The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Laboratory & Clinical Sciences (BLCS) combines general undergraduate education with special technical preparation for the biomedical field in order to train students for positions in biomedical research laboratories or clinical research units. The time required to earn the degree varies based on individual schedules, transferable credit, and the pace students establish for themselves to complete the program. The BLCS curriculum consists of 128 credits, to be earned in four distinct components:

1. Distribution/Specialization Requirements (70 credits): Distribution requirements comprise the basic science and liberal arts courses for all Metropolitan College degree candidates, while specialization requirements are drawn from specified courses in the biomedical sciences taught at Boston University’s School of Medicine. Students must complete 48 distribution credits and 22 specialization credits. Courses taken at other institutions may satisfy some of these requirements.
2. Specialization Electives (30–40 credits): Specialization electives provide a working knowledge of a range of relevant fields, including cell culture, molecular biology, immunology, and clinical laboratory genetics. Students select their electives from a wide range of offerings, and may concentrate on an area of their choosing.Students must complete between 30 and 40 credits of specialization electives—the total number of credits required will vary depending upon the number of credits earned through the externship component.
3. Free Electives (8 credits): Free electives allow students to complement and broaden their academic background. Students should consider their career objectives and personal interests when selecting free elective courses.
   Eight credits of free electives are required; approved transfer credits from another accredited institution may be applied toward this requirement.
4. Externship/Clinical Practicum (10–20 credits): Students gain hands-on experience in their chosen field by working as interns in a laboratory environment. Externships are available in clinical, industrial, and university settings, and assist students in meeting individual goals while earning credit toward their degree and adding valuable professional experience to their résumé.

Students must earn a minimum of 10 credits through the externship program, and may earn up to 20 credits with the director’s approval. The total number of credits earned in the externship will determine the number of specialization elective credits required of students.

Students must earn a grade of C or higher in specialization courses. To graduate, students need a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.

Course Listings and Descriptions

Distribution Requirements

A total of 48 credits are required.

English

• MET EN 104 English Composition
• MET EN 201 Intermediate Composition

Mathematics

• GMS BT 208 Essential Math for Biotech

Computer Science

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

Natural Science

• MET BI 105 Biology I
• MET CH 171 or 101 Chemistry I

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)

Specialization Requirements

A total of 22 credits with a grade of C or higher are required. 
(Courses are four credits unless otherwise indicated.)

• GMS BT 104 Medical Terminology (2 cr)
• GMS BT 110 Introduction to Biomedical Laboratory Sciences
• 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 40 credits, depending on the specialty and length of the externship. A grade of C or higher is required.

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

• GMS BT 106 Medical Terminology II (2 cr)
• GMS BT 108 Introductory Math for the Laboratory (2 cr)
• GMS BT 160 Biotechnology I (2 cr)
• GMS BT 170 Biotechnology II (2 cr)
• 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 cr)
• GMS BT 240 Current Good Manufacturing Practices and Quality Assurance
• GMS BT 305 Introductory Biochemistry
• GMS BT 320 Laboratory Automation and Robotics (2 cr)
• GMS BT 336 Bioinformatics
• GMS BT 432 Basic Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease
• GMS BT 360 Auditing in Clinical Research
• GMS BT 404 Medical Virology
• GMS BT 406 Clinical Laboratory Genetics I: Cytogenetics
• GMS BT 407 Clinical Laboratory Genetics II: Molecular Genetics
• GMS BT 408 Immunology
• GMS BT 411 Techniques in Protein Purification and Analysis
• GMS BT 426 Medical Microbiology
• GMS BT 436 Human Genetics
• GMS BT 440 Genetics, Ethics, and the Law
• GMS BT 442 Issues in Assisted Reproduction (online course)
• GMS BT 443 Advanced Molecular Biology Lecture (online course)
• GMS BT 450 Forensic Toxicology
• GMS BT 454 Cell Culture Techniques
• GMS BT 460 Drug Discovery and Biotechnology
• 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 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 cr)

Free Electives

Students may take eight credits in courses of their choice, but may be more or less depending on transfer credit. Transfer credits from another accredited institution may also be taken as free elective credits.

Externship

A minimum of ten credits is required.

Required Courses

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

All externships are arranged according to the area of concentration. Biotechnology firms, clinical research organizations, and biomedical research facilities will accommodate students according to mutual needs.

The Externship

As an integral component of the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Laboratory and Clinical Sciences degree requirements, the externship provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field. Externships can take place in biotechnology firms, clinical laboratories, and biomedical research facilities—students have also been able to arrange externships at their own workplace. A contract signed by the student, laboratory supervisor, and program director is required.

A minimum of 10 externship credits is necessary for a degree, though with approval students may earn up to 20 credits. Every 15 hours of supervised laboratory work equals one credit. Students pay regular tuition charges for externship credits. Students completing their externship should enroll in Directed Study Biomedical Externship (GMS BT 591/592) or Clinical Research Practicum (GMS BT 594/595).

A résumé-writing workshop offered by the University is a prerequisite of the externship. Call the Office of Career Services at 617-353-3590 for workshop dates and times.

Recent Externship Sites

• Biogen Idec, Inc., Cambridge
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston
• Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge
• SkinCare Physicians, Chestnut Hill
• Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), Department of Human Genetics
• BUSM, Department of Pharmacology
• BUSM, Department of Infectious Diseases
• Trace Analysis Unit, State Crime Laboratory, Sudbury
• Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge

For those who already work in a laboratory setting, the Certificate in Biotechnology and the Certificate in Clinical Research offer excellent opportunities to update skills and earn a professional credential without committing to a degree program. These four-course programs are designed for students who have a foundation in biology, chemistry, and math; who already hold an undergraduate degree in the sciences; or who are career changers with a degree from another field.

With the program director’s approval, students also have the option of designing their own certificate based on their interests.

To earn an undergraduate certificate, students must have sufficient education or job experience to succeed in their chosen field. Admittance to a certificate program requires submission of a résumé and application, as well as an interview with the program director in order to determine the student’s goals and design an appropriate curriculum.

Certificate in Clinical Research

As the link between the biomedical industry and the physician, a clinical research professional assists in the testing and evaluation of new drugs, devices, and procedures. The Certificate in Clinical Research trains health professionals to contribute to the design, conduct, and analysis of clinical trials.

A comprehensive list of courses, course descriptions, and requirements for the Certificate in Clinical Research can be found online at www.bu.edu/met/biotech. Course schedules for specific semesters can be found on the website or in the Metropolitan College Schedule, available prior to the start of registration.

Certificate in Biotechnology

The Certificate in Biotechnology is an excellent option for those who wish to obtain advanced training in areas such as microbiology, molecular biology, and cell culture. The certificate provides preparation in various protocols and hands-on laboratory skills in use at many biomedical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology companies.

A comprehensive list of courses, course descriptions, and requirements for the Certificate in Biotechnology can be found online at www.bu.edu/met/biotech. Course schedules for specific semesters can be found on the website or in the Metropolitan College Schedule, available prior to the start of registration.

Unemployed? The Certificate in Biotechnology is a Section 30-Approved Training Program

Boston University’s Certificate in Biotechnology is an approved training program under Section 30 of the Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance Law. Section 30 allows the Division of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to waive an active work search by claimants who meet certain eligibility requirements. In addition, claimants can continue to collect their UI benefits while in approved training. For information about the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development Training Opportunities Program (TOP), or for a list of Section 30 approved training programs, visit www.mass.gov/dwd and click on the “For Claimants” tab.

CityLab Academy

CityLab Academy is a free, two-semester degree-track education and biomedical training program that allows post-secondary students to earn 12 Boston University credits upon successful completion of four courses: Medical Terminology, Introduction to Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Cell Culture Techniques, and Biotechnology. CityLab Academy students take academic and laboratory courses alongside other Boston University undergraduates. They receive tutoring, learn study skills, and are mentored by a graduate student studying in the medical sciences.

Along with the four required courses, the program consists of intense laboratory training, internships, and job skill preparation. Graduates of CityLab Academy receive a Certificate in Biomedical Laboratory Science, and are qualified for a wide variety of entry-level laboratory jobs in institutions such as biotech companies, universities, and hospitals, among others. Many Academy graduates are successfully employed and continue in the BLCS program at no cost through their company’s tuition benefit.

For more information on CityLab Academy, please visit www.bu.edu/CityLabAcademy or call 617-638-5664.