Navigating the Biomedical Sciences Degree at UCF: A Comprehensive Guide

The Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for diverse careers in medicine, research, and biotechnology. This article provides a detailed overview of the undergraduate degree options, admission requirements, academic progress policies, and graduate programs within the Biomedical Sciences at UCF.

Undergraduate Programs in Biomedical Sciences

The Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences offers five Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees and one track option. These programs provide a blend of core scientific knowledge and specialized training, preparing students for graduate studies, professional degree programs, or specialized roles in medical laboratory sciences.

The undergraduate advisors are trained to provide guidance on the programs and assist with navigating a successful collegiate career. In addition, opportunities are available for students to conduct undergraduate research with faculty and clinical internships through the School's partnerships in Central Florida.

The available undergraduate degrees include:

Biomedical Sciences B.S.: This multidisciplinary degree combines core courses in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and Biochemistry, along with a broad array of elective courses. It is rooted in core courses in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Immunology.

Read also: Comprehensive Guide to Biomedical Engineering Scholarships
Molecular Microbiology B.S.: This program is designed for students with a strong interest in infectious diseases.
Molecular and Cellular Biology B.S.: This program caters to students with a strong interest in cell biology and the mechanisms that underlie human diseases.
Biotechnology B.S.: This program produces highly trained workers to meet the workforce needs of the biotechnology industry in Florida and beyond.
Medical Laboratory Sciences B.S.: Upon graduation and successful licensure, the technologist must possess skills and demonstrate the ability to interpret quality control and patient data, problem solve, teach, and manage in a laboratory setting.
Integrated Biomedical Sciences Track: The Track in Integrated Biomedical Sciences has been designed to be available for students in the Burnett School of Biomedical Science who are successful in matriculating through the majority of one of our rigorous degree programs (Molecular Microbiology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biotechnology or Biomedical Science), but are unable to maintain the target GPA of 3.0. This degree program is also being developed as an alternative to students moving into the General Studies degree or similar completion degrees that are not STEM degree programs.

Read also: Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering

Pre-Medical Track

The Pre-medical track in Biomedical Science has the same common core pre-requisites and core course requirements as our degree in Biomedical Science. However the track requires the SLS 2311 Selected Medical Careers course, ZOO 3733C Human Anatomy, PCB 3703C Human Physiology and we also strongly encourage other specific electives that can help student best prepare for application to medical schools.

Admission and Degree Requirements

Students who declare this major come in on a "Pending" status. In order for students to transition out of "Pending" status, they must earn a "C" or better in each of the following courses or their equivalents: BSC 2010C, CHM 2045C, CHM 2046, CHM 2210.

Students who change degree programs and select this major must adopt the most current catalog. Students should complete the General Education Program before transferring within the Florida College System or State University System. Grades below "C" in Common Program Prerequisites, Core Requirements and Restricted Electives are not accepted.

Academic Progress Policy

Students in undergraduate majors within the College of Medicine are expected to consistently make good progress towards their degrees. Therefore, the COM/BSBS Progress Policy mandates that undergraduate students meet the requirements of the policy. The specific requirements of the Progress Policy are outlined below:

Students who earned 5 low grades (C-, D, F, NC, U) will be placed on a probationary status.
Students who earn 8 or more low grades (C-, D, F, NC, U) will be excluded from all COM majors.
Students with 2 unsuccessful attempts of the same UCF course will be placed on a probationary status.
Students with 3 unsuccessful attempts of the same UCF course will be excluded from all COM majors.

Students in this program must maintain a minimum core science/math GPA of 3.0 to maintain status in the program. The courses included in this GPA include all courses in the Common Program Prerequisites, Core requirements (Advanced level) and Restricted electives. Students who are unable to maintain such GPA must revert back into the non-track Biomedical Sciences B.S.

Students should consult with a BSBS academic advisor at least once a semester.

Restrictions on Multiple Majors

While many students discover that they have interests in varied disciplines at the University of Central Florida, they are not permitted to pursue two majors within the College of Medicine. College of Medicine students may declare a major and a minor within the college or pursue a second major or minor in another academic college at UCF.

Guidance and Support

Students should consult with a BSBS academic success coach at least one time each semester.

Integrated Biomedical Sciences Track Progress Policy

Degree Requirements Students who change degree programs and select this major must adopt the most current catalog. Students should complete the General Education Program before transferring within the Florida College System or State University System. Grades below "C" in Common Program Prerequisites, Core Requirements and Restricted Electives are not accepted.

Students in undergraduate majors within the College of Medicine are expected to consistently make good progress towards their degrees. Therefore, the COM/BSBS Progress Policy mandates that undergraduate students meet the requirements of the policy. Below are the specific requirements of the Progress Policy:

Students who earned 3 low grades (C-, D, F, NC, U, or Z) will be placed on a probationary status.
Students who earn 5 or more low grades (C-, D, F, NC, U, or Z) will be excluded from all COM majors.
Students with 2 unsuccessful attempts of the same UCF course will be placed on a probationary status.
Students with 3 unsuccessful attempts of the same UCF course will be excluded from all COM majors.

UCF courses and courses taken transiently will be included in Progress Policy reviews

Students who are re-admitted to UCF and choose to matriculate into the College of Medicine via discontinuation, disqualification, or second-degree seeking status will be placed into the Integrated Biomedical Sciences major until an evaluation of their transcript and qualifications can be completed. Students will be moved into their chosen degree program if they meet all academic and degree requirements, including Progress Policy.

Graduate Programs in Biomedical Sciences

The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program is a nonthesis program for students who wish to further their knowledge in the field and prepare for professional careers in medical fields, higher education, and research. Students interested in research and thesis work should apply to the Master of Science in Biotechnology program.

This degree has MS Biomedical Sciences (no track) and 5 tracks: Cancer Biology Track, Infectious Disease Track, Integrated Medical Sciences Track, Metabolic and Cardiovascular Sciences Track, and Neuroscience Track. Students interested in online program should be applying to MS Biomedical Sciences-no track. Students interested in in courses taught in person or mix-mode should be applying to any of the MS Biomedical Sciences 5 tracks.

Career Opportunities

Offering a wide range of courses in the biomedical sciences, this program provides you with an opportunity to build a strong background in subjects such as anatomy, molecular biology, cell biology, neurobiology, physiology, microbiology, and immunology.

During your time at UCF, join one of the several biomedical science student organizations or work with faculty on directed research. Biomedical science key research divisions include cancer, cardiovascular, immunity and pathogenesis, neuroscience, and molecular microbiology.

Occupations in biomedical sciences are projected to grow more than 11% through 2029. The median earnings for biomedical sciences graduates is $89,000.

Additional Learning Opportunities

Learn the basic and functional anatomy in a clinically oriented way to study systems within the human body. The lab component of this honors course provides enrichment and an opportunity to view cadaver specimens.

Transferring to UCF with an A.A. Degree

Degree pathways are designed for the student who plans to transfer to the University of Central Florida as a junior to complete a Bachelorâs degree after completing an Associate in Arts degree at Valencia. You are encouraged to develop an education plan that includes the courses required for your A.A. In order to be eligible for and calculated in your enrollment status for financial aid, courses for which you are enrolled must count toward your Associate in Arts degree (36 credits of general education and 24 credits of electives).

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