Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (BMS)
Brenda Schoffstall, Ph.D.; M.L.S. (ASCP), Professor and Program Director
Program Overview
The Biomedical Sciences Program is a graduate level program intended for post baccalaureate students who wish to improve their overall profile in order to gain admission into professional programs such as dental, medical, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant, podiatry, and veterinary schools, or doctoral (Ph.D.) biomedical science programs. Graduates will be able to advance as biomedical scientists or health care professionals. The core basic science courses are similar to those found in the first year of the medical/dental school curriculum. This program requires a special program fee. Program options are as follows:
Master’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences
1. Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental tracks—One Year (three semesters) curriculum. The Pre-Medical track prepares BMS students for application to Medical Schools (Allopathic, Osteopathic, and Podiatric), Physician Associate schools, and various other clinical professional school programs (i.e., Pharmacy, Histotechnology, Medical Laboratory Science, Optometry, etc.) The Pre-Dental track prepares BMS students for application to Dental School programs.
2. Research track—24 months (four semesters) curriculum. The research track prepares students to enter research-intensive Ph.D. programs in Biomedical Sciences. The BMS program is flexible to ensure student success.
Medical and Dental track students must meet minimum first semester GPA and grade requirements to be allowed to continue with a one-year degree completion plan; unsatisfactory performance in the first semester may result in reduction of hours per semester and an extension of the one-year academic plan. The medical and dental tracks consist of 34 semester credit hours of didactic instruction plus a comprehensive examination (CR/NC). The research track consists of 33 semester credit hours of didactic instruction that includes a capstone research project.
Philosophy and Mission
The philosophy of the Biomedical Sciences Program is consistent with the Barry University mission.
Our obligation to the graduates: Our faculty is committed to helping students achieve their goals and producing graduates who can make a difference as leaders in the international health care community. Existing as a scholarly community, we are committed to the highest academic standards in graduate education. As part of the Biomedical Sciences Program, students will learn to grow as individuals committed to lifelong learning and social justice.
Our obligation to the community: To provide an educational program that reaches out to the local community in the form of service and research. Through health fairs, fundraisers, and research projects we strive to address social justice issues related to health care, while simultaneously providing direct interaction between community members and students.
Graduate students are self-directed learners. Achievement of the behavioral objectives of the Program requires intense commitment, motivation, and initiative. The student is responsible for his/her success in the Program.
The faculty serves as facilitators of learning, providing direction and support to students. Faculty is committed to the responsibilities of teaching, guidance, and professionalism, and provides individualized instruction and counsel as needed. Techniques for facilitating learning vary with the topic and objectives.
Goals of the Curriculum
Upon successful completion of the Program, all graduates will be able to:
- Apply knowledge and skills in the biomedical sciences to solve complex health-related problems and engage in advanced medical studies (Critical Thinking);
- Collaborate and communicate with others using verbal, written, and technological skills inherent to health care, healthcare professionals, and healthcare scientists (Communication); and
- Engage in professional practices that adhere to the concepts of integrity, ethics, life-long learning, and patient advocacy (Professionalism).
Educational Objectives/Expected Outcomes
The educational objectives for the Program correlate with the three (3) goals of the curriculum: critical thinking, communication, and professionalism.
Upon completion of the Program, the graduate shall have acquired knowledge, skills and competence related to the Program goals as evidenced by the ability to:
- Analyze individual case studies and evaluate clinical treatments relative to biochemical, genetic, physical, and microbial diagnostics (Critical Thinking);
- Demonstrate collaboration by actively engaging in interdisciplinary local and global community outreach efforts for health promotion (Communication, Professionalism);
- Engage in leadership and service activities directed at promoting health (Professionalism);
- Participate in health-related research and scholarship (Professionalism);
- Correlate principles of molecular and cellular interactions to selected health and disease states (Critical Thinking, Communication);
- Demonstrate technology skills to enhance overall lifelong learning through peer-reviewed publications (Communication, Professionalism); and
- Demonstrate achievement of the Program’s objectives and synthesis of educational activities by completing a scholarly work in the form of a comprehensive examination (medical/dental) or research proposal (research) (Critical Thinking, Communication, Professionalism).
Admission Requirements for the BMS Program
- Undergraduate course pre-requisite requirements for the MS in Biomedical Sciences are dependent upon the declared track of study. Pre-requisite course requirements are based on those typically required for the specific type of professional school to which the BMS student intends to apply upon completion of the BMS degree. (Note: Calculus I is highly recommended, but is not a required BMS pre-requisite for dental/medical track applicants.)
- Dental track applicants must have grades of "C" or better in the following undergraduate courses and corresponding labs: 8 semester hours of study in each General Biology (I and II), Chemistry (I and II), Organic Chemistry (I and II), and Physics (I and II). Grades of C- or below are not acceptable.
- Medical track applicants must have grades of "C" or better in the following undergraduate courses and corresponding labs: 8 semester hours of study in each General Biology (I and II), Chemistry (I and II), Physics (I and II), Organic Chemistry (I and II) OR Organic Chemistry I (4 credits) and Biochemistry (4 credits). Grades of C- or below are not acceptable.
- Physician Associate track applicants must have grades of "C" or better in the following undergraduate courses and corresponding labs: 8 semester hours of study in each General Biology (I and II) and Chemistry (I and II); 4 semester hours of study in each Organic Chemistry (I) and Physics (I). Statistics (I) is highly recommended, but not required. Grades of C- or below are not acceptable. Please note, if a student is admitted the Physician Associate track and later changes to the Medical track, there may be a deficiency in medical school pre-requisites of Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and/or Physics.
- All “other” professional school applicants and research track applicants must have grades of "C" or better in the undergraduate courses and corresponding labs listed under the Medical track.
- The Biomedical Sciences program participates in test-optional admissions. You do not need to provide any graduate level test score to have your application processed. You can elect to provide a test score if you feel it may be beneficial for the faculty to review during the committee process, but a test score will not impact your admissions decision.
- One recommendation letter from a basic or medical sciences professor.
- A resume and a personal statement of educational/professional goals.
- International applicants must meet all requirements for international applicants listed in the general admissions section of the catalog.
- Students who have previously matriculated into professional school (DMD, DO, MD, DDS etc) may be requested to interview prior to being considered for admission into the program.
Provisional Acceptance for Masters in BMS
At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, students may be admitted as provisional students. If a student is provisionally accepted, his/her credit load will be determined by the BMS Admissions Committee and the Program Director. Graduate students must satisfy all provisions and/or conditional admission requirements prior to registering for the third semester as indicated in the acceptance letter. Students will not be able to register for the comprehensive exam or the capstone course if they have not fulfilled their provisional requirements. In addition, their respective faculty advisor will not approve the student for graduation until all provisions are met.For students provisionally accepted, all provisions take precedence over the academic standing guidelines. Your academic standing will be assessed by the Program Director.
Progression Requirements
- Students must comply with policies related to the Academic Dishonesty Policy and Civility Policy. Failure to do so will prevent progression.
- A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or above to be in good standing.
- Receipt of a failing grade is cause for dismissal from the Program.
- Students may not progress in the Program while on a Medical Leave of Absence.
- Students may not begin a new semester with a grade of ‘I’ grade in a didactic from the previous semester without the permission of the Program Director.
- Students who are dismissed from the program may re-apply for admission. Readmission is not guaranteed.
- Each student has a maximum of seven years (7) from their start of the program to complete all degree requirements, including sitting for and passing the comprehensive examination.
Academic Standing
A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or above to be considered in good standing.
Probation Status
A student with a cumulative grade point average below 3.0 (on 4.0 scale) will be placed on academic probation. Students not in good standing will be periodically reviewed by the BMS graduate admissions committee to determine eligibility to remain in the program. The Program Director will require a student on probation to register for a limited course load.
Suspension/Dismissal Status
A student will be suspended if on academic probation for two consecutive semesters and has a cumulative GPA below 3.0 or if a minimal semester GPA of 2.0 is not achieved in any given semester. Under academic suspension, a student will only be allowed to register for any BMS courses if a successful suspension appeal is submitted to the appropriate faculty member as outlined in the student suspension notification email. This includes being submitted by the listed deadline and providing all of the requested information.
Readmission
Students who have been academically inactive for at least one calendar year and wish to be readmitted must complete an application for readmission. Readmission is contingent upon approval by the Admissions Committee.
Repeat Course Policy
A graduate level course may not be attempted more than twice. However, any additional attempt may be considered only in cases of medical withdrawal at the discretion of program director. Withdrawal after the last day for late registration deadline is counted as an attempt. Quality points and credits attempted and earned for the second attempt are counted in lieu of those earned for the initial attempt. Though both attempts will remain as part of the student’s permanent record, the cumulative grade point average will reflect only the grade earned on the second attempt. No courses in the biomedical sciences curriculum may be taken for a Credit/No Credit grade.
Graduation Requirements
A student must have completed 34 credits (Dental and Medical tracks) or 33 credits including a Capstone Project (Research track) of course work with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) with no more than 8 credits of “C” grades in order to graduate with the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree. Courses with F grades must be repeated and replaced with grades of C or better. For graduation, all core classes and the last 9 credits of this degree must be completed at Barry University.
Comprehensive Examination
Master’s students on the Dental and Medical tracks must register for, and pass a comprehensive qualifying examination (“Comprehensive Exam”) based on the required course work. Comprehensive Exam fees are non-refundable/non-transferable. To be eligible for the comprehensive exam a student must have achieved a minimum 3.0 GPA for 30 credits with no more than 8 credits of C grades and no F grades and must have satisfied all provisions for admission.
With permission of the Program Director, students may request to submit scores from Step 1 of the United States Medical License Examination (USMLE), the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX), or the National Board Dental Examination in lieu of sitting the Program’s Comprehensive Exam. Passing scores are required on one of these examinations to be eligible for consideration.
Note:
- A student may only sit for the Comprehensive Exam a maximum of three times. The exam fee for the first attempt is covered by the special program fee. The second and third attempt will be billed to the student account.
- A student has a maximum of seven years from their start of the program to complete all degree requirements, including sitting for and passing the comprehensive examination.
- Students can apply for graduation after completing all the program core courses. Students enrolled in their final semester of the program may also be allowed to apply for graduation.
- Students in the Research Track must satisfactorily complete a research project/paper and capstone project in lieu of the comprehensive examination.
Grading Policy
Students should always refer to the course syllabus. Grading for a course is typically as follows:
| A |
90%–100% points |
| B |
80%–89.99% points |
| C |
70%–79.99% points |
| F |
Below 70% points |
| I |
Incomplete* |
| IP |
In Progress (incomplete internship, project) |
| CR |
Credit (completes course requirements, no grade points) |
| NC |
No credit (does not complete course requirements, no grade points) |
| W |
Withdrew from course before the withdrawal deadline |
*An ‘I’ grade is not automatically given for absence from class or incomplete work. An ‘I’ grade will need to be requested in writing by the student to the course instructor when course assignments have not been satisfactorily completed. A substantial portion of the required coursework and assignments/assessments, as determined by the faculty member, should be complete to qualify for an ‘I’ grade. Students who are granted an ‘I’ grade in a course must complete all the course requirements by the date set by the Registrar’s Office. An ‘I’ grade becomes an F if assignments are not completed.
Non-Degree-Seeking Applicants
Applicants who wish to take courses for purposes of personal enrichment, teacher certification, or to secure credits to transfer to another institution (guest students) are considered non-degree-seeking students. Such applicants must: 1) submit a completed non-degree application form with a nonrefundable application fee (waived for Barry alumni); and 2) present evidence of receipt of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized institution. Non-degree-seeking students may register for a maximum of six (6) graduate credits. Under non-degree status, students do not qualify for financial aid unless they are seeking teacher certification. Enrollment as a non-degree-seeking student in no way implies admission to a degree program.
Change of Status from Non-Degree-Seeking to Degree-Seeking Student
Students who wish to change their status from non-degree-seeking to degree-seeking must complete the required application and meet all the requirements for degree-seeking applicants for the College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Enrollment as a non-degree-seeking student in no way implies admission to a degree program. With the approval of the dean, schools may accept a maximum of six credits with a minimum grade of B to be applied from non-degree to degree-seeking. For additional information students should speak with their academic advisor.
Student Conduct Code
(See Student Handbook)
Transfer Credits
Acceptance of transfer credits is at the discretion of the Program Director. A maximum of six graduate credits may be transferred from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized institution of higher education at the time of matriculation. The program’s sequential design and specialty content prevents transfer credit of specialization coursework from outside of the curriculum. Only courses with a final grade of B or higher will be considered for transfer. Transfer credits must meet the criteria established by Barry University. Transfer credits cannot be applied to the BMS degree if they were already applied toward another degree.
Master’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences
The curriculum represents an intense program of study that provides a broad biomedical education. It is delivered by an international team of expert faculty at a level consistent with the first year of medical/dental school. Students in their respective track are required to take the following courses:
Master of Science, Medical Track (34 credits)
Required Courses (28 credits)
Electives (6 credits)
Note: Please click on BMS for course description
Master of Science, Dental Track (34 credits)
Required Courses (28 credits)
Electives (6 credits)
Note: Please click on BMS for course description
Master of Science, Research Track (33 credits)
Required Courses (24 credits)
Electives (9 credits)
BMS-
| Electives | |
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| Or | |
CLB-
| Electives | |
Note: Please click on BMS for course description
Notes:
- Classes may be offered during the day, late afternoon, or evenings.
- For the research track, a laboratory research project and capstone project will be evaluated by a graduate committee composed of an outside advisor, a Barry University faculty member, or the Program Director.
- Medical and Dental students must pass the comprehensive exam to receive their degree (see Comprehensive Exam and Graduation Requirements).