Master's of Biomedical Sciences
About the Program | Admissions | Testimonials | FAQ
Contact: Dr. Ginger Fisher, 970-351-2210 (telephone), Ginger.Fisher@unco.edu (e-mail)
About the Program
The Master’s in Biomedical Science (MBS) degree is designed to provide academic enhancement for talented students who already possess an undergraduate degree in the sciences and who want to improve their future application to a professional or other graduate school. The one year MBS program provides a foundation in various basic biological subjects that underly and support medical and other professional school curricula. The MBS program is appropriate for students preparing graduate health programs such as medical, veterinary, dental, physician assistant, pharmacy, optometry, or other biomedically related doctoral programs. A major goal of the program is to allow students a tangible mechanism to demonstrate high-level academic achievement while taking a full load of rigorous and challenging courses. Success in such an educational scenario (analogous to what the student would encounter in professional school) can support and improve the success of subsequent professional school applications.
Program Highlights
- For the class of 2012, 100% of students who applied to medical schools received invitations for interviews.
- For the class of 2012, of those who successfully completed the program, 75% obtained admission into their first choice medical school
- Small class sizes with faculty who are experts in the areas they teach
- Two semesters of advanced and intensive coursework that will result in a Master’s in Biomedical Science degree
- A broad curriculum suitable for careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physician’s assistant and other biomedical programs
- Close ties to the University of Colorado School of Medicine
- Personal attention from faculty and individual advising in a friendly academic atmosphere
- Located in Greeley, Colorado which provides a small town atmosphere with a low cost of living and yet accessible to the beautiful Rocky Mountains
- The program is limited to 24 students, which provides a sense of community and allows for individual attention from faculty
Scholarships
The University is presently offering five scholarships at $6000 each for the 2012-2013 school year. These are merit-based and will be competitive so be sure to apply early to be considered for these!
MBS program curriculum (30 credits, minimum)
Required courses (17 credits)
| Course title | Course # | Credits | Semester |
| Biomedicine and Careers | BIO 502 | 1 | Fall |
| Molecular Genetics | BIO 525 | 3 | Fall/Spr |
| Molecular and Cellular Lab | BIO 542 | 2 | Fall/Spr |
| Mammalian Physiology I | BIO 552 | 3 | Fall |
| Mammalian Physiology II | BIO 553 | 3 | Spr |
| Cellular Physiology | BIO 550 | 3 | Fall/Spr |
| Foundations of Clinical Research | BIO 596 | 2 | Spr |
| Exit examination | 0 | Spr |
Elective courses (13 credits, minimum)
Elective credits can be selected from the list below. Other 500-level courses with a BIO prefix, or 500-level courses in biochemistry, may be substituted with prior approval.
| Course title | Course # | Credits | Semester |
| Developmental Biology | BIO 528 | 3 | Spr |
| Pathogenic Microbiology | BIO 545 | 3 | Spr |
| Immunology and Disease | BIO 547 | 4 | Fall |
| Virology | BIO 552 | 3 | Fall |
| Reproductive and Developmental Biology | BIO 555 | 3 | Fall |
| Pharmacology | BIO 576 | 3 | Fall |
| Mammalian Endocrinology | BIO 580 | 3 | Spr |
| Neurobiology | BIO 581 | 3 | Fall |
| Cancer Biology | BIO 582 | 3 | Spr |
Complete course descriptions can be found in the UNC catalog.
Testimonials
Gabby -- MBS program, class of 2012 (now in medical school) I definitely think this program helped me strengthen my application to medical school. It really let me develop my passion for sciences and allowed me to explore aspects of biology I would not have normally. The faculty really make this program. They were so helpful! They really cared for me as an individual. I connected with them, and they helped me succeed in the program and in getting into medical school. |
Randy -- MBS program, class of 2012 (now in medical school) After beginning a different graduate program that would not provide the necessary courses to improve my application to medical school, I applied to the MBS program. Upon arrival at UNC I knew this program would be a perfect fit for me. The professors and the material covered in the program definitely increased my knowledge in the biomedical sciences and mimicked professional school far more than an undergraduate pre-health program. Anyone looking to increase their competitiveness or knowledge in the field would do well to join the family at UNC. |
Penny -- MBS Program, class of 2013 The MBS program at UNC is a great opportunity to work with faculty who are extremely knowledgeable, patient, and concerned about developing individuals who will succeed. This includes inside the classroom and outside. The MBS program can help you improve your academic record, strengthen your application, and gain knowledge that will prepare you for the materials presented by professional schools. This program has been paramount in my preparation for medical school and has given me extreme confidence in myself. I would recommend this program to anyone thinking about applying to a professional school, or even looking for a challenging Masters that will prepare them for careers in research, industry and beyond. |
