Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Laboratory & Clinical Sciences

Offered by Metropolitan College in collaboration with Boston University School of Medicine, the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biomedical Laboratory & Clinical Sciences prepares students for jobs and careers in the fields of biotechnology and clinical research. Boston is one of the world’s preeminent biomedical centers; the rapid pace of innovation in these industries and the high demand for trained professionals ensures continual growth, and means a broad range of exciting opportunities at the forefront of life sciences research.

Courses are available in the areas of biomedical research, clinical research, biotechnology (manufacturing or bioprocessing), and DNA analysis (cytogenetics or forensic science). Undergraduate certificate programs in clinical research and biotechnology are also available.

Distribution Requirements

A total of 48 credits is required.

English

MET EN 104 English Composition
MET EN 201 Intermediate Composition

Mathematics

Four credits in MET MA 110 or higher

Computer Science

GMS BT 280 Computing for the Laboratory or
MET CS 101 Computers and Their Applications

Natural Science

MET BI 105 Introductory Biology for Health Sciences
MET CH 171 Life Sciences Chemistry I or
MET CH 101 General Chemistry

Literature

Four credits in a 100- or 200-level MET EN literature course or MET HU 221

Philosophy

Four credits

History

Four credits

Additional Courses

Four credits in the humanities (H)
Four credits in the social sciences (S)
Four credits in the humanities (H) or social sciences (S)

View undergraduate courses.

Specialization and Related Courses

Specialization Requirements

A total of 26 credits, completed with a grade of C or higher, is required.
(Courses are four credits unless otherwise indicated.)

GMS BT 104 Medical Terminology I (2 credits)
GMS BT 110 Introduction to Biomedical Laboratory Sciences
GMS BT 208 Essential Math for Biotech
GMS BT 342 Cell Biology
GMS BT 405 Biochemistry
GMS BT 413 Techniques in Molecular Biology
MET CH 172 Life Science Chemistry II or
MET CH 102 General Chemistry II or
MET PY 105 Elementary Physics

Specialization Electives

Choose 36 credits, depending on the specialty and length of the externship. A grade of C or higher is required. (Courses are four credits unless otherwise indicated.)

Specialized course choices include, but are not limited to, the following:

GMS BT 106 Medical Terminology II (2 credits)
GMS BT 160 Biotechnology I (2 credits)
GMS BT 170 Biotechnology II (2 credits)
GMS BT 201 Anatomy and Physiology I
GMS BT 202 Anatomy and Physiology II
GMS BT 210 Technical Writing for Clinical Research
GMS BT 220 Principles of Instrumentation (2 credits)
GMS BT 240 Current Good Manufacturing Practices and Quality Assurance
GMS BT 270 Disease and Public health
GMS BT 305 Introductory Biochemistry
GMS BT 320 Laboratory Automation and Robotics (2 credits)
GMS BT 330 Medical Devices
GMS BT 336 Bioinformatics
GMS BT 360 Auditing in Clinical Research
GMS BT 404 Medical Virology
GMS BT 406 Cytogenetics
GMS BT 407 Molecular Genetics
GMS BT 408 Immunology
GMS BT 411 Techniques in Protein Purification and Analysis
GMS BT 426 Medical Microbiology
GMS BT 432 Basic Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease
GMS BT 436 Human Genetics
GMS BT 440 Genetics, Ethics, and the Law (online course)
GMS BT 442 Issues in Assisted Reproduction (online course)
GMS BT 443 Advanced Molecular Biology Lecture
GMS BT 450 Forensic Toxicology
GMS BT 454 Cell Culture Techniques
GMS BT 456 Endocrinology
GMS BT 460 Drug Discovery and Development
GMS BT 462 Translational Research in Drug Development
GMS BT 465 Cell Signaling in Health and Disease
GMS BT 470 Technologies in Clinical Research
GMS BT 475 Infectious Diseases
GMS BT 484 Advanced Cell Culture Techniques
GMS BT 510 Ethico-Legal Issues in Bioscience
GMS BT 520 Biology of Cancer
GMS BT 530 Introductory Pharmacology
GMS BT 540 Regulatory and Compliance Issues
GMS BT 550 Clinical Data Management
GMS BT 560 Good Clinical Practices (GCP) in Clinical Research
GMS BT 575 Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials
GMS BT 580 Legal and Ethical Issues in Clinical Research (2 credits)

Free Electives

Usually two courses (8 credits), but possibly more depending on transfer credits, chosen with the advice of an academic counselor.

Externship

A minimum of ten credits is required.

GMS BT 591/592 Directed Study Biomed Externship (total 10–20 credits)
GMS BT 594/595 Clinical Research Practicum

All externships are chosen based on students’ professional and academic backgrounds, as well as their goals. Biotechnology firms, clinical research organizations, and medical centers will accommodate students according to mutual needs. This external training component of the degree puts the program’s course offerings into practice, enhances students’ résumés, and exposes matriculated students to new skills gained in the laboratory, clinical, manufacturing or other setting. Students must discuss their externship with the program director at least six months before starting. A contract signed by the student, externship supervisor, and program director is required. Objectives must be clearly stated. A minimum of 10 externship credits is necessary for the degree. A culminating externship presentation to BLCS staff is factored into the final grade.

View all Biomedical Laboratory & Clinical Sciences undergraduate courses.

If you are planning to visit the Boston University Medical Campus: