Master of Biomedical Sciences

The Curriculum

The Biomedical Sciences graduate program provides individuals aspiring for a career in health sciences the opportunity to prepare for professional studies in the areas of medicine, dentistry, or research. The program combines didactic coursework within the masters program and some D.O. level courses, with electives and unique, individualized research projects to create an integrated approach to biomedical sciences education. Most importantly, graduates will have the skills they need to make an impact on the discovery and treatment of disease as future physicians, dentists, academicians, and/or researchers.

The Biomedical Sciences track is a thesis-based, research program in which graduate students have the opportunity to work across different disciplines or to concentrate in one specialized area. Areas of study include anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, histology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and physiology. Faculty work one-on-one with students to advise research, provide educational resources, and assist in developing the research-related skills such as; evaluating literature, procuring funding, designing and performing experiments, analyzing and presenting data, and writing and submitting work for publication.

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Program Rationale and Description

The Research Track of our Biomedical Sciences Program is designed to develop fundamental concepts and skills in research along with a focus on a specialized area of biomedical study. This track is appropriate for students who wish to obtain a master’s-level biomedical education in a medical school environment, or who wish to strengthen their credentials for medical school application.

The curriculum for the Biomedical Sciences Program includes core and elective courses along with specialized study in a particular area of biomedical research and health science. Each person’s program is determined with the approval of a Research Advisor and Advisory Committee. Although students obtain a degree in biomedical sciences, a concentration in a subdiscipline may be chosen from anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, pharmacology and physiology.

The discovery of new knowledge through research is one of the College’s missions. Biomedical research at ATSU/KCOM began many decades ago with pioneering studies of neuromuscular activity. Today, after setting the standard, the College has one of the strongest biomedical and scientific research programs among all colleges of osteopathic medicine. The Biomedical Sciences requires a written thesis based on original research activity.

Virtually every member of the basic science faculty and some clinical faculty members are engaged in scientific investigations that encompass such diverse fields as aging, animal models, bacteriology, biochemistry, cancer, cardiovascular physiology, enzyme kinetics, hypertension, immunology, lipid biochemistry, molecular biology, muscle physiology, neural development, neuroendocrinology, neuro-modulators, neurotransmitters, pharmacology, sensorimotor integration, and smooth muscle physiology. While some investigators are supported by extramural research grants, the College also supports research efforts by providing a library, scientific instrumentation, a fully accredited laboratory animal care facility (accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care), and an instrumentation shop. As a result of these active research programs, the faculty participates in professional scientific societies, presents at national and regional scientific meetings, and publishes routinely in major biomedical and scientific journals.

Admissions and Tuition

Admissions requirements and tuition information for the Biomedical Sciences program is available in the ATSU Catalog.