Burnett School of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Medicine

Undergraduate Programs

Biomedical Sciences

The Department prepares students for entry into professional schools in health sciences such as medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine and graduate school as well as to enter the technical work force in biotechnology, pharmaceutical or other medical technology industry.

The undergraduate program offers an array of courses, such as anatomy, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, microbiology, and immunology.

There are approximately 2600 students enrolled in the department’s undergraduate major in Biomedical Sciences. Students enrich their education by participating in one of several student organizations or by working with faculty on directed research. The diverse research interests of the faculty in the department create a unique environment for interdisciplinary research. Our faculty has expertise in a wide range of biomedical science specialties, including microbiology, immunology, infectious disease, molecular cardiovascular biology, neurobiology, molecular biology, molecular parasitology, biotechnology, oncology and nanobiology.

For more information regarding the BS in Biomedical Sciences, please click here.

Biotechnology

Bachelors of Science in Biotechnology

The Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, in the Burnett School of Biomedical Science, houses a Bachelor’s of Science in Biotechnology.  The overall goal of this academic program is to produce highly trained graduates who will meet the workforce needs of the biotechnology industry in Florida and the nation.

A career in biotechnology is an invitation to participate in the development of new products and processes that improve the quality of human life! With a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology students are prepared to enter this emerging industry right after graduation.

Degree Overview

• The Biotechnology undergraduate degree prepares students to function in the industrial biotechnology environment, providing them with more “hands on” laboratory experiences and opportunities for research.
• One of the highlights of this program is that faculty and students contribute, through their research, in the areas of cancer and neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases; which are important issues and targets of biotechnology research and development.
• Students are also provided with an industrial perspective and an understanding of product development at the same time as they are trained in molecular techniques required for such development.
• The interdisciplinary nature of this program leads to collaborations, research partnerships and student internships, which enhance the education of graduates of this program.
• The research and educational experiences of students in the areas of biophotonics, nanomedicine, bioinformatics, and structural biology are facilitated by collaborations with strong technology initiatives at UCF such as the Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL), the Nanoscience Technology Center, the Institute for Simulation and Training (IST) and the Chemistry Department.
• With new biotechnology companies and such prestigious biotechnology/biomedical institutes such as Scripps, VAX, and Sanford-Burnham, and VAMC-Orlando located in Florida, the Biotechnology B.S. will help meet the increasing statewide workforce needs.

For more information regarding the BS in Biotechnology program, please click here.

Medical Laboratory Sciences

The mission of this program is to prepare students to become Medical Laboratory Technologists.

The medical laboratory sciences program is nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Administered by the Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, the program has limited access due to low student-clinical instructor ratio limits required for accreditation.

This program offers hands on training in each of the five diagnostic areas: clinical chemistry, hematology, immunohematolgy, clinical microbiology and immunology.  Upon graduation, students qualify for state licensure and national certification and have opportunities to work in some of the highest caliber hospitals, research facilities and diagnostic centers in the country. Program curriculum gives students a thorough background in the physical and biological sciences; develops their understanding, skills and abilities essential to assume leadership roles in management and education; develops a high level of proficiency in the clinical laboratory, and allows recognition of the importance of continuing education needed for professional growth.

To earn a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences, students must achieve a 2.5 GPA in the major courses. The degree is awarded upon completion of the university’s didactic and clinical program. Upon receiving a degree in medical laboratory sciences, graduates are eligible for national certification and State of Florida licensure.

This program is accredited by

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Rd.
Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119