Biomedical Sciences Major (A)

The goal of the Departments of Physical Sciences and Life & Earth Sciences at Concordia University is to develop competent scientists with a Christian worldview. The graduates of this program will possess the current scientific knowledge and research/data interpretation skills so necessary for entering scientific or medical careers in industry, academia, or government. More importantly, they will be prepared to provide a Christian influence and ethical perspective to the debate on the science-related problems facing the world today.

The Biomedical Sciences major, which combines human health sciences with Concordia University Wisconsin’s distinctive core curriculum with courses in theology, humanities and social sciences, should provide students with the intellectual, scientific, and ethical tools to succeed in advanced studies in the health sciences (including medical, physician assistant, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, graduate, chiropractic, or physical therapy school) or proceed directly into the growing fields of biotechnology and drug development.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to explain major biological and related scientific concepts (Knowledge Base of Biology and Related Sciences);
  • Demonstrate the ability to appropriately collect and analyze data while utilizing laboratory equipment and procedures safely and effectively (Biological Procedures and Data)
  • Develop investigative and critical thinking skills to explore complex questions and solve challenging scientific problems (Scientific Inquiry);
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific information effectively to both scientists and non-scientists (Scientific Communication);
  • Recognize how vocations in science provide opportunities for service to Christ and others and necessitate ethical behavior in all aspects of science (Vocation and Ethics)
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how/why a Christian sees evidence of God’s design in nature and how to be good stewards of His creation (God’s Design and Stewardship).

Curriculum

Core Requirements45
Major Requirements61
Electives14
Minor: Optional
Total Hours120
Required Core Classes
General Chemistry I (Natural World: Science with a lab)
Statistics I (Natural World: Mathematics)
Bioethical Dilemmas in Contemporary Society (Human Beings and Being Human)
Public Speaking (recommended) (Communication)
Interpersonal Communication
Recommended Courses
MATH 201Calculus I (for pre-med students)4
PSY 101General Psychology3
SOC 101Introduction to Sociology (for premed students)3
Required Major Requirements
BIO 151Functional Human Biology I4
BIO 152Functional Human Biology II4
BIO 191Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIO 192Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
BIO 260Biology of Microorganisms4
BIO 321Cell Biology4
BIO 348Genetics4
BIO 490Biology Senior Seminar 12
General Chemistry I (taken in core)
CHEM 142General Chemistry II4
CHEM 241Organic Chemistry I4
CHEM 242Organic Chemistry II4
CHEM 425Biochemistry4
Statistics I (taken in core)
PHYS 151General Physics I4
PHYS 152General Physics II4
Bioethical Dilemmas in Contemporary Society (taken in core)
Electives (choose a minimum of 7 credits from the following)7
BIO 285Pathophysiology3
BIO 351Immunology3
BIO 367Ecology of the Tropics3
BIO 368Ecology of the Tropics-Lab1
BIO 399Biology Internship 21-4
BIO 430Pharmacology3
BIO 499Undergraduate Research 21-4
CHEM 399Chemistry Internship 21-4
CHEM 499Undergraduate Research 21-4
SCI 275Cosmogony3
Total Hours62-65
1

BIO 490 is taken twice (1 credit per semester)

2

No more than 4 credits of BIO 399, BIO 499, CHEM 399, and/or CHEM 499 may count towards major requirements