Major
Biomedical Science
The Biomedical Science major (BMS) is a part of the Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the College of Arts and Sciences. The program offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biomedical Science. There is the normal path and a 3+4 dual degree option (B.S. and O.D. degrees) with the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) for students matriculating to KYCO before completing their B.S. in Biomedical Science.
The BMS major is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Biology and Chemistry programs. Students gain a strong foundation in organic chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and genetics as well as critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Graduates of the BMS major acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and experiences to pursue post-baccalaureate study in biomedical disciplines, including programs in medicine, dentistry, optometry, physician assistant, as well as graduate degrees in a variety of health science-related fields.
3+4 Dual Degree program with the Kentucky College of Optometry
The College of Arts and Sciences offers a 3+ 4 dual degree program with the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) and the Biomedical Science (BMS) major. This program enables academically qualified students to earn the B.S. degree in Biomedical Science and the Doctor of Optometry degree in seven years.
Students accepted to the 3+4 program will gain a strong foundation to be successful in the Optometry program at KYCO by completing all the requirements of the BMS major (except CHE 441 Biochemistry I and CHE 442 Biochemistry II); all of the general education requirements; and any required prerequisites for admission to KYCO. The B.S. degree in Biomedical Science is awarded by the University of Pikeville following the successful completion of the first year of graduate study at KYCO. The Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree is awarded after successful completion of four years at KYCO. Given the dual degree program is highly prescriptive in its requirements, it requires advanced planning and careful course registration to be ready for optometry school in three years. Please consult with your academic advisor. To take advantage of the dual degree option, students must complete the KYCO admissions process and matriculate to KYCO before completing a bachelor’s degree.
Degrees
Courses
BMS-171: Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology I
Credits 4This course provides a basic understanding of biology and chemistry with insight into the human body, primarily at the cellular, tissue, and some system levels. Topics include basic chemistry of life, basic cellular structure, basic histology, bones, joints, muscles, cardiovascular, immune, and respiratory systems. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Does not count toward a major or minor in Biology or Biomedical Science. This course fulfills the Physical and Natural Place requirement in the General Education Curriculum.
BMS-172: Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology II
Credits 4In this course, the human body is investigated primarily at the system level. Areas of study include nervous, special senses, endocrine, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BMS 171. Does not count toward a major or minor in Biology or Biomedical Science.
BMS-273: Clinical Microbiology
Credits 4This course is designed for allied health students in need a broad foundation in microbiology as well as insight into the role microorganisms play in health and disease. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory work each week. Does not replace BIO 350. Does not count toward a major or minor in Biology or Biomedical Science.
BMS-324: Pathophysiology
Credits 3Pathophysiology will extend a student's understanding of physiological processes of the human body associated with disease or injury. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BMS 172. Does not count toward a major or minor in Biology or Biomedical Science.
BMS-430: Immunology
Credits 3A study of the immune system including the basic structure of the immunoglobulins, the immune response, interaction of antigen and antibody, immunity to infection, rejection mechanisms of transplantation and autoimmunity. Prerequisites: Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BIO 154, BIO 156, and BIO 350. Recommended: BIO 400 and CHE 425.
BMS-440: Histology
Credits 4The microscopic study of the cells and tissues of the body. Different types of microscopy will be discussed, with an emphasis on light microscopy. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BIO 154 and BIO 156.
BMS-441: Neuroscience
Credits 3A study of nervous system physiology with contextual anatomy of the nervous system. Three hours of lecture each week. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BIO 320 and CHE 314. Pre-or co-requisite BMS 471. Recommended BIO 400.
BMS-471: Anatomy and Physiology I
Credits 4This course provides a detailed explanation of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system and circulatory system. The course lays the basis of understanding , diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory work each week. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BIO 320.
BMS-472: Advanced Anatomy and Physiology II
Credits 4This course provides a detailed explanation of the structure and function of the endocrine, respiratory, digestive and genital urinary system. The course lays the basis for understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory work each week. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BIO 472.
BMS-480: Seminar in Biomedical Science
Credits 1Presentation of current and historical topics in Biomedical Sciences. The course emphasizes practice in the presentation of oral and written reports. As part of the course, students will be assessed in terms of their knowledge of the field of biomedical sciences. Prerequisite: At least 20 semester hours of BIO, BMS, and CHE courses that count toward the major and senior standing or consent of the Instructor.
BMS-490: Special Topics in Biomedical Science
Credits 1 4A study of selected topic of special interest. The topic may differ each time the course is offered and may be proposed by the instructor or students. This course may be taken for credit any number of times, provided that a different topic is studied each time. May only count once as an elective for the Biomedical Sciences major. Prerequisites: BIO 154 and CHE 313.
BMS-511: Foundations in BMS
Credits 3This graduate-level course is designed for students to demonstrate foundational knowledge in key areas of biomedical science, including cell biology and molecular biology, as they relate to human health and disease. Students will describe and integrate fundamental concepts across cell biology and physiology. The course focuses on identifying major concepts underpinning advanced coursework, requiring students to list principles, compare concepts across biological systems, and construct concept maps linking biomedical concepts to human health and disease. Furthermore, students will apply scientific terminology and conceptual frameworks, accurately using biomedical terms, summarizing current research articles, and presenting oral explanations of concepts. This course aligns with program outcomes related to demonstrating comprehensive understanding of core concepts, applying scientific reasoning, and evaluating and solving biomedical problems.
BMS-515: Human Anatomy
Credits 3This course focuses on developing students' ability to identify human anatomical structures through methods including regional dissection and imaging techniques. Students will also describe functional relationships among the various body systems. A key objective is to prepare students to apply this anatomical knowledge to interpret clinical and surgical scenarios. This course contributes to the program outcome of demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of core biomedical science concepts,including anatomical and physiological processes, and evaluating and solving biomedical problems.
BMS-522: Medical Biochemistry
Credits 3This course requires students to analyze biochemical pathways critical to human metabolism, disease states, and pharmacological interventions. Students will diagram key metabolic pathways and their regulatory steps, compare normal versus altered pathway activities in conditions like diabetes or cancer, and evaluate the biochemical impact of therapeutic drugs. A key focus is on interpreting metabolic data and predicting the consequences of biochemical disruptions. This includes analyzing graphical or tabular data, predicting the downstream effects of enzyme deficiencies, and assessing laboratory findings to propose likely metabolic imbalances. Students will apply biochemistry principles to clinical case scenarios, analyzing cases of metabolic imbalance to determine their biochemical basis, constructing biochemical rationales for symptoms, and recommending appropriate biochemical interventions or diagnostic tests. The course supports program outcomes in understanding core biomedical concepts, evaluating and solving problems, and demonstrating preparedness for professional study.
BMS-530: Research and Biostatistics
Credits 3This course is designed to enable students to design and evaluate biomedical research utilizing appropriate methodology and statistical analysis. Students will define key components of experimental design, select and justify the use of statistical tests for different data types, and create structured research proposals. A critical component is the ability to critically review peer-reviewed literature and assess experimental validity. This involves summarizing articles, evaluating them for bias and limitations, and comparing the methodological rigor across multiple studies. The course also focuses on teaching students to apply ethical and regulatory principles to research proposals and conduct, identifying key ethical principles and regulations (like IRB review or HIPAA), analyzing case studies for compliance, and developing mock IRB applications. This course directly supports program outcomes in applying scientific reasoning and research methodologies, communicating biomedical information, and interpreting ethical principles and federal regulations.
BMS-543: Microbiology
Credits 3In this course, students will identify major classes of pathogens, detailing their mechanisms of infection and resistance. This includes classifying pathogens, describing pathogenesis mechanisms like adherence or toxin production, and explaining common mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance. Students will explain host-pathogen interactions and the principles used in microbial control, such as illustrating immune responses to infection and comparing sterilization/disinfection methods. A core component is the ability to analyze case-based scenarios involving microbial diagnostics and treatment, interpreting test results, evaluating cases to select appropriate antimicrobial therapy based on resistance profiles, and constructing diagnostic workflows for infectious diseases. This course supports program outcomes in understanding core concepts, evaluating and solving problems, and demonstrating preparedness.
BMS-557: Immunology
Credits 3This course enables students to describe the components and functions of the immune system in the context of both health and disease. Students will apply immunological concepts to explain complex phenomena such as hypersensitivity reactions, autoimmunity, and the mechanisms underlying vaccination. A significant aspect involves learning to evaluate research and clinical data to assess specific immune response mechanisms. This coursework contributes to achieving program outcomes related to demonstrating comprehensive understanding of core concepts, evaluating and solving problems, and demonstrating preparedness for advanced study.
BMS-561: Applied Genetics
Credits 3This course focuses on training students to interpret patterns of inheritance and analyze genetic variation relevant to human disease. This involves distinguishing inheritance patterns using pedigree analysis, predicting outcomes of genetic crosses, and analyzing SNPs and chromosomal abnormalities in relation to specific disorders. Students will evaluate different genetic screening methods and critically assess the ethical implications associated with genetic testing. This includes comparing techniques, assessing clinical utility and limitations of various tests, and articulating potential ethical dilemmas such as informed consent or genetic discrimination. The course emphasizes the ability to apply genetic principles to case-based scenarios within the scope of precision medicine, interpreting data on gene-drug interactions, correlating genotype with phenotype in complex disorders, and constructing clinical case summaries integrating genetic information for decision-making. This course aligns with program outcomes in understanding core concepts, evaluating and solving problems, and interpreting ethical principles and regulations.
BMS-575: Advanced Physiology
Credits 3This course teaches students to explain complex regulatory mechanisms within major human body systems. This includes describing homeostatic feedback loops in endocrine, cardiovascular, and renal systems, illustrating the physiological role of the autonomic nervous system, and explaining hormonal and neural regulation of fluid/electrolyte balance. Students will learn to analyze physiological data and predict the outcomes of system dysfunctions, interpreting graphs and tables, predicting effects of organ system dysfunction on others, and comparing lab values to diagnose potential disorders. The course requires students to apply physiological knowledge to interpret clinical and diagnostic scenarios, correlating clinical symptoms with underlying mechanisms, analyzing patient data to propose physiological explanations, and designing evidence-based explanations of how pharmacological agents modify physiological function to treat disease. This supports program outcomes in understanding core concepts, evaluating and solving problems, and demonstrating preparedness for professional study.
BMS-580: Capstone
Credits 3This culminating experience allows students to integrate the biomedical knowledge and research skills acquired throughout the program to develop a scholarly product. This involves formulating a focused research question or project goal, synthesizing relevant literature and scientific principles, and designing and completing a scholarly project with appropriate methodology, analysis, and interpretation of results. Students are required to demonstrate effective scientific communication in both written and oral formats, drafting professional-quality reports and delivering oral presentations, while also incorporating feedback to refine their work. The course prompts students to reflect on their professional growth and articulate future career goals, composing reflections on their development, identifying gained skills aligned with career paths, and developing a personalized professional development plan. While the UPIKE program is described as a non-thesis curriculum, this course outcome structure aligns with a significant capstone project or scholarly product. This course aligns with program outcomes in applying scientific reasoning, communicating information, and identifying career paths/planning. Pre-req: Minimum of 12 credits completed in the program.
BMS-ELEC: BMS Elective Requirement
Credits 10Choose a minimum of 10 credit hours of electives from the following list: BCM 300 Methods in Biotechnology BCM 443 Biochemistry Lab BIO 303 Introduction to Evolution BIO 328 Biological Data Analysis BIO 402 General Parasitology BIO 430 Immunology BIO 440 Histology BIO 441 Neurobiology BIO 472 Advanced Anatomy and Physiology II CHE 321 Quantitative Analysis CHE 335 Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology CHE 451 Physical Chemistry I Once you have added this course to your plan, delete this placeholder by clicking the X.