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Biomedical Science Programs and Concentrations

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is proud to offer doctoral and master’s degree programs in biomedical sciences, as well as a professional certificate program--making it easy for you to find a program that fits your needs. We also offer combined M.D./Ph.D., M.D./M.S., and M.D./M.P.H. programs in partnership with the School of Medicine  for students interested in a career in academic medicine as a physician scientist or in public health.

These programs strive to provide a vivid learning experience for individuals who will go on to achieve fulfilling careers in health professions. The challenging graduate-level coursework helps develop lasting tools for a professional health care environment that benefits communities across the globe. 

Below you will find more information about our programs (listed alphabetically), as well as available concentrations within each program. For more information on a program or concentration, please visit that individual page, or feel free to contact us!

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Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

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Biomedical Sciences Ph.D.

Students in the Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program will enter as undeclared. Once they have completed the core curriculum and rotated through faculty labs, students will then select a mentor and a concentration from the following:

• This concentration prepares students for careers in the fields of biochemistry and cellular, developmental, and molecular biology. This is a research-based concentration, with coursework designed to teach students how to approach and solve modern problems in biochemistry and biology.
• This multi-disciplinary concentration integrates several disciplines (immunology, bacterial pathogenesis, virology, parasitology, and molecular biology) to provide students with a unique educational experience.
• This concentration is designed to train students for careers in biomedical and life sciences. Much of the research in this concentration focuses on membrane proteins, and our faculty enjoy a close relationship with the Center for Membrane Protein Research (CMPR). Students in this concentration will learn a wide variety of techniques, including molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology.
• Students in this concentration will have specialized research training in the following areas available to them: pain, epilepsy, neuroplasticity, alcoholism, and neurodegenerative disorders. This department hosts the Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, a team of basic science and clinical faculty with research interests focused on all aspects of translational neuroscience.

Biotechnology M.S.

The Graduate School offers two Biotechnology tracks: : (1) a one-year, non-thesis option which provides a strong foundation of knowledge about core concepts with limited research in a laboratory setting; and (2) a 21-month, research track requiring two semesters of primarily didactic coursework and 12 months of full-time laboratory research. 

Graduate Medical Education Sciences M.S.

Graduate Medical Education Sciences (M.S.)

This two-year non-thesis Master of Graduate Medical Education Sciences degree is designed for students whose goal is a teaching career in the anatomical sciences, or those who need additional preparation for medical school. Students take courses in anatomical and physiological sciences, as well as instructional methods and design, and will participate as teaching assistants.

Pharmaceutical Sciences (M.S., Ph.D.)

Pharmaceutical Sciences M.S.

An integrated program in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences research, this program offers students a diverse education covering areas such as brain and vascular pharmacology, cancer and endocrine physiology and pharmacology, drug delivery and formulation, etc. 

Upon graduation, students within this program strengthen available health care in the field of pharmaceutical sciences by embarking on fulfilling career paths in the pharmaceutical industry, academia and governmental agencies.

Pharmaceutical Sciences Ph.D.

This program is designed to prepare students for careers in the pharmaceutical industry, academia, and federal regulatory agencies such as the FDA. This program covers all areas of pharmacy research that pertain to drug design, delivery, formulations, and therapeutics.

Admissions requirements include a degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biology, or related areas. We also provide highly regarded teaching and research assistantships for select students--these competitive assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis

Dual Degree Programs

This biomedical sciences program is for those seeking a rewarding career in academic medicine as a physician scientist. This educational path will prepare students to become medical practitioners and faculty members at a university medical center, where they will teach medical and graduate students, and, as scientists, will be involved in biomedical research.

PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences Hosts Third-Annual Accepted Applicant Visit Day

On Friday, March 22, the Graduate Medical Sciences Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS) hosted its third-annual Accepted Applicant Visit Day.

The event brought close to 50 accepted applicants from across the country to the Medical Campus, where they learned more about the academic, research, and professional development opportunities offered by PiBS.

Accepted applicants began the day by attending a networking breakfast with peers and Boston University faculty members. Following breakfast, applicants explored Boston on an Old Town Trolley Tour through the city, which highlighted the BU campus and other important sites close by.

Students returned to the Medical Campus for a busy afternoon program, which began with a keynote speech from Xaralabos Varelas, PhD , a professor of biochemistry and cell biology at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Varelas spoke on his experience as a PiBS faculty member, discussed some of the ongoing research in his lab and shared graduate outcomes of lab alumni.

The luncheon closed with a student panel moderated by PiBS student Devin Kenney. Students Viviana Dominguez, Margaret Downs, Kevin Hayes, and Erika Smith-Mahoney fielded questions about research, work-life balance and campus activities.

Accepted applicants then had the opportunity to explore four key laboratories and core facilities on campus. Each student chose two tours from the following options:

Center for Regenerative Medicine (CReM) & Structural Biology Tour:

• Led by PiBS students Devin Kenney and Joelle Johnson.
• Presented by Professor of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics Chris Akey ; Instructor of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics Michael Rynkiewicz ; Assistant Professor of Vascular Biology Angie Serrano ; and Professor of Medicine and Virology, Immunology & Microbiology Gustavo Mostoslavsky .

Zebrafish Facility and Proteomics Service Center Tour:

• Led by PiBS student Elise Armstrong.
• Presented by Associate Professor of Biochemistry & Cell Biology Daniel Cifuentes and Professor of Biochemistry Joseph Zaia .

Single Cell and Spatial Biology Tour :

• Led by PiBS students Jason Weis and Anna Tseng.

Virology, Immunology & Microbiology Tour, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL) Information Session, and Flow Cytometry Core Tour:

• Led by PiBS students Thomas Murphy and Kara Vasilew
• Presented by Research Assistant Professor of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology Hisashi Akiyama ; Research Assistant Professor of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology Adam Hume ; and Assistant Professor of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Anna Belkina .

Following the tours, accepted applicants networked with current PiBS students and faculty during a catered reception and poster symposium jointly held between PiBS and the Pharmacology PhD Program. During the symposium, students from both programs presented their research, and accepted applicants met with several campus resource centers: the BU Newbury Center , the GMS Community Catalyst Center (C3) , the BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Diversity & Inclusion Office and BU Student Financial Services .

The day concluded with a relaxed dinner in downtown Boston for accepted applicants and current PiBS students.

The BU Program in Biomedical Sciences is celebrating its 10 th year in 2024. PiBS provides rigorous training towards a PhD degree by integrating the foundations of interdisciplinary biomedical research with focused investigation and preparation for career advancement. PiBS offers first-year students the opportunity to explore a variety of research areas over the course of three laboratory rotations along with a core curriculum to help determine the direction of their PhD focus.

Learn more about PiBS here !

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What Can I Do with a Biomedical Science Degree?

With a biomedical sciences degree, your career possibilities are diverse and abundant. At UNH COLSA , our three Biomedical Science majors are designed to equip you for a variety of roles in the health sector and beyond. You can pursue traditional paths such as research and clinical applications, where you can contribute to advancing medical knowledge and patient care. But your expertise can also be invaluable in less conventional roles that rely on a deep understanding of biology and medicine, such as in science communication, policy making, or health education. In this blog post, we'll be going over the myriad career opportunities a Biomedical Science degree offers you, as well as some tips to help you when you're ready to enter the job market after graduation.

Understanding Biomedical Science

The skills you develop throughout your biomedical sciences education, like analytical thinking and problem-solving, are highly sought after in many fields. For example, roles in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and regulatory affairs offer opportunities to apply your knowledge in a corporate or industry setting. Alternatively, your degree can serve as a stepping stone to further education and specialization in fields such as medicine, dentistry, or academia. Each career path appreciates the critical thinking and rigorous scientific training inherent to a biomedical sciences background.

Moreover, the landscape of biomedical sciences careers is always evolving.  When new challenges arise, such as public health issues and technological advancements, your degree positions you to be at the forefront of innovation and change. Whether you choose to focus on research, patient care, or industry, you can be confident that a biomedical sciences degree provides a strong foundation for a meaningful and dynamic career.

Scope of Biomedical Sciences

The biomedical sciences encompass an interdisciplinary approach focused on the understanding of human health and disease. As a biomedical science major, you're exposed to a plethora of subjects including biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, immunology, and molecular biology. You might start at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) COLSA, where specialized programs like the Medical Laboratory Science option provide a firm foundation in diagnostic laboratory work, which is crucial in disease treatment and prevention.

Moreover, the biomedical science realm offers diverse opportunities. By pursuing an undergraduate major in this area, you're preparing not just for laboratory-based roles but also a wide range of career options in research, academia, healthcare policy, or pharmaceutical development.

Core Principles and Skills

Biomedical science is grounded in a set of core principles that include understanding the molecular mechanisms of disease, the body's immune responses, and the intricate details of genetic inheritance. Critical thinking and data analysis are central to this discipline, enabling you to decipher complex scientific data and draw meaningful conclusions.

In a program like the Medical and Veterinary Sciences option , you not only delve into biochemistry and molecular biology but also develop communication skills that are essential for conveying scientific information. Whether you’re working on groundbreaking research or communicating your findings, these skills place you at the core of scientific advancements that shape our understanding of life sciences.

Career Paths in Biomedical Science

With a biomedical science degree, you embark on a journey through a versatile field that offers various fulfilling career opportunities tailored to your interests. Whether it's research, technology, or working directly with patients, your choice impacts health outcomes and scientific advancements.

Research and Development

In Research and Development (R&D), you craft the future of medical treatments and health care technologies. As a research scientist or biotechnologist, you may secure funding through organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF) for groundbreaking projects. Engaging in pharmacology, neuroscience, or other specializations, biomedical science jobs in R&D deliver competitive salaries, reflecting the significant impact of your work.

Clinical and Laboratory Work

Clinical and laboratory work forms the backbone of patient diagnosis and research validity. Working in hospitals or laboratories, your role as a clinical scientist, laboratory technician, or microbiologist contributes to advancements in health. The National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) often supports such critical roles, ensuring that those on the forefront of medical testing and diagnostics have the resources they need.

Biomedical Technology and Engineering

The field of biomedical technology and engineering merges engineering principles with biological knowledge to develop life-saving devices and equipment. As a biomedical engineer, you may work in development, testing, or maintenance, ensuring that technological applications meet the complex needs of medical professionals and patients. This sector often requires collaboration with institutions like the Medical Research Council to align engineering innovation with medical research goals.

Medical Sales and Technical Support

Medical sales and technical support serve as critical links between manufacturers and healthcare providers. A medical sales representative informs and distributes the latest biomedical products, while technical support specialists ensure these technologies function correctly in real-world settings. Your expertise not only drives sales but also supports medical staff, drastically improving patient care and the industry's operational efficiency.

In these dynamic roles, salaries often reflect both your experience and the specialized knowledge required. Whether contributing to cutting-edge medical research or supporting veterinary sciences, a career in biomedical science adapts to your professional aspirations. Those drawn to animal health can explore opportunities through organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which empowers professionals in veterinarian roles to excel in their field.

Working in Healthcare

With a biomedical science degree, you're uniquely positioned to play an integral role in advancing healthcare. You can contribute significantly to medicine, health, and safety in various settings.

Hospitals and Clinics

In hospitals and clinics, you can bring value as a clinical research associate or physician associate, working alongside doctors to diagnose and manage health problems. Your expertise supports the effective treatment of diseases, including cancer and chronic conditions linked to aging. Biomedical scientists are also instrumental in the implementation of clinical trials, ensuring new treatments are safe and effective for patient well-being.

Public Health and Safety

With your expertise in biomedical science, your role in public health and safety can pivotal. For example, by understanding and applying principles of epidemiology, you help control health hazards and safeguard communities. 

Medical Research

In medical research, your degree enables you to investigate the causes and progression of diseases. You'll play a key role in discovering new interventions to enhance public health. Through research on pressing challenges like cancer and aging, you can contribute significantly to our collective understanding and our ability to improve patient care and wellbeing.

Specialized Fields of Study

With a biomedical science degree, your expertise can significantly contribute to specialized fields. Each one offers a distinct impact on scientific discovery and public health.

Forensic Science

In Forensic Science, you become an integral part of legal investigations. Your role can range from a forensic scientist analyzing evidence to a crime scene investigator meticulously collecting samples onsite. Mastery in this area often requires an in-depth understanding of biological samples and attention to detail.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic Counseling is another path where communication and compassion are as crucial as scientific knowledge. As a genetic counsellor , you'll guide patients through complex genetic information, helping them understand their health risks and options.

Toxicology and Pathology

Moving into Toxicology and Pathology, your work could lead to important safety assessments as a toxicologist, or you might diagnose diseases in a pathology lab as a pathologist. These roles are pivotal in discovering how substances affect living organisms and the causes behind illnesses, respectively.

Roles Beyond the Laboratory

With a biomedical science degree, your career path is not confined to the traditional laboratory environment. You can thrive in various roles that leverage your scientific expertise while exploring realms such as communication, education, and industry.

Science Communication and Journalism

If you possess a knack for translating complex scientific concepts into digestible content, careers in science communication and journalism may suit you. You could become a science writer or science journalist, creating content for publishing companies or media outlets. This role involves researching scientific advancements and conveying them clearly to inform or educate the public.

Education and Teaching

In the field of education, your knowledge can inspire the next generation of scientists. You could pursue a role as a teacher, specializing in STEM teaching, or work as a teaching laboratory technician. These positions allow you to contribute to the scientific literacy of your community and play a direct role in shaping future professionals in the STEM fields.

Industry and Regulatory Roles

There's a continual demand for biomedical science graduates in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, where you could work as a biotechnologist, developing new products or improving existing ones. Alternatively, regulatory affairs offer positions where you ensure that companies comply with all of the regulations and laws pertaining to their business. These roles require a deep understanding of scientific principles and the ability to apply them within a regulatory framework, balancing scientific innovation with public safety and ethical considerations.

Navigating the Job Market

Entering the job market with a biomedical science degree opens a diversity of doors in various sectors, including academia, industry, and healthcare. Knowing how to present yourself and continuing to develop your skill set are crucial steps in securing your desired role.

Building a Strong Resume

Your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers. Highlighting your project management and research undertaken at universities or research institutes is vital. Make use of UNH’s resources for templates and how-to guides tailored for crafting resumes that stand out in the biomedical field.

• Education: Include your biomedical science degree and relevant coursework.
• Experience: List internships, work experience, and project involvement, emphasizing any leadership or collaboration roles.

The Importance of Networking

Networking is a key component for biomedical professionals. Engaging with professional associations and attending events hosted by universities can lead to invaluable connections and insight into career opportunities.

• Connect with peers and faculty at your university.
• Reach out to alumni through your university's career services for guidance or mentorship.

Continuing Education and Training

The biomedical field is constantly evolving, making continuous learning essential. Pursue further education, certifications, or training to enhance your marketability as a medical science liaison or other specialized roles.

• Seek continuing education programs to stay current with biomedical advancements.
• Consider certifications in project management to boost your leadership qualifications.

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Office of the Vice President for Research

Ovpr announces recipients of 2024 discovery and innovation awards.

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is honoring 11 faculty and staff for their exceptional contributions to research, scholarship, and creative activity as part of the 2024 Discovery and Innovation Awards .

“ The winners represent the best and the brightest of our University of Iowa faculty and staff, who are making an impact across a range of disciplines,”  said Marty Scholtz, vice president for research. “Their research and scholarship enhance undergraduate and graduate education on campus, and their efforts to expand the frontiers of discovery betters our community, state, and world.”

The OVPR solicited nominations from across campus for the awards, which include: Scholar of the Year, Early Career Scholar of the Year, Leadership in Research, and awards that recognize achievement in communicating scholarship with public audiences, community engagement, arts and humanities, mentorship, research administration and safety. A campuswide event on April 30 will celebrate the winners.

Faculty Awards

Jun Wang , James E. Ashton Professor and interim departmental executive officer in the College of Engineering’s

 Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, is the 2024 Scholar of the Year . The award celebrates nationally recognized recent achievement in outstanding research, scholarship, and/or creative activities. 

Wang’s research centers on the development of novel remote sensing techniques to characterize aerosols and fires from space. He serves as the University of Iowa’s lead investigator on NASA’s TEMPO, Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring Pollution, which Time magazine named one of its best inventions of 2023. 

“Professor Wang's scholarly endeavors over the past two years stand out as a paradigm of excellence, serving as an exemplary model for both emerging and seasoned faculty members to aspire toward,” said Karim Abdel-Malek, professor of biomedical engineering and director of the Iowa Technology Institute.

James Byrne , assistant professor of radiation oncology in the Carver College of Medicine ( CCOM ), is the 2024 Early Career Scholar of the Year . The award honors assistant professors who are currently involved in research, scholarship, and/or creative activity and show promise of making a significant contribution to their field. 

As a physician scientist, Byrne continues to care for patients while developing novel biomedical therapies for cancer, finding inspiration in everything from latte foam to tardigrades. In his first two years as faculty at the UI, he has earned more that $2.5M in external research funding, including a K08 award from the NIH.

“Dr. Byrne’s scientific creativity stems from both an active and curious mind as well as his ability to bridge diverse fields from engineering to biology to medicine,” said Michael Henry, professor and interim director of the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. “These interdisciplinary boundaries are where some of the most interesting and important work is happening today.”

Donna Santillan , research professor and director of the Division of Reproductive Science Research in the CCOM Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, received the Leadership in Research Award , which recognizes research and scholarly accomplishments throughout a career. 

While Santillan’s research has spanned across the field of reproductive science, she has a particular interest in the deadly diseases of pregnancy, including preeclampsia and its intergenerational effects. She designed and directs the Women’s Health Tissue Repository. Santillan’s work has been cited more than 2,700 times, and she has mentored 114 early career scientists and students, a testament to her expansive impact.

“Dr. Santillan has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering the professional and personal development of trainees in research, including myself,” said Banu Gumusoglu, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology. “Her mentorship extends beyond the confines of traditional academic settings, touching the lives of many aspiring trainees from high school through residency, clinical fellowship, and faculty levels.”

Stephen Warren , professor of history and American studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), received the Distinguished Achievement in Publicly Engaged Research Award . The award recognizes an individual faculty member who has put addressing public needs and direct engagement with the public, in the service of improving quality of life through research, at the forefront of his or her academic activities.

A prolific scholar of Native American culture, Warren’s research has centered on the Shawnee people of Oklahoma for the past two decades. He has published four books and co-authored the most recent one , Replanting Cultures: Community-Engaged Scholarship in Indian Country, with Chief Benjamin Barnes of the Shawnee Tribe. 

“Over the last two decades, Professor Warren has established himself as a leading community-engaged scholar, and his achievements in research and publishing demonstrate that community engagement and strong scholarship are not mutually exclusive,” said Nick Benson, director of the Office of Community Engagement. “Professor Warren’s work serves as an inspiration for researchers at Iowa and nationally who seek not only to make a difference in academia, but also in our communities.”

Kaveh Akbar , associate professor of English in CLAS, received the Distinguished Achievement in Arts and Humanities Research Award . This award honors distinguished achievement in humanities scholarship and work in the creative, visual and performing arts. 

Akbar joined Iowa in 2022 to serve as the director of the English and creative writing major. In January, his new novel, Martyr!, was published to critical acclaim. Akbar previously published two prize-winning poetry collections and has served as poetry editor for The Nation  since 2021. 

“Akbar’s leadership in the profession and on campus continues: his transformative work in our department not only enriches the academic experiences of 700+ English and creative writing majors, but also enhances the profile of UI as ‘The Writing University,’” said Blaine Greteman, professor and departmental executive officer of the Department of English.

Cara Hamann , associate professor of epidemiology, received the Faculty Communicating ideas Award . This award recognizes excellence in communication about research and scholarship in the sciences and humanities and the study of creative, visual, and performing arts to a general audience directly or via print and electronic media.

Hamann has frequently shared her work on transportation issues, including teen driving, bike and scooter safety, and pedestrian safety, through peer-reviewed journals and extensive media outreach. Her recent op-ed, “The most deadly traffic policy you’ve never heard of leaves you vulnerable, too,” drew widespread attention to a legal loophole in crosswalk laws and appeared in more than 50 news outlets nationwide, including USA Today .

“Dr. Hamann’s work is not only academically rigorous but also accessible and impactful to a

wide audience,” said Diane Rohlman, associate dean for research in the College of Public Health. “Her ability to communicate with clarity, creativity, and passion coupled with her extensive media outreach, exemplifies how she utilizes multiple approaches to address transportation challenges impacting society.”

Bob McMurray , F. Wendell Miller Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Caroline Clay , assistant professor of acting in the Department of Theatre Arts, were recipients of the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) Distinguished Mentor Awards . The awards honors mentors’ dedication to making their students research experiences successful.

“I can’t imagine my research journey without Bob’s welcoming kindness, thriving lab community, and confident mentorship, and I am so deeply grateful for his impact on me,” said Hannah Franke, a psychology and linguistics major mentored by McMurray.

“I know I am far from the only student whose life has been impacted by Caroline Clay,” said Isabella Hohenadel, a second-year theatre arts major. “She deserves to be recognized of all of the wonderful work she does and how much she cares about us as students. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of recognition than her.”

Staff Awards

Angie Robertson , department administrator for CCOM’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology, received the Distinguished Research Administrator Award . The award recognizes staff members who performed exceptional service in support of research at the UI by exploring funding opportunities, assisting in grant proposal preparation, submission, post-award administration, and operational support. 

In addition to overseeing every aspect of daily operations for the department, Robertson manages nearly 100 research grants for the department and three longstanding NIH T32 training grants. 

“Angie plays a leading role in our department office, inspiring us to achieve all aspects of our missions ,” said Li Wu, professor and department chair. “She is innovative, collaborative, accountable, and respectful  in her daily work. She exceeds any expectations and sets a great example for staff members in the department.”

Min Zhu , research specialist in the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research (IIOHR) within the College of Dentistry, received the Distinguished Research Professional Award . The award recognizes staff members who performed exceptional service in support of research at the UI by conducting experiments, collecting, and analyzing results and performing operational duties associated with a laboratory or research program. 

Zhu has worked as a lab bench scientist in the College of Dentistry since 2006, executing experimental work for grants and other research, working closely with IIOHR faculty members, overseeing lab maintenance and environmental health and safety efforts. 

“Beyond her research skills, Dr. Zhu has been an exceptional mentor and educator for my students and other junior researchers,” said Liu Hong, professor of prosthodontics. “Her kindness and willingness to share her knowledge have made her a beloved figure among them.”

Curtis Iberg , manager of sterilization services in the College of Dentistry, received the Innovation in Safety Award, which celebrates exceptional and ground-breaking innovations that advance safety at the UI. Iberg led a major renovation of the College of Dentistry’s instrument processing and sterilization area, with the aim of encouraging better workflow and support for future growth. 

“His innovations in workspace are a valuable asset to the greater University and demonstrates that the most important people to be involved in a space renovation are those that use the area because they can see how the facility can better function and how it can be designed for future needs,” said Kecia Leary, associate dean of clinics.