Bachelor of Science in Biomedical and Clinical Sciences

Program Overview

If you're passionate about science and medicine and have an investigative mind, Biomedical and Clinical Sciences could be the perfect major for you.

Students in this major collaborate closely with faculty and engage in hands-on learning across classroom, laboratory, clinical, and industry settings, developing both critical thinking skills and technical expertise. They choose a concentration in one of three areas: Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health Laboratory Science, or Applied Biomedical Science.

Program Mission

The mission of the University of Vermont’s Biomedical and Clinical Sciences program is to educate, train and graduate professionally competent and ethical individuals committed to lifelong learning, and who are prepared to meet current and future workplace challenges in biomedical and clinical sciences.

Educational Goals

• Graduates will be competent to function as entry-level medical laboratory scientists in any clinical or public health laboratory environment
• Graduates will demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Graduates will demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
• Graduates will demonstrate the highest professional and ethical standards

Accreditation

The concentration of Medical Laboratory Science within the Biomedical and Clinical Sciences degree program at the University of Vermont has been re-accredited for the period April 30, 2022 - April 30, 2032 by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science, 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119; (773) 714-8880.

Concentrations

Biomedical and Clinical Sciences students spend the first two years completing prerequisites and university general education requirements while learning about the concentrations available to them. The concentration must be selected by the end of the second year and approved by the program director. The available concentrations include:Medical Laboratory Science Concentration

Public Health Laboratory Science Concentration

Applied Biomedical Science Concentration

Curriculum

The foundational curriculum in Biomedical and Clinical Sciences encompasses studies in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, organic chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, immunology, and mathematics. Students have the option to specialize in either medical laboratory science, public health laboratory science, or applied biomedical science.

Curricular Options

The UVM Medical Center

Serving a population of more than 1 million people in Vermont and northern New York and just steps away from campus, The UVM Medical Center serves as a primary practice site.

As a student in UVM’s Medical Laboratory Science program, you will develop personal connections with professors who are researchers and clinical professionals in the field. Many of the faculty invite students to assist in their research.

Admissions

Admission requirements align with the general university criteria, but also stipulate that candidates must have completed high school biology, mathematics up to trigonometry or precalculus, and chemistry. Additionally, taking physics is strongly advised.

Transfer Student Information Sessions

Transfer student information sessions are available to UVM students and students from outside of the university interested in transferring into College of Nursing and Health Sciences programs.

Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Bachelor's Degree

Upon completion of the bachelor's degree in Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, all graduates will demonstrate:

1. Competency to perform a full range of testing in a contemporary biomedical, public or clinical laboratory, encompassing pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical components of laboratory services;
2. Proficiency to interpret results, use critical thinking skills to problem solve, and apply statistical approaches when evaluating data;
3. Ability to identify and trouble-shoot technical problems in laboratory procedures and instrumentation;
4. Professional conduct as a member of the healthcare team and effective communication skills;
5. An understanding of basic concepts related to quality assurance, quality improvement, laboratory education, administrative operation, information technology, and clinical decision making.

Applied Biomedical Science Concentration

Upon completion, graduates will be able to:

1. Apply foundational biomedical science principles
   Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of human biology, disease mechanisms, and biochemical processes relevant to research, industry, and health professions.
2. Integrate laboratory, analytical, and data interpretation skills
   Apply core laboratory skills and quantitative reasoning in the biomedical sciences to design, conduct, analyze results, and draw valid scientific conclusions.
3. Demonstrate scientific communication and professionalism
   Communicate complex scientific concepts clearly in written and oral formats, adhering to ethical and professional standards expected in biomedical and health science environments.
4. Collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary settings
   Exhibit professional behavior and interpersonal communication skills that support collaboration and effective participation within the healthcare team.

Medical Laboratory Science Concentration

Upon completion, graduates will be able to:

1. Analyze and interpret clinical laboratory data
   Critically evaluate laboratory test results and correlate findings with human disease mechanisms, clinical presentations, and pathophysiology.
2. Select and apply appropriate laboratory testing strategies
   Determine and justify the appropriate use of laboratory tests for disease screening, diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring, and prognostic evaluation.
3. Demonstrate safe and compliant laboratory practice
   Adhere to standard operating procedures, employ safe practices in handling clinical specimens and infectious agents, and maintain compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
4. Apply regulatory and professional standards in clinical laboratory settings
   Integrate governmental regulations, quality standards, and professional guidelines into clinical decision-making and laboratory workflow to ensure accurate, ethical, and legally compliant practice.

Public Health Laboratory Science Concentration

Upon completion, graduates will be able to:

1. Interpret and correlate laboratory test results
   Critically evaluate laboratory data and correlate test findings with underlying disease mechanisms, diagnostic interpretations, and population health impact.
2. Demonstrate safe and professional laboratory practices
   Adhere to standard operating procedures and implement appropriate biosafety practices when working with microbial agents, clinical specimens, and laboratory equipment.
3. Explain the role of laboratory testing in public health systems
   Describe how laboratory testing contributes to public health surveillance, outbreak detection, epidemiologic investigations, and population health monitoring.

Costs and Funding

• Tuition and scholarship opportunities.

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Practicum

In their final semester, students collaborate directly with laboratory professionals at an external site. Explore practicum locations for the B.S. in Biomedical and Clinical Sciences in the University of Vermont Catalogue.

Research with Faculty

Faculty research spans a variety of topics, from immunology to precision medicine, including the nature and treatment of cancer. Many faculty members engage undergraduate students in their research projects.

CCV to UVM 2+2 Pathway Program

Students enrolled in the CCV STEM Studies A.S. program have the opportunity to continue their education with a B.S. in Biomedical and Clinical Sciences at UVM through the pathway program.