Biomedical Sciences
Mission Statement
The mission of the Biomedical Sciences program is to provide students with a solid foundation in the essential sciences related to health and medicine, aiming to prepare them thoroughly for professional schools in dentistry, medicine, and veterinary medicine. We strive to educate students not only in the foundational knowledge of biological sciences but also in the critical thinking, research, and communication skills necessary to pursue careers in health and medicine.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biomedical Sciences provides a comprehensive study of the life sciences. Curriculum encompasses the essential topics within biology with special focus on molecular biology, genetics, and physiology. The program also offers elective courses in anatomy, immunology, and cell biology, allowing students to tailor their education toward specific interests in health and medicine. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for further education in health-related graduate programs, careers in biomedical research, and various roles within the healthcare industry.
Students will not be allowed to take 400-level biology courses prior to admission into the biomedical sciences major.
Biomedical Sciences Major Admission Requirements and Procedures
- Admission to Cumberland University with declaration of biology major.
- Completion of all pre-biology coursework during or before the semester of application for admission to the major.
- A Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Cover Letter or Letter of Intent: a formal letter stating why you are applying to the program and a clear explanation of your academic and career goals.
- Official transcript(s) must be on file with the Office of Admissions.
Admission to the Biomedical Sciences major is determined by the following criteria
- All courses and associated labs must be completed with a "C" or better during or before the semester of application for admission. Coursework requirements include: BIO 112, BIO 112L, BIO 165, CHEM 112, CHEM 112L
- A minimum GPA requirement is 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
Academic Dishonesty/Disciplinary Provisions
A committee of biology and chemistry faculty will review each academic dishonesty and/or disciplinary action taken against a student on an individual basis. The committee reserves the right to deny admission into and/or expel from the biology major based upon any violation.
Special Admission Provisions
A committee of biology and chemistry faculty will review student petitions for admission on individual basis. The Committee reserves the right to attach certain stipulations to admissions (e.g., by limiting the total number of hours in which a student may enroll during a semester and/or requiring specific developmental coursework and/or requiring a peer tutor).
Transfer Policies
Students must first meet the requirements for admission to Cumberland University. The Biology and Chemistry Committee will evaluate each student who transfers from another accredited program on an individual basis. Students who have earned a grade lower than "C" in a biology or chemistry course at another college or university will be evaluated by the committee which will determine admission on an individual basis. Requests to transfer biology and/or chemistry courses from another college or university will also be considered by the committee on an individual basis. Students who desire to transfer from another biology or biochemistry major must meet the following requirements:
- A letter of good standing from the previous program.
- A minimum grade of "C" in any science course the student desires to transfer. A written request for transfer credit must be forwarded to the Biology and Chemistry Committee for a ruling.
- Completion of a minimum of 25% or 30 credit hours toward a degree earned at Cumberland University.
Progression Requirements for all Biomedical Sciences Students
- Achievement of a minimum grade of "C" in all science courses, and a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
- Students who receive two final course grades of "D" or lower in any science course or combination of science courses will be dismissed from the program. Once dismissed, the student may appeal for Special Admission Provisions.
- All biomedical sciences majors are expected to achieve satisfactory scores on standardized comprehensive examinations during their senior year.
- Any biomedical sciences student who has broken enrollment for more than one semester may not continue in the program but must apply for reinstatement into the major. The Biology and Chemistry Committee will review each student's case individually to determine placement in the program of study.
Degree Requirements
Area I – Foundation Skills - 3 hours
| FSL 101 | Foundations of Scholarship and Learning | 3 |
| or | |
| HON 101 | First Year Honors Seminar | 3 |
FSL 101 is required only for new and transferring freshmen with less than 24 credit hours. Students must earn a "C" or higher in FSL 101 or HON 101.
Area I - Rhetoric and Communication - 9 hours
Students must earn a "C" or higher in ENG 101 and ENG 102 or HON 110.
Area II - Mathematics - 3 or 4 hours
Choose one from the following:
Students must earn a "C" or higher in MATH 119 or MATH 121.
Area I - Computer Literacy - 3 hours
| CIS 170 | Introduction to Microcomputer Applications | 3 |
| or | |
| ED 190/CIS 190 | Introduction to Computers for Instruction | 3 |
Area II - The Arts - 3 hours
Choose one from the following:
Area II - Literature in English- 3 hours
Choose one from the following:
Area II - Social Science and Humanities - 6 hours
| PSY 201 | General Psychology | 3 |
| or | |
| PSY 211 | Psychology of Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| and | |
| SOC 221 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
Area II - History - 6 hours
Choose one sequence from the following:
| HIS 111 | History of Western Civilization I | 3 |
| and | |
| HIS 112 | History of Western Civilization II | 3 |
| or | |
| HIS 191 | World Civilization to 1500 | 3 |
| and | |
| HIS 192 | World Civilization since 1500 | 3 |
| or | |
| HIS 201 | History of the United States I | 3 |
| and | |
| HIS 202 | History of the United States II | 3 |
Area II - The Natural Sciences - 8 hours
Students must earn a "C" or higher in BIO 111, BIO 111L, CHEM 111, and CHEM 111L.
Required Biology Core Courses - 34 hours
Students must earn a "C" or higher in all Required Biology core courses.
Required Chemistry Core - 12 hours
Students must earn a "C" or higher in all Required Chemistry Core Courses.
Required Biology Electives - 7-8 hours
Choose any two from the following:
Students must earn a "C" or higher in all Biology electives.
Physics Requirement - 8 hours
Choose one Physics sequence from the following:
Students must earn a "C" or higher in all Physics courses.
General Electives - 13-18 hours
Select sufficient courses from any academic discipline to bring the total hours for graduation to a minimum of 120.
Total GEC Credit hours (41-45 hours)
Total Required Biology Core courses (34 hours)
Total Required Chemistry Core courses (12 hours)
Total Required Biology electives (7-8 hours)
Total Required Physics courses (8 hours)
Total General Electives (13-18 hours)
120 minimum hours required for graduation.