Major map:

Biomedical Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences [B.Sc. (BMSC)]

Learn how to get the most out of your degree and prepare for your future career.

Biomedical Science is a diverse field of study that focuses on facets of the biological sciences especially relevant to human health and the improvement of patient care. Through a unique partnership, the College of Medicine and College of Arts and Science offer five distinct B.Sc. (BMSC) degree programs majoring in:

Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology
Biomedical Foundations
Biomedical Neuroscience
Cellular, Physiological and Pharmacological Sciences
Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences

All five of these majors build on a shared two-year biomedical science core platform that provides students with a broad introductory exposure to cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology and pharmacology. After completing these core courses, students select one of the above BMSC major programs in which to specialize for their third and fourth years of study.

Not a USask student?

Learn more about studying biomedical sciences at USask and apply for admission.

Explore your major

Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue, meet with a BMSC undergraduate advisor and/or Arts and Science academic advisor to understand all major requirements.

Year 1 BMSC common core courses

The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.

BIOL 120.3 | The Nature of Life
CHEM 112.3 | General Chemistry I Structure Bonding and Properties of Materials
CHEM 115.3 | General Chemistry II Chemical Processes
PHYS 115.3 | Physics and the Universe
PHYS 117.3 | Physics for the Life Sciences
BMSC 200.3 | Biomolecules

You choose
  • One course (3cu) to fulfill part of your MATH/STAT requirements
  • Three courses (9cu) to fulfill part of your elective requirements

Academic tips

What will I learn?
  • Critical thinking and problem solving. Our learners will develop analytical thinking skills that are an excellent preparation for health science professional programs and biomedical research careers
  • Technical skills in basic life sciences, many of which have high clinical relevance
  • Broad understanding of the molecular basis of life from single molecules to complex biological systems
  • Specific knowledge of key disease processes and infectious agents
  • Gain hands-on research experience in some of the leading biomedical research labs in the country

Gain relevant experience

Create local and global connections

Get career ready

Featured courses

Explore your major

Your second year is an exposure to the breadth of the biomedical sciences. The common core will allow you to sample courses from the various programs and determine how your strengths, interests and aspirations align. View the course and program catalogue, meet with a BMSC undergraduate advisor and/or Arts and Science academic advisor to understand all major requirements. 

Year 2 BMSC common core courses

The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.

BMSC 207.3 | Human Body Systems I
BMSC 208.3 | Human Body Systems II
BMSC 210.3 | Microbiology
BMSC 220.3 | Cell Biology
BMSC 230.3 | Metabolism
BMSC 240.3 | Laboratory Techniques
CHEM 250.3 | Introduction to Organic Chemistry

You choose
  • One course (3cu) to fulfill part of your MATH/STAT requirements
  • Two courses (6cu) to fulfill part of your elective requirements
You will choose a major through the declare intent process near the end of second or third year (March – April) once all the above courses are completed

Academic tips

Choose your major

Choose from five distinct B.Sc. (BMSC) degree programs.

Gain relevant experience

Create local and global connections

Get career ready

Career readiness competencies

Career Readiness Competencies are transferable skill sets that will prepare you for the world of work and include the top attributes that employers are looking for:

  • Career & Self-Development
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Equity & Inclusion
  • Leadership
  • Professionalism
  • Teamwork
  • Technology

Explore your major

Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue, meet with an Arts and Science academic advisor, and/or meet with a BMSC undergraduate advisor to understand all major requirements.

Year 3 and 4 BMSC

After your second year, choose your major and specialize in one of the following four-year programs. Please note, some majors have limited availability and acceptance will be based on academic standing.

You choose

Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology (BMIS)

  • This major includes microbial physiology and pathogenesis, protein structure and function, molecular biology, microbial genetics, virology, tumour biology and cancer, immunology and immunopathogenesis

Biomedical Foundations (BMF)

  • This major builds on the shared two-year biomedical sciences platform shared by all the biomedical science majors to provide students with a strong foundation of multi-disciplinary training. This program includes necessary courses for students seeking entry into certain health-related professional schools not requiring a four-year degree, such as the Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, and Post-Degree Nursing programs at the University of Saskatchewan

Biomedical Neurosience (NEUR)

  • This major includes education in many of the central topics in neuroscience including molecular and cellular neuroscience, systems and sensory neuroscience, behavioural and cognitive neuroscience, neurophysiology and neuroanatomy

Cellular, Physiological and Pharmacological Sciences (CPPS)

  • This major provides a comprehensive understanding of the functions and mechanisms of actions of the cells and major systems of the human body, and of the effects and mode of action of chemicals which modify the major systems of the body

Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (IDBMSC)

  • Are you looking for a broad foundation for professional school like medicine, or do you have interests that span disciplines?  This major enables cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary training that positions graduates for careers in the biomedical sciences, community health and epidemiology, public health, and other health-related professions

Apply to graduate

Academic tips

Consider applying to a graduate program
Find a program

Gain relevant experience

Create local and global connections

Get career ready

Career readiness competencies

Career Readiness Competencies are transferable skill sets that will prepare you for the world of work and include the top attributes that employers are looking for:

  • Career & Self-Development
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Equity & Inclusion
  • Leadership
  • Professionalism
  • Teamwork
  • Technology

Possible destinations

People with a biomedical sciences degree take their knowledge and skills into many different industries and occupations. Note that some of the career paths listed here require further education and training.

Career paths

  • Biomedical Ethics Researcher
  • Biomedical Scientist
  • Biophysicist
  • Biostatistician
  • Chemist
  • Clinical Application Specialist
  • Clinical Research Associate
  • Consultant
  • Dentistry
  • Engineering Consultant
  • Ergonomist
  • Field Scientist
  • Immunologist
  • Laboratory Assistant
  • Laboratory Supervisor
  • Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Medicine
  • Microbiologist
  • Molecular Biologist
  • Nursing
  • Pharmaceutical Sales
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Pharmacist
  • Physiotherapist
  • Professor
  • R&D Scientist
  • Research Officer
  • Research Program Coordinator
  • Research Scientist
  • Scientific Director

My program offered me a chance to practice practical lab skills that I can use in my field. There were many opportunities for interdisciplinary cooperation and this helped to create a more well rounded educational experience and improve my ability to work as a team in my field.

—Emma, third-year biochemistry, microbiology and immunology student

Where do USask alumni work?

  • Canadian Light Source
  • Circle Cardiovascular Imaging
  • GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
  • Life Labs
  • McGill University
  • St. Paul's Hospital
  • Toronto Research Chemicals
  • University Health Network
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of Saskatchewan
  • VIDO-InterVac
  • Western University

Explore Canadian salaries for various occupations using the Job Bank Career Planning Tool

"My most valuable experience within the BMI program is meeting other people who are interested in the same kind of science as me. Being a BMI student who is passionate and excited for the future of science has opened many doors for me in terms of meeting faculty, doing research, and having my work published. I believe that having a BMI degree is a great way to set yourself up for success in the future as there are many opportunities for further education, research positions, and clinical jobs."

—Hannah, fourth-year biochemistry, microbiology and immunology student

"I decided to give MCIM a try. After one term, I knew I had made the right choice. The labs are incredibly valuable for learning all the important techniques and methods that form the basis of the major. Plus, there are many valuable classes that offer a unique experience that will help you develop important skills... I think that finding a job related to this degree will be easier than before, since its value is now being recognized globally and hopefully demand will increase along with it."

—Liliana, fourth-year biochemistry, microbiology and immunology student

"The CURE Lab course provided a unique opportunity to apply the knowledge I have gained throughout my degree and work on my research development skills. The BMI program provided both career opportunities as well as many options to continue my education with graduate studies."

—Kennedy, fourth-year biochemistry, microbiology and immunology student