinical Immunobiology (1 credit)
• PIB 705: Biostatistics for the Biosciences (3 credits)
• PIB 706: Informatics for the Biosciences (3 credits)