Biomedical Sciences
Please click on a link below to open a PDF version of the program handbook that corresponds with the chosen year.
2024 - 2025
2023 - 2024
2022 - 2023
2021 - 2022
2019 - 2020
2018 - 2019
2017 - 2018
The Biomedical Sciences (BMD) major and minor provide a foundation of coursework and skills building to prepare students for research or clinical professions, as well as prepare students to continue on to master’s and professional programs, including, but not limited to, medical school.
The Biomedical Sciences major uses a team-based learning approach and gives students the opportunity to apply what they are learning in clinical settings. Undergraduate students can also participate in research as early as their Freshmen year and research opportunities include clinical research, working alongside physicians.
Exciting opportunities and experiences are available at UAB for undergraduates interested in the study of the human body. We believe in teaching differently, inspiring curiosity and building a supportive community that shapes leaders through our intentional science curriculum, current educational pedagogies, premier academic advising and purposeful professional growth instruction.
Our curriculum is rigorous to ensure success for our graduates to pursue many different careers in health care, education, and research. The BMD faculty and staff are dedicated to fulfilling its important role in the development of competent, successful and respected BMD graduates. We welcome interactions with hard-working, like-minded individuals that are committed to exploring science and personal growth.
International Students
The School of Health Professions is not only home to some of the best ranked programs in the nation, but we’re also a part of one of the most diverse universities as well. At UAB, you will find students from all around the world studying, living, and learning together.
We want to make sure international students have every opportunity to succeed in both course work and college life, so we’ve gathered some easy tips to help you have the best experience studying abroad at UAB:
Visit UAB’s International Student and Scholar Services located in the INTO UAB Center on the second floor on Mervyn Sterne Library. They can help you with forms and applications, provide city guides and recommendations, and answer your questions to help make your life easier.
The Minor in Biomedical Sciences is ideal for students outside of the BMD major who are interested in preparing for future study in medicine and the health professions. You will complete our signature core of Clinical Physiology/Pharmacology courses. The BMD Minor can then be tailored to your education and career goals with assistance from BMD advisors who will aid students in identifying varied coursework to meet BMD minor requirements. For more information, contact
Curriculum
See the UAB Undergraduate Catalog for a full list of courses in the BMD minor. Additional courses can be added upon approval from the program director.
The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences (BMD) program prepares you for health-related graduate and professional study or for entry into one of the fastest growing occupational sectors.
Are you looking for a flexible and solid undergraduate degree that will prepare you for today’s fastest growing occupational sector? Then BMD is for you.
You will tailor your degree to fit your academic and career goals. The program, which includes coursework in physiology, pharmacology, clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology and immunology, plus the pathological basis of disease, includes six elective courses that you choose based on your individual health-related educational track.
Accelerated Master’s Programs
Students interested in pursuing a graduate degree may take advantage of UAB’s accelerated master’s programs. The BMD undergraduate program can be paired with several health professions master’s degrees, as well as a Doctor of Pharmacy program. Learn more about available fast track programs.
Why Major in Biomedical Sciences?
The Biomedical Sciences major is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing careers in health professions or advanced degrees in healthcare-related field. The program is broad enough so that students can pursue non-healthcare related careers and advanced degrees, if their career goals should change. This program does include fewer required labs than other general science majors and is more healthcare focused. The coursework is rigorous and is designed to help prepare students for graduate and professional program coursework.
International Students
One of the best things about UAB is its amazing diversity of its students — we are one of the top most diverse campuses in the United States. We want you to have every opportunity to succeed in your course work and college life. Here are eight easy tips for you to follow:
- Visit the UAB International Student and Scholar Services website. They have all sorts of forms, guides, and helpful links to make your life easier.
- Don’t be shy. Let your instructors know that English is your second language.
- Take advantage of class study groups. They let you go over material at your pace.
- Record lectures (with your instructors’ permission). Transcribe your recording to notes.
- Meet regularly with your advisor. They are experts and can help!
- Visit the UAB English Language Institute. They will give you assistance with both oral and written English.
- Visit the UAB Writing Center. They have tutors and instructional workshops.
- Frustrated and out of options? UAB counselors are there for you.
We invite you to explore all of the programs and services offered to international students. International Student and Scholar Services will be able to advise you about how to apply and who to contact for information. Please visit their website, or send general questions to
And remember — you are not alone! There are other international students/non-native English speakers in just about every class you take! Share your stories and help each other!
Welcome to Biomedical Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham! We are proud to be one of only a handful of colleges in the country to offer an undergraduate major in Biomedical Sciences – a combination of the study of the human body and medicine. We offer both a major and minor, and provide students with opportunities for intellectual, professional, and personal growth in the context of a human-based science curriculum.
I invite you to learn more about the Biomedical Sciences major, admission, career opportunities, and meet our faculty, staff, and students by browsing through our website.
If you have questions, please contact our program manager by email at
Ted Bertrand, PhD
Program Director, Biomedical Sciences Undergraduate Major
Professor
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a human-based science education to a set of diverse, qualified and motivated undergraduate students in an inclusive community using clinical perspectives to develop critical thinking, teamwork and communication skills. We offer expert faculty that are approachable and committed to preparing students for an assortment of careers in health care and the biomedical sciences.
Ted Bertrand, PhD
Program Director
Lauren Gordon
Program Manager II