Honours Bachelor of Science – Biomedical Sciences

Brief Overview

The Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences program provides an integrated, comprehensive curriculum to prepare graduates for medical school, graduate degree programs and careers in biotechnology and related industries.

The program focuses on developing knowledge and competencies in biomedical sciences while emphasizing the role of contemporary digital technologies.

The core curriculum includes biology, psychology, molecular biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, genetics, biostatistics, anatomy, physiology and emerging technology in health.

Quick Facts

  • Designed for students passionate about biomedical science.
  • Prepares graduates for medical school, graduate programs and careers in biotechnology.
  • Curriculum covers biological, biomedical, chemical, physical, psychological, social and behavioural foundations.
  • Emphasizes digital skills, communication and scientific inquiry and reasoning.
  • Developed with expertise from UNF's partner medical institutions, including Saba University School of Medicine, Medical University of the Americas and St. Matthew’s University.
  • Students can choose to accelerate their studies by enrolling in courses during all four terms of the academic year, shortening the time to completion of the degree.
View or download the 2023 Honours Bachelor of Science Factsheet Here
Course Structure [Course Prerequisites (P) & Co-requisites (C)]

Year 1:

Term 1

  1. General Biology (3 CR)
  2. Intro to Medical & Scientific Computing (3 CR)
  3. Into to University Writing & Comprehension (3 CR)

Term 2

  1. General Chemistry I (4 CR, Co-requisite: General Chemistry I Laboratory)
  2. General Chemistry I Laboratory (0 CR, Co-requisite: General Chemistry I)
  3. Math for Biological Sciences (3 CR)
  4. Core Curriculum Course (3 CR)

Term 3

  1. General Chemistry II (4 CR, Prerequisite: General Chemistry I, Co-requisite: General Chemistry II Laboratory)
  2. General Chemistry II Laboratory (0 CR, Co-requisite: General Chemistry II)
  3. Scientific Inquiry (3 CR)
  4. Core Curriculum Course (3 CR)

Term 4

Term Break

Year 2:

Term 1

  1. Organic Chemistry I (4 CR, Prerequisite: General Chemistry II, Co-requisite: Organic Chemistry I Laboratory)
  2. Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (0 CR, Co-requisite: Organic Chemistry I)
  3. Medical & Scientific Communication (3 CR, Prerequisite: Introduction to University Writing & Comprehension)
  4. Core Curriculum Course (3 CR)

Term 2

  1. Organic Chemistry II (4 CR, Prerequisite: Organic Chemistry I)
  2. Organic Chemistry II Laboratory (0 CR, Co-requisite: Organic Chemistry II)
  3. Introduction to Biostatistics (3 CR)
  4. Core Curriculum Course (3 CR)

Term 3

  1. Human Biology (3 CR, Prerequisite: General Biology)
  2. Intro to Psychology (3 CR)
  3. Physics for Life Sciences (3 CR)

Term 4

Term Break

Year 3:

Term 1

  1. Molecular Biology (4 credits) – Prerequisite: General Biology; Co-requisite: Molecular Biology Laboratory
  2. Molecular Biology Laboratory (Co-requisite: Molecular Biology)
  3. Introduction to Nutrition (3 credits)
  4. Introduction to Health Research Methods (3 credits) – Prerequisite: Medical & Scientific Communication
  5. Core Curriculum Course (3 credits)

Term 2

  1. Microbiology with virtual lab exercises (3 credits) – Prerequisite: General Biology
  2. Community Health (3 credits) – Prerequisite: Introduction to Biostatistics
  3. Core Curriculum Course (3 credits)

Term 3

  1. Human Anatomy & Physiology with virtual lab exercises (3 CR) – Prerequisite: General Biology
  2. Health Psychology (3 CR) – Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology
  3. Core Curriculum Course (3 CR)

Term 4

Term Break

Year 4:

Term 1

  1. Biochemistry (4 CR, Prerequisites: General Biology, Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry II; Co-requisite: Biochemistry Laboratory)
  2. Biochemistry Laboratory (Co-requisite: Biochemistry)
  3. Communication for Health Professionals (3 CR, Prerequisite: Introduction to University Writing & Comprehension)
  4. Clinical Cases (3 CR)
  5. Core Curriculum Course (3 CR)

Term 2

  1. Human Physiology & Histology with virtual lab exercises (3 CR, Prerequisites: General Biology, Human Anatomy & Physiology)
  2. Abnormal Psychology (3 CR) – Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology
  3. Core Curriculum Course (3 CR)

Term 3

  1. Genetics (3 CR) – Prerequisite: General Biology
  2. Learning Strategies for Health Professionals (3 CR)
  3. Core Curriculum Course (3 CR)

Non-Core Courses

  • Communications Theory
  • Contemporary Literature: Narrative and Drama
  • Introduction to University Writing and Comprehension
  • Moral Philosophy
  • Public Relations: Practice and Theory
  • Introduction to Criminology
  • Canadian Urban History
  • Microeconomics
  • Macroeconomics
  • Digital Mindset
  • Design Thinking
  • Media and Government
  • Mass Media and Society
  • Introduction to Ecology
  • Physical Geology
  • Social Psychology
  • Introduction to Astronomy
  • The Internet of Things
  • Big Data
  • Business Statistics
  • Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
  • Global Entrepreneurship
  • Cross Cultural Management
  • Global Business and Politics
  • International Business

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences program can explore career paths in multiple fields. Potential career opportunities include:

  • Healthcare professionals
  • Laboratory Technicians
  • Science Writers or Journalists
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives
  • Public Policy Advisors
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Researchers
  • Academics

Labour Market Overview

The labour market for biomedical sciences graduates is promising, with significant growth expected. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) predicts a 52.2% growth in health occupations and a 38.9% growth in natural and applied sciences by 2028, resulting in 1.4 million new opportunities.

Focusing on 28 relevant occupational classifications, ESDC forecasts 760,000 job openings by 2028, with 50% new positions. The highest opportunities are expected in nursing, family physicians, specialist physicians and healthcare management.

This institution (University of Niagara Falls Canada) has been granted a consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this program for a seven-year term starting October 14, 2022. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g., acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions.