About
The interdisciplinary biomedical science program enables cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary training that positions you for careers in biomedical sciences, as well as health-related professions.
- 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
The interdisciplinary biomedical science program addresses modern priorities in biomedical science education and will provide you with student-centric, multidisciplinary training to pursue careers within a spectrum of science-based activities. You will build research skills that will serve as a strong basis for graduate training in biomedical sciences and health-related professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy.
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.
- BMSC 350.3: Microbiology
An introduction to basic concepts, principles and methods of epidemiology. The topics covered will include basic epidemiological measures of disease frequency and association, study design and vulnerability to error, causation, and critical appraisal of an epidemiological study. - PATH 205.3: Survey of Pathology
General and special pathology for dietitians, physical therapists and other health sciences. - MCIM 321.3: Principles of Immunology
Considers the cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms responsible for the physiological functioning of the immune system. Topics include the clonal selection theory, the structure and diversity of antibody molecules, the MHC-restricted recognition of antigen by T cells and the regulation of the immune response.
Opportunities
This program provides an excellent breadth 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 PhD levels at academic institutions worldwide.
Facilities
Our research laboratories are located in the newly renovated Health Sciences Building with state-of-the-art research facilities. The USask Saskatoon campus also houses several high-impact research centres including the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, the Plant Biotechnology Institute, Saskatchewan Cancer Centre, Saskatchewan Structural Science Centre, Agricultural and Ag-Food Canada and dozens of biotechnology firms within Innovation Place.
Location
The city of Saskatoon is the proud home of two of Canada's largest investments in science infrastructure— the Canadian Light Source synchrotron and the International Vaccine Centre (InterVac)—and is at the cutting edge of medical and agricultural research.
Careers
Preparation for professional health science programs and graduate studies: The interdisciplinary biomedical science 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. Interdisciplinary biomedical science program graduates are also well qualified to progress into more advanced biomedical research training at the master's and PhD levels at various academic institutions worldwide. They are well situated to continue into community and population health sciences, public health and epidemiology graduate programs available at USask.
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: The interdisciplinary biomedical science program may lead to a career in technical writing for textbooks and/or government and industry reports.
- Business: Interdisciplinary biomedical science 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 - Interdisciplinary Biomedical Science
- Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) Honours - Interdisciplinary Biomedical Science
You should consult with an academic advisor in the college when you begin your studies to decide if should pursue 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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