The Biomedical Science major started in autumn 2005 and proudly graduated its first class in spring 2009. The major includes:
- A curriculum that includes the traditional pre-med courses, as well as unique classes in the critical analysis of research literature; laboratory techniques; social issues in medicine; healthcare policy; leadership; and advanced multidisciplinary studies of immunology/infectious disease, genetics/neurology, and cancer
- Involvement in cutting edge biomedical research, starting as early as the freshman year
- Opportunities for internship and apprenticeship in the finest labs at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and around the world
- Classes taught by the same faculty who instruct Ohio State's medical and graduate students
The major seeks to put students in an excellent position for entering a graduate program in medical research, medicine, dentistry, or just about any other area of healthcare. While students learn the basics in the sciences and the liberal arts, they also develop effective teamwork skills, excellent leadership abilities, and advanced written and oral communication skills.
Students interested in majoring in Biomedical Science are required to apply for admission to the program as a senior in high school. Students who are academically motivated and have an interest in conducting medical research and studying human disease are encouraged to apply. (For autumn 2025 admission consideration, the Biomedical Science Major Application is due November 15, 2024). Approximately 25 freshmen are admitted to the competitive major each academic year.
I invite you to learn more about the Biomedical Science major, admission, career opportunities, and meet our faculty and students by browsing through our website. If you have questions, please contact Steven Mousetes, Program Manager, by email at mousetes.1@osu.edu or by telephone at 614-247-8060.
Sincerely,John Gunn, PhD
Professor, Pediatrics
Faculty Director, Biomedical Science Major
Points of Pride
Each year, a new class of approximately 26 freshmen begin the Biomedical Science major. From the first day of classes at Ohio State, these students take a mix of courses that are only for students in this major and other courses that can be taken by any member of the student body. Each semester, the Biomedical Science students take at least one class with just their Biomedical Science classmates. Biomedical Science courses are taught by the same faculty who teach the medical and research students.
All undergraduate students at Ohio State have the opportunity to pursue research; however, the Biomedical Science major is the first major that has incorporated biomedical research experience into its regular curriculum. During the freshman and sophomore years, students complete seminar courses exposing them to the major research projects occurring at the Wexner Medical Center by the very people conducting the research. This allows students the chance to learn what research topic they might like to pursue as well as which researcher would best serve as a mentor. Students join a lab by the beginning of their sophomore year and remain through the conclusion of their junior year. Some students begin working in a lab as early as their freshman year and decide to continue their research throughout their senior year.
The Biomedical Science major is just the starting point to students' academic careers. This major is designed to provide a strong undergraduate preparation for students who wish to pursue further education in medicine and/or research. Students have time to complete the prerequisites for just about any professional program at Ohio State, including optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, and medicine, as well as prerequisite courses and requirements for programs outside of Ohio State.
In addition to the opportunity to meet and know professors and researchers in our small class sizes, students have the opportunity to interact with support staff throughout campus. Students have the same academic advisor throughout their time at Ohio State, and the advisor works exclusively with the Biomedical Science program. When students are beginning to prepare for your graduate school interviews, the advisor is available to conduct mock interviews. Throughout the four undergraduate years at Ohio State, students tap into the rich resources Ohio State has to offer.
Biomedical Science students have unique opportunities offered to them; they can conduct very in-depth and extensive research experiences. They have physician shadowing opportunities that other students do not. They can take many graduate-level science classes as undergraduates. Students who take full advantage of the opportunities afforded them make more informed decisions about their future careers, both at the time of graduation and later. For example, many Biomedical Science alumni want a clinical career in medicine, but also want to incorporate research or administration into their careers. As these alumni go through their graduate education and early careers, they recall the experiences they had as undergraduates to determine where they want to go in the future.
Biomedical Science students feel they are a part of something special. Their classmates are colleagues, not competition. When one Biomedical Science student succeeds, the whole major and everyone affiliated with it benefits. This sense of community is reinforced by a mentoring program between freshmen and upperclassmen, social events, and a classroom environment that encourages collaboration.