BS in Biomedical Laboratory & Clinical Sciences
Offered in collaboration with Boston University Metropolitan College and Boston University School of Medicine.
Offered by Metropolitan College in collaboration with Boston University School of Medicine, the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Laboratory & Clinical Sciences (BLCS) 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.
The BLCS combines general undergraduate education with special technical training that prepares students for positions in biomedical or clinical research. Courses are available in basic and more advanced theoretical and practical biomedical scientific areas. Lecture and laboratory courses in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, pathology, Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP), and other topics relevant to the biotech and biopharmaceutical industries help prepare students for fulfilling jobs and careers. Students can also choose to concentrate in clinical research courses, which prepare them for work in the clinical research field. Undergraduate certificate programs in clinical research and biotechnology are also available. The time required to earn the degree varies based on individual schedules, transferable credits, and the pace students establish for themselves to complete the program.
Learning Outcomes
- Proficiency in communicating and applying the fundamental concepts of molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry.
- Resourcefulness in researching and evaluating relevant and scientifically sound information from a variety of databases and academic sources.
- Proficiency in applying essential technical and laboratory math skills to common laboratory procedures.
- Competence in displaying and interpreting quantitative data.
- An ability to identify appropriate career and continuing education goals based on self-assessment of academic, technical, and professional skills, and knowledge of opportunities in the biomedical field.
Admissions Information
For current admissions information, please visit the Metropolitan College website.
Course Requirements
The BLCS curriculum consists of 128 credits, to be earned in four distinct components:
- Distribution requirements (48 credits)
- Major required courses and major elective courses (56–62 credits)
- Free electives (8 credits)
- Research Practicum/Clinical Research Practicum (10–16 credits)
Distribution Requirements (48 credits)
Distribution requirements comprise basic science and liberal arts courses. Courses taken at other institutions may satisfy some of these requirements.
English
- MET EN 104 English Composition
and - MET EN 201 Intermediate Composition
Mathematics
- 4 credits in MET MA 120 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
and - MET CH 171 Principles of General Chemistry 1 or MET CH 101 General Chemistry 1
Literature
- 4 credits in a 100- or 200-level MET EN literature course or MET HU 221
Philosophy
- 4 credits
History
- 4 credits
Additional Courses
- 4 credits in the humanities (H)
- 4 credits in the social sciences (S)
- 4 credits in the humanities (H) or social sciences (S)
Major Requirements (30 credits)
A total of 30 credits, completed with a grade of C or higher, is required. Major requirements are drawn from courses in the biomedical sciences taught on BU’s School of Medicine campus. (Courses are four credits unless otherwise indicated.)
- GMS BT 104 Medical Terminology (2 cr)
- GMS BT 110 Introduction to Biomedical Laboratory Sciences
- GMS BT 205 Scientific Writing & Communication
- GMS BT 208 Essential Math for Biotechnology
- GMS BT 301 Introduction to Biomedical Research Laboratory Techniques
- GMS BT 342 Cell Biology
- GMS BT 405 Biochemistry
- MET CH 172 Principles of Organic and Biochemistry or MET CH 102 General Chemistry 2 or MET PY 105 Elementary Physics
Major Electives (26–32 credits)
Major electives provide working knowledge in a range of relevant fields, including molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, pathology, and regulatory and compliance issues. Students choose from a wide range of offerings, and may concentrate on an area of their choosing. The number of major courses depends upon the area of interest, length of the research practicum, and number of transfer credits (courses are four credits unless otherwise indicated). A grade of C or higher is required. Students select courses in consultation with their academic advisor. Major course choices include, but are not limited to, the following:
- GMS BT 106 Medical Terminology 2 (2 cr)
- GMS BT 201 Anatomy & Physiology 1
- GMS BT 202 Anatomy & Physiology 2
- GMS BT 210 Medical Writing for Clinical Research
- GMS BT 290 Disease & Public Health
- 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)
- GMS BT 442 Issues in Assisted Reproduction (online)
- GMS BT 482 Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory Techniques
- GMS BT 520 Biology of Cancer
- GMS BT 540 Regulatory and Compliance Issues
- GMS BT 560 Good Clinical Practices (GCP) in Clinical Research
- MET CJ 101 Principles of Criminal Justice
- MET MG 415 Project Management
Free Electives (8 credits)
Free electives allow students to complement and broaden their academic background based on career objectives and personal interests. Usually, two courses (8 credits) are required—possibly more, depending on transfer credits—chosen with the advice of an academic counselor.
Research Practicum/Clinical Research Practicum (10–16 credits)
Students gain hands-on professional experience in their chosen field by working in a laboratory or clinical research environment. Research and Clinical Research practicums are available in clinical, industrial, and university settings, and assist students in meeting individual goals. Students must earn a minimum of 10 credits and may earn up to 16 credits with the director’s approval. The total number of credits earned in the Research Practicum will determine the number of major elective course credits required of students. All Research Practicums and Clinical Research Practicums must be approved by the program director.
- GMS BT 596/597 Research Practicum (10–16 cr total)
- GMS BT 594/595 Clinical Research Practicum
This course will provide senior BLCS students the opportunity to gain hands-on laboratory research experience. The research practicum will give each student the opportunity to work closely with a BUSM faculty member on a hypothesis-driven research project. Students will be trained in a cutting-edge laboratory setting that will allow them to develop and practice various research methods/techniques in a guided/mentored study. Research projects will be either part of a study that faculty are currently involved in and/or a project faculty would like to pursue. Students will discuss and design a project with their faculty mentor and work in the lab to fulfill the calculated work hour requirements. (Biotechnology firms, clinical research organizations, and medical centers may accommodate students according to mutual needs).