About
Biomedical foundations provides students with a strong foundation of multidisciplinary training in biomedical science while providing flexibility for initial specialization within a particular biomedical science.
- Three-year degree
- Full- or part-time program
- You can enter this program directly from high school
- You can begin this program off-campus
What you will learn
This program includes necessary courses to prepare you for entry into health-related professional schools not requiring a four-year degree, such as dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy. You will also learn essential skills for careers in broad aspects of biotechnology, as well as employment in academic/research institutions and related industries.
A first-year schedule sample
This degree program is flexible and offers you the opportunity to take courses in many different subject areas. Here’s what a typical first-year schedule might look like:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
Fall Term |
|
| BIOL 120a | The Nature of Life |
| CHEM 112a | General Chemistry I Structure Bonding and Properties of Materials |
| PHYS 115a | Physics and the Universe |
| MATH 125b | Mathematics for the Life Sciences |
| HIST 165c | History Matters Health and Society |
Winter Term |
|
| CHEM 115a | General Chemistry II Chemical Processes |
| PHYS 117a | Physics for the Life Sciences |
| PHIL 140a | Critical Thinking |
| INDG 107d | Introduction to Canadian Indigenous Studies |
| BMSC 200a | Biomolecules |
a Required course for the major
b One of the course options to complete the Quantitative Reasoning Requirement
c One of the course options to complete the English Language Writing Requirement
d One of the course options to complete the Indigenous Learning Requirement
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
PSY 120: Biological and Cognitive Bases of Psychology
This course focuses on the study of behavior dealing with the essential problems of psychology, the methods of investigation, and the advances that have been made in the fields of neuroscience, sensation and perception, consciousness, memory, learning, language, and motivation and emotion.
BMSC 320: Nucleic Acids From Central Dogma to Human Disease
This course deals with the role of nucleic acids as the information storage molecule of living things, from bacteria to humans. Nucleic acid structure, DNA replication, recombination and repair, transcription of genes, and translation of mRNA in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes are covered along with a diversity of methods used in living things for regulation of expression.
HLST 210: Introduction to Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Health Studies
This course introduces students to the research methods and approaches used to investigate health issues. The course will expand students' research skills across a broad range of approaches to studying health sciences; consequently, students will also quantitative and qualitative data analysis approaches. Finally, students will learn to be a critical consumer of health sciences research.
Opportunities
This program provides an excellent foundation of knowledge in biomedical sciences if you are seeking subsequent admission into health-related professional schools, such as dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy.
This program also prepares you to be well-qualified to progress into more advanced biomedical research training at the master's and Ph.D. levels at various academic institutions worldwide.
Hands-on experience
You will receive a broad education in a variety of topics including biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, physiology, and pharmacology along with hands-on experience in experimental techniques.
Careers
Preparation for professional health science programs and graduate studies: The biomedical foundations program provides an excellent foundation in the biomedical sciences for students seeking subsequent admission into professional health science schools such as dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy. Biomedical foundations program graduates are also well qualified to progress into more advanced biomedical research training at the master's and Ph.D. levels at various academic institutions worldwide.
Other careers:
(Note that some of the following positions may require further education or qualifications, depending on the hiring institution and the jurisdiction in which the position is found.)
Research and lab positions: A variety of technical positions are available in academia (e.g. universities and colleges), industry (e.g. biotechnology, private research firms, biomedical supply, and pharmaceutical companies), government (e.g. agricultural and food agencies and police forensic laboratories) and the healthcare system (e.g. medical labs).
Communications: Biomedical foundations studies may lead to a career in technical writing for textbooks and/or government and industry reports.
Business: Biomedical foundations graduates may obtain sales, consulting or management positions in science-related private sector companies, such as pharmaceutical and biomedical supply firms.
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,919 | $38,328 |
| Student fees | $1,121 | $1,121 |
| Books | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Total | $10,540 | $40,949 |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load, the maximum number of courses allowed (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 per year.
Program options
This degree is offered jointly by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science and College of Medicine:
You should consult with an academic advisor in the college when you begin your studies.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
Create an admissions account and start your application today. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD. Effective December 2, the application fee is increasing to $120 CAD.
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