RSVP - MSBHS Open House
This is an opportunity to learn more about this 11-month Master’s degree postbac-type program in the Biomedical and Health Sciences (BHS) designed to help students gain admission into and succeed in various health professional programs including medical school, dental school, and PA studies. Learn more at uab.edu/msbhs.
Dates and Times:
- October 4th, 2024 11am in SHPB 226
Biomedical and Health Sciences
Please click on a link below to open a PDF version of the program handbook that corresponds with the chosen year.
The Master of Science in Biomedical and Health Sciences Program is designed to enhance your application for admittance into and then success in a health professional career.
The Biomedical and Health Sciences program acknowledges the need for more healthcare providers in medically underserved areas/populations in the state of Alabama and across the United States. The program strongly encourages and promotes those from such underserved areas, and their future goal of serving as healthcare providers in such medically underserved areas.
The overall mission of the Biomedical and Health Sciences program is to provide quality education to prepare a diverse student body for entry into graduate health professions programs including medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant studies. This program is critically important to provide a pipeline of academically and culturally competent future healthcare providers who are willing to practice in medically underserved areas.
These professional programs lead to the following careers:
- Physician (allopathic and osteopathic)
- Dentist
- Physician Assistant
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Optometrist
- Pharmacist
Spotlight
Marcellus A. Edwards IV, a 2016 Biomedical and Health Sciences graduate who has just completed his first year at Howard University College of Medicine, was recently awarded a Trustee scholarship based on his academic performance during his first year of medical school.
For more information, read about Marcellus A. Edwards IV on the Meet our Alumni page.
The MS in Biomedical and Health Sciences is used by many students to bridge their path between undergraduate and professional health programs. The program was developed through a partnership between the UAB School of Health Professions’ Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences and the UAB Heersink School of Medicine’s Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology. It is specifically designed to provide experiences and curriculum that will help these students prepare for the next step in their education. The program model can also be beneficial to students who are returning to college after working in the healthcare or other industry.
Key Points and Benefits to Program Model
- The curriculum is modeled after the first two years of the University of Alabama School of Medicine (UASOM) course curriculum — a model that maximizes a student’s understanding and retention of medical course knowledge.
- Course directors and faculty are from both the UAB Heersink School of Medicine and School of Health Professions.
- The base curriculum starts with two fundamental science courses, then integrated systems (organ) courses, and finally a capstone Clinical Application and Simulation course. These courses are 4-6 weeks each.
- Elective courses can be tailored to a student’s interest and preparation for a specific professional school. Elective courses are developed with student feedback and represent student ownership of the program.
- Students are exposed to many non-traditional learning strategies, including team-based learning, workshops, flipped classrooms, and laboratory activities.
- The three-part seminar series is designed to help students with application processes, professional development, learning strategies, and critical thinking/problem solving skills.
- The summer semester is used to prepare students to take standardized tests required for professional schools using test-preparation courses.
- Courses are for each year’s cohort of students; so, students develop a sense of community that enhances learning and teamwork, and develops lifelong connections.
- There is a very strong emphasis on advising and counseling students throughout the year.
- Program faculty and staff work with students interested in gaining additional medical exposure, volunteer service, and/or research experience.
The following is the curriculum for the MS in Biomedical and Health Sciences program. Because of the partnership between the School of Health Professions’ Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences department and the Heersink School of Medicine’s Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology department, the curriculum is organ-based and modeled after the first two years of the curriculum at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine (UABHSOM). The curriculum is subject to change. Visit the UAB Graduate School Catalog for course descriptions.
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Summer (9-12 Hours)
- BHS 502 - Molecules and Cells
Chemical structures and functions of biomolecules and human cells. The disciplines of biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, and histology will be integrated to provide a framework for understanding normal and abnormal cellular states. Topics will include cellular physiology, metabolic pathways, inheritance, molecular genetics, and basic histology. Course Directors: William Brooks PhD and Tera Webb, PhD - BHS 503 - Microbiology and Immunology
Biology of viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi as well as the natural human responses to these pathogens. Innate and adaptive immunity will be explored in the context of pathogenic and non-pathogenic assault. Introduction to concepts in general pathology including mechanisms of cell injury and repair, cell adaptation, and inflammation. Course Directors: Carmel McNicholas-Bevensee, PhD and William Brooks, PhD - BHS 501 - Seminar 1
The first of a three-course series to prepare students for application, admission, and success in professional school and the biomedical workforce. Topics will include study skills, interview skills, and test taking strategies. Course Director: Kristen Bowen, MEd - Electives - Developed with student feedback and student the semester; only one, 3 credit hour elective is required for the program.
- BHS 502 - Molecules and Cells
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Fall (9-12 Hours)
- BHS 550 - Integrated Systems I – Neuroendocrine
Integrated study of the nervous and endocrine body systems. The gross anatomy, histology, and physiology of each system will be examined through an integrated approach, which will include a study of the interrelationships of these controlling body systems. Correlations to disease states and disease treatments will be stressed throughout. Course Directors: Inga Kadish, PhD and Mamie Coats, PhD - BHS 555 - Integrated Systems II – Cardiopulmonary
Integrated study of the cardiovascular and respiratory body systems. The gross anatomy, histology, and physiology of each system will be examined through an integrated approach, which will include a study of the interrelationships of these systems and the gross anatomy of the thorax. Correlations to disease states and disease treatments will be stressed throughout. Course Directors: Michael Herr, PhD and Mamie Coats, PhD - BHS 560 - Integrated Systems III – Genitourinary
Exploration and integration of the urinary and reproductive systems of the human body, including development and anatomical features and differences between males and females. Microanatomy of kidneys correlated with body fluid homeostasis and urine production, and clinical disorders of the urinary tract. Male and female reproductive tracts' structure, function and gametogenesis. Female menstrual cycle at the level of hormonal regulation, events at the ovary, and changes in the uterus. Microanatomy and physiology of pregnancy. Diseases associated with the genitourinary tracts. Course Directors: Mark O. Bevensee, PhD and Wei Li, Ph.D. - BHS 601 - Seminar II
The second of a three-course series to prepare students for application, admission, and success in professional school and the biomedical workforce. Topics will include professionalism, cultural competence, and ethical behavior. Course Director: Kristen Bowen, MEd - BHS 610 - Clinical Application and Simulation
A capstone course to provoke critical thinking about the effects of disease at various levels of organization on multiple organ systems. The integration of content throughout the program will be stressed. Activities will include small-group case studies, simulation, and standardized patient interactions. Course Director: Carmel M. McNicholas, PhD and Dinah DeMarco-PA-C - Electives - Developed with student feedback and student the semester; only one, 3 credit hour elective is required for the program.
- BHS 550 - Integrated Systems I – Neuroendocrine
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Spring (12 Hours)
- BHS 600 - Integrated Systems IV – Gastrointestinal
Integrated study of the gastrointestinal body system. The gross anatomy, histology, and physiology of each organ will be examined through an integrated approach, which will include a study of the gross anatomy of the abdomen. Correlations to disease states and disease treatments will be stressed throughout. Course Directors: Peter R. Smith, PhD and Brianna Miller, MS, MLS(ASCAP)CM - BHS 605 - Integrated Systems V – Musculoskeletal and Skin
Integrated study of the skeletal, muscular and integumentary body systems. The gross anatomy, histology, and physiology of each system will be examined through an integrated approach, which will include a study of the interrelationships of these systems and the gross anatomy of the back and limbs. Correlations to disease states and disease treatments will be stressed throughout. Course Directors: Michael Herr, PhD and Matthew Madison, PhD - BHS 610 - Clinical Application and Simulation
A capstone course to provoke critical thinking about the effects of disease at various levels of organization on multiple organ systems. The integration of content throughout the program will be stressed. Activities will include small-group case studies, simulation, and standardized patient interactions. Course Director: Carmel M. McNicholas, PhD and Dinah DeMarco-PA-C - BHS 690 - Integrating Basic & Clinical Sciences
Capstone: Integrating Basic and Clinical Sciences: Integration of knowledge from basic and clinical science courses to define and pose ethical resolutions to problems and clinical cases in the biomedical sciences. Course Directors: Matthew Madison, PhD, and Carmel M. McNicholas, PhD - BHS 602 - Seminar III
The third of a three-course series to prepare students for application, admission, and success in professional school and the biomedical workforce. Topics will include interpersonal skills and teamwork. Course Director: Kristen Bowen, MEd - Electives - Developed with student feedback and student the semester; only one, 3 credit hour elective is required for the program.
- BHS 600 - Integrated Systems IV – Gastrointestinal
Application Deadlines:
The program starts in the summer semester of the following year. Applications open December 1.
March 1: application deadline.
Application Fees:
- Domestic applicants and green card holders: $50
- International applicants: $60
Instructions for Completing the Application
Prospective students may apply starting December 1. This program is cohort-based and only has a summer semester start date. Applications are submitted online through the UAB Graduate School. All admissions documents (transcripts, immigration documents, WES, etc.) must be sent to the UAB Graduate School.
Official transcripts from each institution where college credit was received can be mailed to:
UAB Graduate School
LHL G03, 1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-0013
Transcripts can be submitted electronically by choosing University of Alabama at Birmingham - Graduate Admission or using the email
Example for Completing Application:
- For which of the following are you applying? Master’s Degree
- Intended program of study: Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Concentration: Not Applicable – Selected program does not offer concentrations
- Term: Summer 2024
Requirements
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Application Requirements
- A standardized test score is optional and not a requirement for applying. However, if one would like to send in an official test score as a supplemental part of the application, applicants should contact the testing agency to have official scores sent to the UAB Graduate School's institution code (1856 for GRE). All other tests (DAT, MCAT, PCAT, OAT, etc.) may be emailed directly to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . - Applicants must have successfully completed prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and have a minimum cumulative science GPA of 3.0.
- Applicants must submit a personal statement of interest to the program, and submit three letters of recommendation.
- If accepted, applicants must complete the UAB medical history questionnaire, provide proof of all required immunization (e.g., TB skin test and tetanus shot), and receive satisfactory screening by the UAB Medical Center Student Health Service.
- If accepted, the start date is the first day of the summer 10-week session.
- A standardized test score is optional and not a requirement for applying. However, if one would like to send in an official test score as a supplemental part of the application, applicants should contact the testing agency to have official scores sent to the UAB Graduate School's institution code (1856 for GRE). All other tests (DAT, MCAT, PCAT, OAT, etc.) may be emailed directly to
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Prerequisite Requirements
- General Chemistry I
- General Chemistry II
- General Biology I*
- General Biology II*
- Other biology**
*Anatomy and Physiology I & II may be used to substitute.
**Recommended courses include cell biology, genetics, histology, molecular biology, or microbiology.
Students must have a BA or BS degree, meet all graduate school requirements, and be accepted to the graduate program (www.uab.edu/graduate).
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International Requirements
International Students must submit a transcript evaluation from World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc.
The Graduate School now monitors English proficiency to make sure applicants meet our minimum scores which are listed below.
- IELTS – 6.5
- TOEFL – 80
- PTEA – 53
Other requirements include a financial affidavit of support and immigration documentation (if currently residing in the United States).
Application Review Process
After an application window has been opened, applications are reviewed at program deadlines, and the program will offer interviews. Program admissions is rolling, so decisions will be made throughout the spring.
Additional Information
Learn more about tuition and fees on the School of Health Professions website.