X. Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

Bio-Medical Science (BIOM)

Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences

This joint program of the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Sciences provides students with a broad and integrated foundational overview of human and animal health through the study of function (biochemistry and physiology), structure (anatomy and histology), and paraclinical sciences (epidemiology and pharmacology). The program prepares students well for more advanced studies or applied training in many health-related fields including clinical practice, business, government, research and education. Through the use of electives, students may structure a program emphasizing aspects of health and disease. For more information on recommended electives contact the Faculty Advisor of the major.

In addition, this program is designed to partially meet the current requirements for entry into medical schools in Ontario (a student interested in meeting these requirements should check the present admission requirements for the medical schools); as well as entry into the DVM program of the Ontario Veterinary College.

Live animals and/or animal tissues are used for teaching purposes in some courses in the Bio-Medical Science Major. This must be accepted by students admitted to the program. All animals are protected under the Animals for Research Act of Ontario (1980), the Guidelines for the Care and Use of Experimental Animals (Canadian Council on Animal Care), and the Animal Care Policies of the University of Guelph.

Students who are admitted into the Bio-Medical Science major from high school must meet additional requirements to continue in the major. Continuation from first to second year is based on the cumulative average in the first two semesters (total of 5.00 credits), including the eight core courses as prescribed by the Schedule of Studies (see below). Students with a minimum average of 75% average will be guaranteed continuation in this major. For students with a 70-74.9% average, continuation will be competitive based on available spaces. Students with an average below 70% will be changed to the Biological Science major. Students may subsequently change to another B.Sc. major of their choice.

B.Sc. students who wish to declare the specialization at the end of or beyond first year must apply directly to the Department of Biomedical Sciences by the last day of classes in the winter semester and meet the same requirements specified above.

Admission to the major will be based on the cumulative average in the two semesters (total of 5.00 credits) preceding application to the major (normally fall and winter). Acceptance will be competitive based on available spaces. Students with an average below 70% will not be considered for admission to the major. All decisions will be made at the end of June.

Major (Honours Program)

A minimum of 20.00 credits is required.

Semester 1
BIOL*1080 [0.50] Biological Concepts of Health
CHEM*1040 [0.50] General Chemistry I
MATH*1080 [0.50] Elements of Calculus I
PHYS*1080 [0.50] Physics for Life Sciences
0.50 electives or restricted electives
Students lacking Grade 12 or 4U Biology, Chemistry or Physics should follow the revised schedule of study for this major found at: https://www.uoguelph.ca/bsc/revised_SS
Semester 2
BIOL*1070 [0.50] Discovering Biodiversity
BIOL*1090 [0.50] Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
CHEM*1050 [0.50] General Chemistry II
PHYS*1070 [0.50] Physics for Life Sciences II
0.50 electives or restricted electives
Semester 3 (see admission statement above)
BIOC*2580 [0.50] Introduction to Biochemistry
MBG*2040 [0.50] Foundations in Molecular Biology and Genetics
STAT*2040 [0.50] Statistics I
1.00 electives or restricted electives
Semester 4
MCB*2050 [0.50] Molecular Biology of the Cell
NUTR*3210 [0.50] Fundamentals of Nutrition
One of:
BIOM*3200 [1.00] Biomedical Physiology
HK*2810 [0.50] Human Physiology I - Concepts and Principles
Electives or restricted electives to a maximum of 2.50 total credits in this semester.
Note: If HK*2810 is selected, then HK*3810 must be taken in Semester 5.
Semester 5
BIOC*3560 [0.50] Structure and Function in Biochemistry
Electives or restricted electives to a maximum of 2.75 total credits in this semester.
BIOM*3210 is recommended.
Note: As part of the electives or restricted electives, students must select HK*3810 in semester 5 if HK*2810 was selected in semester 4.
Semester 6
BIOM*3090 [0.50] Principles of Pharmacology
PATH*3610 [0.50] Principles of Disease
POPM*3240 [0.50] Epidemiology
Electives or restricted electives to a maximum of 2.75 total credits in this semester.
Semester 7
2.50 electives or restricted electives
Semester 8
2.50 electives or restricted electives
Restricted Electives
  1. Anatomy Elective - [1 of (BIOM*3010, BIOM*3040), HK*3401/2, HK*3501/2]

  2. Immunology Elective - ANSC*4650 or MICR*3230

  3. Advanced Study Electives - 2.00 credits from BIOM*4030, BIOM*4050, BIOM*4070, BIOM*4090, BIOM*4110, BIOM*4150, BIOM*4180, BIOM*4300, BIOM*4500, BIOM*4510, BIOM*4521/2, HK*4070, HK*4230, HK*4340, HK*4360, HK*4371/2, HK*4441/2, HK*4460, NUTR*4320, NUTR*4360, NUTR*4510, TOX*4000

  4. At least 2.00 credits of Liberal Education electives are required. The list of Liberal Education electives for B.Sc. students can be found at: https://www.uoguelph.ca/bsc/.

Credit Summary (20.00 Total Credits)

4.00 - First year science credits

5.75 - Required science courses semesters 3 – 8 (with HK 2810,3810) or 5.50 (with BIOM 3200)

4.00 - Restricted elective (with HK 3401/2 or HK 3501/2) 3.75 (with BIOM 3010, BIOM 3040) (Restricted elective #1, #2 and #3)

2.25 – 2.75 Approved Science electives depending on which anatomy and physiology courses are completed above.

2.00 - Liberal Education electives

2.00 - Free electives - any approved elective for B.Sc. students.

Of the total credits required, students are required to complete 16.00 credits in science of which 2.00 credits must be at the 4000 level and an additional 4.00 credits must be at the 3000 or 4000 level.

University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
Canada
519-824-4120