The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Anatomical and Physiological Sciences Specialization, Plan B with choice of an option is a one-year, non-thesis, coursework-intensive program, with core classes in gross anatomy, physiology, and neurobiology. The program requires the completion of 32 credits and culminates in written comprehensive exams. While much of our coursework prepares students for the rigors of professional school, the curriculum allows for flexibility of electives for students interested in a wide variety of careers.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin. Visit the Department of Biomedical Sciences for more information.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Acquire comprehensive knowledge of biomedical science principles by integrating material from core courses in anatomy, physiology, and neuroscience. They will accurately identify and describe anatomical structures using precise terminology and explain key physiological principles, demonstrating their ability to synthesize concepts across these core disciplines.
- Cultivate advanced critical thinking skills to analyze, interpret, and evaluate novel problems. They will synthesize information from coursework to formulate and communicate well-reasoned solutions.
- Actively engage in collaborative work, effectively contributing to group projects, study groups, and discussions. They will integrate diverse perspectives from their peers to solve complex problems and communicate collective solutions clearly and efficiently.
- Develop strong communication skills, effectively conveying complex biomedical concepts in both written and oral formats. They will tailor their communication to diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and precision in presenting scientific information.
Effective Fall 2026
Human Anatomy Option1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BMS 500 | Mammalian Physiology I | 4 |
| BMS 501 | Mammalian Physiology II | 4 |
| BMS 545 | Neuroanatomy | 5 |
| BMS 575 | Human Anatomy Dissection | 4 |
| BMS 610A | Managing a Career in Science: Survival Skills for Coursework (M.S.) | 1 |
| BMS 619 | Advanced Human Gross Anatomy | 2 |
| Electives 2 | 12 | |
| Program Total Credits: | 32 | |
Neurobiology Option1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BMS 500 | Mammalian Physiology I | 4 |
| BMS 503/NB 503 | Developmental Neurobiology | 3 |
| BMS 505/NB 505 | Neuronal Circuits, Systems and Behavior | 3 |
| BMS 545 | Neuroanatomy | 5 |
| BMS 610A | Managing a Career in Science: Survival Skills for Coursework (M.S.) | 1 |
| Electives 2 | 16 | |
| Program Total Credits: | 32 | |
Animal Anatomy Option1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BMS 500 | Mammalian Physiology I | 4 |
| BMS 501 | Mammalian Physiology II | 4 |
| BMS 531 | Domestic Animal Dissection | 3 |
| BMS 545 | Neuroanatomy | 5 |
| BMS 610A | Managing a Career in Science: Survival Skills for Coursework (M.S.) | 1 |
| BMS 633 | Domestic Animal Anatomy-Case Discussions | 2 |
| Electives 2 | 13 | |
| Program Total Credits: | 32 | |
Elective Courses2
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANEQ 300A | Topics in Animal Sciences: Livestock Handling | 1 |
| ANEQ 300E | Topics in Animal Sciences: Family Ranching | 1 |
| ANEQ 300L | Topics in Animal Sciences: Quality Assurance | 2 |
| ANEQ 300N | Topics in Animal Sciences: Seedstock Management and Merchandising | 3 |
| ANEQ 300R | Topics in Animal Sciences: Ruminant Parturition and Neonatal Care | 2 |
| ANEQ 300U | Topics in Animal Sciences: Seedstock Sale Management--Sale Planning | 1 |
| ANEQ 300V | Topics in Animal Sciences: Seedstock Sale Management--Sale Management | 1 |
| ANEQ 305 | Functional Large Animal Physiology | 3 |
| ANEQ 310 | Animal Reproduction | 3 |
| ANEQ 313 | Prevention and Control of Livestock Diseases | 3 |
| ANEQ 315 | Equine Behavior | 2 |
| ANEQ 320 | Principles of Animal Nutrition | 3 |
| ANEQ 321 | Principles of Applied Animal Nutrition | 1 |
| ANEQ 322 | Pet Nutrition | 2 |
| ANEQ 323 | Zoo Nutrition | 2 |
| ANEQ 324 | Principles of Applied Equine Nutrition | 1 |
| ANEQ 325 | Equine Exercise Physiology | 2 |
| ANEQ 328 | Foundations in Animal Genetics | 3 |
| ANEQ 330 | Principles of Animal Breeding | 3 |
| ANEQ 334 | Principles of Equine Genetics | 3 |
| ANEQ 360 | Principles of Meat Science | 3 |
| ANEQ 444 | Equine Business Management | 2 |
| ANEQ 445 | Foaling Management | 2 |
| ANEQ 522 | Animal Metabolism | 3 |
| ANEQ 551 | Field Necropsy | 2 |
| ANTH 372 | Human Osteology | 3 |
| ANTH 373 | Human Evolution | 3 |
| ANTH 379 | Evolutionary Medicine and Human Health | 3 |
| ANTH 423 | Cultural Psychiatry | 3 |
| ANTH 472 | Human Biology | 3 |
| ANTH 474 | Human Skeleton Analysis | 3 |
| ANTH 530 | Human-Environment Interactions | 3 |
| ANTH 538 | Food, Hunger, and Culture | 3 |
| ANTH 540 | Medical Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 546 | Culture, Mind, and Cognitive Science | 3 |
| ANTH 547 | Mind, Medicine, and Culture | 4 |
| BC 351 | Principles of Biochemistry | 4 |
| BC 353 | Pre-Health Genetics | 4 |
| BC 401 | Comprehensive Biochemistry I | 3 |
| BC 403 | Comprehensive Biochemistry II | 3 |
| BC 411 | Physical Biochemistry | 4 |
| BC 463 | Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| BC 464 | Molecular Genetics Recitation | 1 |
| BC 465 | Molecular Regulation of Cell Function | 3 |
| BC 467 | Biochemistry of Disease | 3 |
| BC 563 | Molecular Genetics | 4 |
| BC 565 | Molecular Regulation of Cell Function | 4 |
| BIOM 550 | STEM Communication | 1 |
| BMS 300 | Principles of Human Physiology | 4 |
| BMS 301 | Human Gross Anatomy | 5 |
| BMS 302 | Laboratory in Principles of Physiology | 2 |
| BMS 304 | Applied Food and Fiber Animal Anatomy | 3 |
| BMS 305 | Domestic Animal Gross Anatomy | 4 |
| BMS 310 | Anatomy for the Health Professions | 4 |
| BMS 320 | Virtual Laboratory in Physiology | 2 |
| BMS 325 | Cellular Neurobiology | 3 |
| BMS 330 | Microscopic Anatomy | 4 |
| BMS 345 | Functional Neuroanatomy | 4 |
| BMS 360 | Fundamentals of Physiology | 4 |
| BMS 384 | Supervised College Teaching | 1-5 |
| BMS 400 | Neuroanatomy Through Clinical Case Studies | 1 |
| BMS 401 | Laboratory Research in Biomedical Sciences | 4 |
| BMS 405 | Nerve and Muscle-Toxins, Trauma and Disease | 3 |
| BMS 409 | Human and Animal Reproductive Biology | 3 |
| BMS 420 | Cardiopulmonary Physiology | 3 |
| BMS 421 | Perspectives in Cardiopulmonary Diseases | 2 |
| BMS 425 | Introduction to Systems Neurobiology | 3 |
| BMS 430 | Endocrinology | 3 |
| BMS 450 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| BMS 460 | Essentials of Pathophysiology | 3 |
| BMS 461 | Pathophysiology Perspectives | 2 |
| BMS 487 | Internship | 1-6 |
| BMS 498 | Research | 1-3 |
| BMS 501 | Mammalian Physiology II | 4 |
| BMS 502/NB 500 | Readings in Cellular Neurobiology | 1 |
| BMS 503/NB 503 | Developmental Neurobiology | 3 |
| BMS 505/NB 505 | Neuronal Circuits, Systems and Behavior | 3 |
| BMS 521 | Comparative Reproductive Physiology | 3 |
| BMS 531 | Domestic Animal Dissection | 3 |
| BMS 575 | Human Anatomy Dissection | 4 |
| BMS 619 | Advanced Human Gross Anatomy | 2 |
| BMS 631 | Mechanisms of Hormone Action | 2 |
| BMS 632 | Metabolic Endocrinology | 2 |
| BMS 633 | Domestic Animal Anatomy-Case Discussions | 2 |
| BMS 640 | Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology | 4 |
| BMS 642 | Research Techniques for Gametes and Embryos | 1 |
| BMS 643 | Applied Andrology | 2 |
| BMS 684 | Supervised College Teaching | 1-18 |
| BMS 692 | Seminar-Classics in Neurosciences | 1 |
| BMS 695A | Independent Study: Developmental Anatomy | 1-18 |
| BMS 695B | Independent Study: Microscopic Anatomy | 1-18 |
| BMS 695C | Independent Study: Neuroanatomy | 1-18 |
| BMS 695D | Independent Study: Radiographic Anatomy | 1-18 |
| BMS 695E | Independent Study: Surgical Anatomy | 1-18 |
| BMS 695F | Independent Study: Gross Anatomy | 1-18 |
| BMS 696 | Group Study-Neurosciences | 1-3 |
| BMS 742 | Ethical Issues in Human Assisted Reproduction | 1 |
| BMS 784 | Supervised College Teaching | 1-18 |
| BMS 792A | Seminar: Biomedical Sciences | 1-5 |
| BMS 792B | Seminar: Neurophysiology | 1-5 |
| BMS 792C | Seminar: Reproductive Physiology | 1-5 |
| BMS 795A | Independent Study: Endocrinology | 1-18 |
| BMS 795B | Independent Study: Neurophysiology | 1-18 |
| BMS 795C | Independent Study: Cell Physiology | 1-18 |
| BMS 795D | Independent Study: Cardiopulmonary Physiology | 1-18 |
| BMS 795E | Independent Study: Reproductive Physiology | 1-18 |
| BMS 796A/NB 796C | Group Study: Topics in Neuroscience | 1-4 |
| BMS 796B | Group Study: Cardiopulmonary Physiology | 1-18 |
| BMS 796C | Group Study: Reproductive Physiology | 1-18 |
| BZ 300 | Animal Behavior | 3 |
| BZ 310 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| BZ 311 | Developmental Biology | 4 |
| BZ 350 | Molecular and General Genetics | 4 |
| BZ 390 | Biology of Sex | 3 |
| BZ 401 | Comparative Animal Physiology | 3 |
| BZ 418 | Ecology of Infectious Diseases | 4 |
| BZ 420 | Evolutionary Medicine | 3 |
| BZ 455 | Human Heredity and Birth Defects | 3 |
| BZ 478/VS 478 | Biology and Behavior of Cats | 3 |
| BZ 479/VS 479 | Biology and Behavior of Dogs | 3 |
| BZ 515 | Physiological Ecology of Marine Vertebrates | 3 |
| CHEM 341 | Modern Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 343 | Modern Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 344 | Modern Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 346 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 461 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 462 | Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory | 2 |
| CM 501 | Advanced Cell Biology | 4 |
| CM 644/E 644 | Creative Science Writing | 3 |
| CO 300 | Writing Arguments (GT-CO3) | 3 |
| CO 301B | Writing in the Disciplines: Sciences (GT-CO3) | 3 |
| CO 301D | Writing in the Disciplines: Education (GT-CO3) | 3 |
| EDAE 520 | Adult Education | 3 |
| EDAE 521 | Introduction to Learning Design and Training | 1 |
| EDAE 620 | Processes and Methods | 3 |
| EDAE 624 | Adult Teaching and Learning I | 3 |
| EDAE 639 | Instructional Design | 3 |
| EDAE 664 | Assessment and Evaluation in Adult Education | 3 |
| EDUC 461A | Secondary Science and Technology Education I | 3 |
| EDUC 461B | Secondary Science and Technology Education II | 3 |
| ERHS 446 | Environmental Toxicology | 3 |
| ERHS 501 | Disease in Public Health Action | 2 |
| ERHS 503 | Toxicology Principles | 1 |
| ERHS 510/VS 510 | Cancer Biology | 3 |
| ERHS 550 | Principles of Radiation Biology | 5 |
| ERHS 566 | Forensic Toxicology | 3 |
| ERHS 569 | Immunotoxicology | 3 |
| ETST 305 | Ethnicity, Class, and Gender in the U.S. | 3 |
| ETST 410 | Advanced Topics in African American Studies | 3 |
| FSHN 350 | Human Nutrition | 3 |
| FSHN 470 | Advanced Human Nutrition and Metabolism | 3 |
| FSHN 444 | Nutrition and Aging | 1 |
| FSHN 450 | Medical Nutrition Therapy | 3 |
| FSHN 449 | Pathophysiology of Nutrition-Related Diseases | 2 |
| FSHN 420 | Advanced Sports Nutrition | 3 |
| FSHN 435 | Lactation Benefits and Promotion | 2 |
| FSHN 445/HDFS 445 | Early Childhood Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| FSHN 451 | Community Nutrition | 3 |
| FSHN 453 | Biology of Body Weight Regulation | 3 |
| FSHN 455 | Food Systems--Impact on Health/Food Security | 2 |
| FSHN 459 | Nutrition in the Life Cycle | 3 |
| FSHN 504 | Micronutrients | 3 |
| FSHN 505 | Nutrition and Physical Activity in Aging | 3 |
| FSHN 506 | Nutrition and Human Performance | 3 |
| GRAD 544 | Ethical Conduct of Research | 1 |
| HDFS 332 | Death, Dying, and Grief | 3 |
| HDFS 310 | Infant and Child Development | 3 |
| HDFS 311 | Adolescent and Emerging Adult Development | 3 |
| HDFS 312 | Adult Development and Aging | 3 |
| HDFS 475 | Leadership and Advocacy in Human Services | 3 |
| HES 420 | Electrocardiography and Exercise Management | 3 |
| HES 403 | Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
| HES 404 | Physiology of Exercise Laboratory | 1 |
| HES 300 | Physiology for Clinical Health Professions | 4 |
| HES 345 | Population Health and Disease Prevention | 3 |
| HES 319 | Neuromuscular Aspects of Human Movement | 4 |
| HES 379 | Psychology and Sport | 3 |
| HES 340 | Exercise Prescription | 3 |
| HES 434 | Physical Activity Throughout the Lifespan | 3 |
| HES 450 | Introduction to Human Clinical Medicine | 3 |
| HES 610 | Exercise Bioenergetics | 3 |
| HES 500 | Environmental Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| JTC 319 | Science and Environmental Communication | 3 |
| LSPA 300 | Reading and Writing for Communication-Spanish | 3 |
| LSPA 301 | Oral Communication-Spanish | 3 |
| LSPA 313 | Introduction to Spanish Translation and Interpreting | 3 |
| LSPA 335 | Issues in Hispanic Culture | 3 |
| LSPA 340A | Animal Health Spanish: Routines and Preventive Care | 3 |
| LSPA 340B | Animal Health Spanish: Health and Handling | 3 |
| LSPA 345 | Business Spanish | 3 |
| LSPA 346A | Medical Spanish: An Overview | 3 |
| LSPA 346B | Medical Spanish: Clinical Tasks | 3 |
| LSPA 347 | Spanish for Working with Youth and Families | 3 |
| LSPA 348 | Spanish Professional Terminology in Context | 3 |
| LSPA 413 | Advanced Spanish Translation and Interpreting | 3 |
| MGT 305 | Fundamentals of Management | 3 |
| MIP 300 | General Microbiology | 3 |
| MIP 302 | General Microbiology Laboratory | 2 |
| MIP 303 | General Microbiology--Honors Recitation | 1 |
| MIP 315 | Pathology of Human and Animal Disease | 3 |
| MIP 334 | Food Microbiology | 3 |
| MIP 335 | Food Microbiology Laboratory | 2 |
| MIP 342 | Immunology | 4 |
| MIP 343 | Immunology Laboratory | 2 |
| MIP 351 | Medical Bacteriology | 3 |
| MIP 352 | Medical Bacteriology Laboratory | 3 |
| MIP 355 | CURE – Phage Discovery and Genetics | 3 |
| MIP 410 | Foundations of Modern Biotechnology | 2 |
| MIP 420 | Medical and Molecular Virology | 4 |
| MIP 425 | Virology and Cell Culture Laboratory | 2 |
| MIP 432/ESS 432 | Microbial Ecology | 3 |
| MIP 433/ESS 433 | Microbial Ecology Laboratory | 1 |
| MIP 443 | Microbial Physiology | 3 |
| MIP 450 | Microbial Genetics | 3 |
| MIP 462/BSPM 462/BZ 462 | Parasitology and Vector Biology | 5 |
| MIP 495 | Independent Study | 1-18 |
| MIP 496 | Group Study | 1-3 |
| NB 475 | Mentored Research in Neuroscience | 3 |
| NB 500/BMS 502 | Readings in Cellular Neurobiology | 1 |
| NB 501 | Cellular and Molecular Neurophysiology | 2 |
| NB 502 | Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology | 2 |
| NB 506 | Neuroscience of Disease | 2 |
| NB 793 | Neuroscience Seminar | 1 |
| NB 796E | Group Study: Neuroendocrine Mechanisms | 1-18 |
| PHIL 315 | Philosophy of Language | 3 |
| PHIL 322 | Biomedical Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL 326 | Philosophy of Biology | 3 |
| PHIL 354 | Philosophy and Science Fiction | 3 |
| PHIL 407 | Phenomenology and Existentialism | 3 |
| PSY 300 | Positive Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 315 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 320 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| PSY 325 | Psychology of Personality | 3 |
| PSY 330 | Clinical and Counseling Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 352 | Learning and Memory | 3 |
| PSY 360 | Psychology of Drug Addiction Treatment | 3 |
| PSY 437 | Psychology of Gender | 3 |
| PSY 458 | Cognitive Neuroscience | 3 |
| PSY 515 | Women's Health | 3 |
| PSY 517/IE 517 | Perspectives in Global Health | 3 |
| SOCR 330 | Principles of Genetics | 3 |
| VS 301 | Human-Animal Interactions | 3 |
| VS 331 | Histology | 4 |
| VS 333 | Domestic Animal Anatomy | 4 |
| VS 410 | Pets Forever – Supporting the Life-Long Bond | 3 |
| VS 495 | Independent Study | 1-18 |
| VS 501 | Animal Behavior and Welfare | 2 |
A minimum of 32 credits are required to complete this program.
- 1
Written comprehensive exam will fulfill requirements of the Plan B. Exams take place after coursework is complete.
- 2
Students may have a reason to take an elective outside this list that will contribute to their chosen profession. Should this situation arise, the student will work with their academic advisor and graduate education committee to approve the most appropriate electives for their course of study.
At the end of their coursework, students will complete a written common comprehensive examination to satisfy the Plan B requirement. The exam will cover the 4 core courses in their plan of study and will be held in the summer term.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |