Biomedical Sciences Major (M)

The goal of the Departments of Physical Sciences and Life & Earth Sciences at Concordia University Wisconsin 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

Major Requirements

Required Core Courses
General Chemistry I (Lab Science)
Public Speaking (Recommended)
Interpersonal Communication
Statistics I (Mathematics)
Bioethical Dilemmas in Contemporary Society (Human Beings and Being Human)
Recommended Core/Elective Courses
Calculus I
General Psychology
Introduction to Sociology (Society and Culture, for pre-medical students)
Required Major Courses
BIO 151Functional Human Biology I4
BIO 152Functional Human Biology II4
BIO 260Biology of Microorganisms4
BIO 321Cell Biology4
BIO 348Genetics4
BIO 490Biology Senior Seminar (1 credit course taken twice)2
General Chemistry I (taken in the core)
CHEM 142General Chemistry II4
CHEM 241Organic Chemistry I4
or CHEM 215 Survey of Organic Chemistry
PHYS 151General Physics I4
or PHYS 171 University Physics I
PHYS 152General Physics II4
or PHYS 172 University Physics II
Bioethical Dilemmas in Contemporary Society (taken in the core )
Statistics I (taken in the core )
Select one of the following tracks:23-26
Total Hours61-64

 Pre-Medical Track

Required Courses
BIO 191Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIO 192Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
CHEM 242Organic Chemistry II4
CHEM 425Biochemistry4
Electives
Select at least seven credits of major electives7
Recommended Courses
The following classes do not count toward the major but are strongly recommended
General Psychology
Introduction to Sociology (Society and Culture)
Calculus I
Total Hours23

 Human Biology Track

BIO 191Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIO 192Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
General Psychology (recommended)
Select five courses of the following:15-18
BIO 285Pathophysiology3
BIO 351Immunology3
BIO 381Histology3
BIO 430Pharmacology3
BIO 470Human Physiology4
Up to 2 additional classes from major electives
Total Hours23-26

 Research Track

Required Courses
BIO 420Molecular Biology4
CHEM 242Organic Chemistry II4
CHEM 425Biochemistry4
Select at least 3 credits from the following:3-4
BIO 399Biology Internship1-4
BIO 499Undergraduate Research1-4
CHEM 499Undergraduate Research1-4
Electives
Select eight credits of major electives8
Recommended Courses
Calculus I
Total Hours23-24

 Major Electives

BIO 285Pathophysiology3
BIO 351Immunology3
BIO 367
BIO 368
Ecology of the Tropics
and Ecology of the Tropics-Lab
4
BIO 381Histology3
BIO 399Biology Internship 11-4
BIO 420Molecular Biology4
BIO 430Pharmacology3
BIO 470Human Physiology4
BIO 499Undergraduate Research 11-4
CHEM 242Organic Chemistry II4
CHEM 399Chemistry Internship1-4
CHEM 425Biochemistry4
CHEM 426Advanced Biochemistry4
CHEM 499Undergraduate Research 11-4
PHIL 309History and Philosophy of Science3
RSC 302Advanced Anatomy4
SCI 275Cosmogony3
1

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