About this Program
The Biomedical Sciences B.S. is designed for students pursuing pharmacy as part of the 3+4 Accelerated/PharmD program on the Duluth campus. Students planning toward the 3+4 program are required to complete course work representing approximately three years of an undergraduate degree in the Swenson College of Science and Engineering (SCSE), including the advanced writing requirement, the UMD Liberal Education Program, all pre-pharmacy courses, and courses that ensure progress toward a Biology B.A. or B.S., plus the first year of pharmacy school.
Typical SCSE majors who may be interested in applying to the Biomedical Sciences B.S. to pursue the 3+4 Accelerated/PharmD program includes, but are not limited to, Biology B.A. Human Biology and Biology B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology. Completion of the requirements included in the Biomedical Sciences B.S. ensures a student is making progress toward a Biology degree if they are no longer pursuing pharmacy. Students are strongly encouraged to work closely with a Biology faculty advisor or the SCSE Advising Director.
Acquired Skills
- Comprehension: Students will know and be able to explain the basic definitions and core concepts in their respective field of study.
- Application: Students will be able to apply biology knowledge and techniques towards solutions to problems.
- Analysis: Students will be able to determine an appropriate method for research, collect data and carry out the research using techniques and equipment specific to their field.
- Communication: Students will be able to write about scientific ideas and present their ideas and findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
Career Possibilities
Pharmacy-related careers encompass a wide range of positions, from traditional roles like pharmacist to newer opportunities in research, industry, and even entrepreneurship. Pharmacists can find careers in retail pharmacies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and even in specialized fields like clinical pharmacy or pharmacy informatics.
In addition to the variety of pharmacy-related careers, biologists with a bachelor’s degree often do laboratory or field-based work directly related to their undergraduate training. For example, graduates might:
- Work in an academic or private industry research lab.
- Join a biology-based agency such as the state’s department of natural resources or forestry service
- Get hired by federal agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Do environmental assessments or wildlife surveys with a consulting firm
Admissions and Scholarships
To be admitted to the Biomedical Sciences B.S. program, students must apply and be accepted to the PharmD program in their third year of undergraduate study.
In addition to SCSE scholarships, the Biology department has several undergraduate scholarships including:
- A. Jane Berry Warren Scholarship
- Karim Pre-Veterinary Medicine Scholarship
- Ernest and Tyyne niemu Scholarship,
- T.O. Odlaug Scholarship
- Ed and Alma Turcotte Scholarship
- Mowbray Scholarship
- Jon McCabe Scholarship
- UMD Peterson Memorial Scholarship
- Solidarity Through Science Scholarship
Student Clubs
- Biology club: This club allows students to interact socially and academically with peers and department faculty, contribute to service projects and fundraisers, take a break from your studies, enjoy activities like picnics, camping trips, bowling excursions with faculty and intramural sports, Ask questions about biology classes or faculty, Share feedback and get information from departmental administrators.
Pre-professional clubs:
- Pre-Dentistry Club
- Pre-Medicine Club (Pre-Med Club)
- Pre Optometry Club
- Pre-OT Club
- Pre-Pharmacy Club
- Pre-Physical Therapy (Pre PT)
- Pre-Physician Assistant Club (Pre-PA Club)
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club