COURSE CURRICULUM

The Biological Sciences program with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences requires students to complete a combination of lower division core courses, upper division core courses, and specialized concentration coursework. The lower division core, totaling 37 to 41 units, provides students with a strong scientific foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and statistics. Students begin with introductory biology courses such as Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology and Cells, Molecules and Genes, which introduce the diversity of living organisms and the molecular basis of life. Chemistry courses, including General Chemistry I and II and a two-course sequence in Organic Chemistry, help students understand the chemical principles that support biological processes. Students also complete courses in calculus and statistics to develop quantitative reasoning skills, as well as physics courses covering mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics to understand the physical principles that influence biological systems.At the upper division level, students complete 7 units of core coursework, including Introduction to Scientific Analysis and General Genetics. These courses help students develop research and analytical skills while providing a deeper understanding of genetic principles and scientific investigation. Students then complete the Biomedical Sciences concentration, which requires 33 units of specialized coursework focused on human anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemistry. Required courses include Introductory Human Anatomy, Molecular Cell Biology, Systemic Physiology, General Microbiology, Organic Chemistry Laboratory, and General Biochemistry. These courses emphasize the structure and function of the human body and the molecular processes that influence health and disease.In addition to required courses, students complete 12 units of upper division electives that allow them to explore specialized topics within biology. Students select courses related to structure and function, such as neuroanatomy, developmental biology, or histology, and courses related to biodiversity, ecology, and evolution, such as medical microbiology, human parasitology, conservation biology, or animal behavior. Additional electives are selected in consultation with an academic advisor to complete the required units. Overall, the program requires approximately 73 to 85 units and prepares students for graduate study in biomedical sciences or professional health programs such as medicine, veterinary medicine, nursing, pharmacy, or physical therapy.