About
Biomedical neuroscience is the study of molecular and cellular neuroscience, systems and sensory neuroscience, behavioural and cognitive neuroscience, neurophysiology and neuroanatomy.
- Four-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 education in many of the major topics in neuroscience. This program includes necessary prerequisite courses for life science professional schools (e.g. medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nutrition, veterinary medicine, etc.). While this program focuses on neuroscience, it prepares students for graduate studies in many areas of the life sciences.
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 or INDG 107d | History Matters Health and Society or Introduction to Canadian Indigenous Studies |
Winter Term |
|
| CHEM 115a | General Chemistry II Chemical Processes |
| PHYS 117a | Physics for the Life Sciences |
| PHIL 140a | Critical Thinking |
| PSY 120a | Biological and Cognitive Bases of Psychology |
| 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.
- NEUR 301.3: Fundamental Neuroscience Intercellular Communication
The focus of this course is on: 1) the ion channels that determine the electrical behaviour of neurons, 2) the mechanisms by which neurons and endocrine cells convert electrical activity into chemical signals, and 3) how those chemical signals act on neighbouring cells (ie. during synaptic transmission), and on distant target cells (ie. following endocrine release of hormones). - NEUR 334.3: Introductory Neuroanatomy
An introduction to the anatomy of the human brain and spinal cord through lectures and laboratory dissections. - BMSC 220.3: Cell Biology
An introduction to the biology of eukaryotic cells. Topics include organization of eukaryotic chromosomes; the flow of genetic information from nucleus to cytoplasm; cellular membranes and organelles; control of cell division; and signaling between cells. Contrasts between eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic microbial cells will be discussed, as well as distinctions between plant and animal cells.
Opportunities
This program provides an excellent foundation of knowledge in biomedical sciences if you are seeking subsequent admission into professional health science programs such as medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, veterinary medicine or optometry.
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 comprehensive education of neuroanatomy, physiology and pharmacology along with hands-on experience in experimental techniques.
Careers
Preparation for professional health science programs and graduate studies: The biomedical neuroscience program provides an excellent foundation in the biomedical sciences for students seeking subsequent admission into professional health science schools such as medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, chiropractic, veterinary medicine and optometry. Biomedical neuroscience 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 neuroscience studies may lead to a career in technical writing for textbooks and/or government and industry reports.
Business: Biomedical neuroscience 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
These degrees are offered jointly by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science and College of Medicine:
- Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) Four-year - Biomedical Neuroscience
- Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) Honours - Biomedical Neuroscience
You should consult with an academic advisor in the college when you begin your studies to decide if you want a four-year or honours degree.
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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