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Biomedical Studies Curriculum

Our two-year Master of Science in Biomedical Studies (MBS) program evolved from our former Medical Science Preparatory certificate and Master of Science in Biological Science program curricula into a fully federal financial aid–compliant two-year master's program. For details, please consult the catalog.

Year 1: Focus on MCAT-related coursework

The first-year curriculum focuses on building students' academic skills with advanced undergraduate coursework in physics and chemistry and rigorous graduate coursework in biochemistry, psychology, physiology, anatomy and laboratory techniques. In parallel, students engage in volunteering opportunities, and prepare for the MCAT with a dedicated year-long MCAT preparation and review course taught by Princeton Review. The undergraduate-level review courses in physics and chemistry are designed to improve students' undergraduate GPA and prepare for chemical and physical concepts tested in the MCAT. Graduate courses provide the foundations for other sections of the MCAT and for the rigor of the second-year curriculum.

Students transition into the second year of the program after successful completion of Year 1, as demonstrated by a minimum 3.0 graduate-level GPA, sitting for the MCAT and releasing the score, and completing a summer research project.

Year 2: Focus on Medical School equivalent coursework

In Year 2, students further deepen their academic skills by immersion into coursework equivalent to first-year medical school courses in biochemistry, physiology, cell biology and histology, and neuroanatomy, taught in parallel with our medical students by our distinguished medical school faculty. Assessments of Biomedical Studies program students are separate from the medical students, but similar in terms of expectations. The science instruction is complemented by courses in bioethics, professionalism and leadership.

The second-year curriculum provides an opportunity for direct assessment of a student's readiness for medical school. Students who take the full biomedical studies curriculum and meet certain GPA and MCAT requirements will be offered the opportunity to interview for admission into Drexel's MD program.

Program Level Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Science in Biomedical Studies program will achieve seven program level outcomes that describe the skills, competencies and knowledge gained through completion of the program curriculum.

  • Demonstrate proficiency in science courses required for entry into medical school
  • Achieve a competitive MCAT score
  • Demonstrate an understanding the of ethical standards and professionalism for entering a healthcare profession
  • Demonstrate the ability to discuss and communicate current themes in healthcare
  • Attain a functional knowledge of medical sciences comparable to the content of the first year medical school curriculum
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how to conduct and report scientific research
  • Demonstrate knowledge base and skill set for a career and/or future schooling in health care or related fields in health professional programs
Biomedical Studies program graduate students in the classroom at Drexel University College of Medicine.

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