Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences B.S.
The B.S. in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences is for students interested in health, biomedical, and biotechnology. Students are provided a solid background in the biological, biomedical, and related physical sciences and are prepared for careers in biomedical research as well as professional health programs (medical, M.D./Ph.D., dental, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, etc.).
General Degree Requirements
To earn a baccalaureate degree, all students must complete successfully, in addition to any other requirements, the University of Montana General Education Requirements. Please refer to the General Education Requirements page for more information.
Additional requirements for graduation can be found on the Degree/Certificate Requirements for Graduation page.
Unless otherwise noted in individual program requirements, a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all work attempted at the University of Montana-Missoula is required for graduation. Please see the Academic Policies and Procedures page for information on how your GPA is calculated.
Courses taken to satisfy the requirements of a major, minor, or certificate program must be completed with a grade of C- or better unless a higher grade is noted in the program requirements.
Bachelor of Science - Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences
Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biology/Microbiology Lower-Division Core 1 | ||
| Complete all of the following courses: | ||
| BIOB 160 | Principles of Living Systems | 3 |
| BIOB 161N | Principles of Living Systems Lab | 1 |
| BIOB 170N | Principles of Biological Diversity | 3 |
| BIOB 171N | Principles of Biological Diversity Lab | 2 |
| BIOB 260 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| BIOB 272 | Genetics and Evolution | 4 |
| Human and Biomedical 300-level Depth Courses | ||
| Complete three of the following courses: | 9-13 | |
| Developmental Biology | ||
| General Genetics | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions I and Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions I Laboratory | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions II and Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions II Laboratory | ||
| General Microbiology and General Microbiology Lab | ||
| Molecular Neuroscience | ||
| Biochemistry Requirement | ||
| Complete one of the following sequences: | 4-6 | |
One Semester: | ||
| Biochemistry | ||
Full Year: | ||
| Advanced Biochemistry I and Advanced Biochemistry II | ||
| Human and Biomedical 400-level Depth Courses | ||
| If BCH 480/482 were taken, complete three of the following courses. If BCH 380 was taken, complete four of the following courses: | 9-13 | |
| Biochemistry Research Lab | ||
| Undergraduate Research | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Advanced Cellular & Molecular Biology | ||
| Endocrinology | ||
| Genomics | ||
| Advanced Undergraduate Research | ||
| Undergraduate Thesis | ||
| Hematology | ||
| Genes and Development Lab | ||
| Principles of Medical Physiology | ||
| Pathogenic Microbes | ||
| Host-Microbe Interactions | ||
| General Parasitology and General Parasitology Lab | ||
| Virology | ||
| Advanced Undergraduate Research | ||
| Careers Course | ||
| Complete one of the following courses: | 1-2 | |
| Your Future in Biology | ||
| PreMedical Sciences 101 Honors: The Science of Health Professions Success | ||
| Related Mathematical and Social Sciences | ||
| Complete three of the following courses: | 9-11 | |
| Introduction to Computer Science | ||
| Applied Calculus | ||
or M 171 | Calculus I | |
| Intro to Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Chemistry 2 | ||
| Complete one of the following sequences of general and organic chemistry: | 10-20 | |
Introductory Chemistry (10 credits): | ||
| Introduction to General Chemistry | ||
| Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry and Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry Lab | ||
Advanced Chemistry (20 credits): | ||
| College Chemistry I and College Chemistry I Lab | ||
| College Chemistry II and College Chemistry II Lab | ||
| Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab | ||
| Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Lab | ||
| Physics | ||
| Complete one of the following Physics sequences: | 10 | |
Algebra- and Trigonometry-based Physics: | ||
| College Physics I and College Physics I Laboratory | ||
| College Physics II and College Physics II Laboratory | ||
Calculus-based Physics: | ||
| Fundamentals of Physics with Calculus I and Physics Laboratory I with Calculus | ||
| Fundamentals of Physics with Calculus II and Physics Laboratory II with Calculus | ||
| Writing in the Disciplines Requirement | ||
| To complete the Writing in the Disciplines Requirement, Biology students take 2 or 3 partial writing courses (either three 1/3 writing courses or one 1/3 writing course and one 2/3 writing course) or one complete writing course. | ||
| Total Hours | 69-92 | |
- 1
The lower-division core should be completed before attempting most upper-division major courses. AP Biology credit with a score of 3 may be substituted for either BIOB 160/BIOB 161N or BIOB 170N/BIOB 171N.
- 2
Students who begin in the advanced chemistry sequence may substitute those courses for introductory sequence courses at the discretion of the major advisor. If students plan to apply to a graduate or professional school such as medical or dental, they should plan to complete the advanced chemistry sequence. If they plan to pursue nursing or a graduate program in physical therapy, the introductory chemistry sequence is most likely sufficient. The advanced chemistry option is more flexible, and keeps more options open for future careers. Check the requirements of your intended professional program to help determine which sequence is most appropriate.
Writing in the Disciplines Distributed Model Courses for Biological Sciences
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1/3 Writing in the Disciplines Courses | ||
| BCH 482 | Advanced Biochemistry II | 3 |
| BIOB 410 | Immunology | 3 |
| BIOB 425 | Advanced Cellular & Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOB 483 | Phylogenics and Evolution | 3 |
| BIOE 371 | General Ecology Lab (equivalent to 271) | 2 |
| BIOE 403 | Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy | 4 |
| BIOE 428 | Freshwater Ecology | 5 |
| BIOH 447 | Genes and Development Lab | 3 |
| BIOM 327 | Vector-Borne Diseases: Public Health Perspectives | 3 |
| BIOM 435 | Virology | 3 |
| BIOO 470 | Ornithology | 4 |
| BIOO 475 | Mammalogy | 4 |
| WILD 470 | Conservation of Wildlife Populations | 4 |
| 2/3 Writing in the Disciplines Courses | ||
| BCH 486 | Biochemistry Research Lab | 3 |
| BCH 499 | Senior Thesis/Capstone | 3-6 |
| BIOB 411 | Immunology Laboratory | 2 |
| BIOB 499 | Undergraduate Thesis | 3-6 |
| BIOE 448 | Terrestrial Plant Ecology | 4 |
| BIOE 485 | Plant Evolution | 3 |
| BIOM 499 | Undergraduate Thesis | 3-6 |
| Full Writing in the Disciplines Courses | ||
| BIOH 462 | Principles of Medical Physiology | 3 |
| BIOM 420 | Host-Microbe Interactions | 3 |
Plan for Pre-Health Track
*This is an example of a four-year plan for a B.S. Degree in Human Biology & Biomedical Sciences. This pre-health track is for students interested in health-related careers that do not require advanced chemistry: for example, Public Health, Occupational Therapy, some Physician Assistant and most Physical Therapy.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Hours | |
| BIOB 160 & BIOB 161N |
Principles of Living Systems and Principles of Living Systems Lab |
4 |
| CHMY 121N | Introduction to General Chemistry 1 | 4 |
| M 162 or M 171 |
Applied Calculus 1 or Calculus I |
4 |
| WRIT 101 | College Writing I | 4 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOB 170N & BIOB 171N |
Principles of Biological Diversity and Principles of Biological Diversity Lab |
5 |
| CHMY 123 & CHMY 124 |
Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry and Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry Lab 1 |
6 |
| PSYX 100S | Intro to Psychology 1 | 3 |
| HMED 140 | Introduction to Health Professions 1 | 2 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Autumn | ||
| BIOB 260 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| BIOH 365 & BIOH 366 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions I and Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions I Laboratory 1 |
4 |
| STAT 216 | Introduction to Statistics 1 | 4 |
| Intermediate Writing Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOB 272 | Genetics and Evolution | 4 |
| BIOH 370 & BIOH 371 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions II and Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions II Laboratory 1 |
4 |
| General Education Requirement | 3 | |
| General Education Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Junior | ||
| Autumn | ||
| BIOM 360 & BIOM 361 |
General Microbiology and General Microbiology Lab 1 |
5 |
| PHSX 205N & PHSX 206N |
College Physics I and College Physics I Laboratory 1 |
5 |
| General Education Requirement | 3 | |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| BCH 380 | Biochemistry 1 | 4 |
| PHSX 207N & PHSX 208N |
College Physics II and College Physics II Laboratory 1 |
5 |
| General Education Requirement | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Senior | ||
| Autumn | ||
| BIOB 410 & BIOM 428 |
Immunology and General Parasitology Lab 1 |
4 |
| BIOM 427 & BIOM 428 |
General Parasitology and General Parasitology Lab |
5 |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 5 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOM 435 | Virology 1 | 3 |
| BIOM 402 | Pathogenic Microbes 1 | 3 |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 123 | |
Updated Autumn 2025
Plan for Pre-Medical Track
*This is an example of a four-year plan for a B.S. Degree in Human Biology & Biomedical Sciences. This pre-medical track covers all courses that are required or recommended for Medical school and MCAT preparation. With this plan, MCAT can be taken after junior year. This is also for Dental, Optometry, Chiropractic, some Physician Associates.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Hours | |
| BIOB 160 & BIOB 161N |
Principles of Living Systems and Principles of Living Systems Lab |
4 |
| CHMY 141N & CHMY 142N |
College Chemistry I and College Chemistry I Lab 1 |
5 |
| M 171 & M 162 |
Calculus I and Applied Calculus 1 |
4 |
| HMED 140 | Introduction to Health Professions 1 | 2 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOB 170N & BIOB 171N |
Principles of Biological Diversity and Principles of Biological Diversity Lab |
5 |
| CHMY 143N & CHMY 144N |
College Chemistry II and College Chemistry II Lab 1 |
5 |
| WRIT 101 | College Writing I | 4 |
| General Education Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Autumn | ||
| BIOB 260 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| CHMY 221 & CHMY 222 |
Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab 1 |
5 |
| PSYX 100S | Intro to Psychology 1 | 3 |
| Intermediate Writing Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOB 272 | Genetics and Evolution | 4 |
| CHMY 223 & CHMY 224 |
Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Lab 1 |
5 |
| SOCI 101S | Introduction to Sociology 1 | 3 |
| STAT 216 | Introduction to Statistics 1 | 4 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Junior | ||
| Autumn | ||
| BIOH 365 & BIOH 366 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions I and Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions I Laboratory 1 |
4 |
| BCH 480 | Advanced Biochemistry I 1 | 3 |
| PHSX 205N & PHSX 206N |
College Physics I and College Physics I Laboratory 1 |
5 |
| General Education Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOH 370 & BIOH 371 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions II and Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions II Laboratory 1 |
4 |
| BCH 482 | Advanced Biochemistry II 1 | 3 |
| PHSX 207N & PHSX 208N |
College Physics II and College Physics II Laboratory 1 |
5 |
| General Education Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Senior | ||
| Autumn | ||
| BIOB 410 | Immunology 1 | 3 |
| BIOM 360 & BIOM 361 |
General Microbiology and General Microbiology Lab 1 |
5 |
| General Education Requirement | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| BCH 486 | Biochemistry Research Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOM 435 | Virology 1 | 3 |
| Upper Division Elective | 8 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 121 | |
Updated Autumn 2025
Plan for Research Track
*This is an example of a four-year plan for a B.S. Degree in Human Biology & Biomedical Sciences. This research track is for any student interested in a graduate-prep program to prepare for a career in cellular, molecular, biochemical, or biomedical research.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Hours | |
| BIOB 160 & BIOB 161N |
Principles of Living Systems and Principles of Living Systems Lab |
4 |
| CHMY 141N & CHMY 143N |
College Chemistry I and College Chemistry II 1 |
5 |
| M 171 or M 162 |
Calculus I 1 or Applied Calculus |
4 |
| BIOB 194 | Your Future in Biology 1 | 1 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOB 170N & BIOB 171N |
Principles of Biological Diversity and Principles of Biological Diversity Lab |
5 |
| CHMY 143N & CHMY 144N |
College Chemistry II and College Chemistry II Lab 1 |
5 |
| WRIT 101 | College Writing I | 4 |
| General Education Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Autumn | ||
| BIOB 260 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| CHMY 221 & CHMY 222 |
Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab 1 |
5 |
| CSCI 150 | Introduction to Computer Science 1 | 3 |
| Intermediate Writing Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOB 272 | Genetics and Evolution | 4 |
| CHMY 223 & CHMY 224 |
Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Lab 1 |
5 |
| STAT 216 | Introduction to Statistics 1 | 4 |
| General Education Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Junior | ||
| Autumn | ||
| BIOB 301 | Developmental Biology 1 | 3 |
| BIOM 360 & BIOM 361 |
General Microbiology and General Microbiology Lab 1 |
5 |
| PHSX 205N & PHSX 206N |
College Physics I and College Physics I Laboratory 1 |
5 |
| General Education Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOB 375 | General Genetics 1 | 3 |
| PHSX 207N & PHSX 208N |
College Physics II and College Physics II Laboratory 1 |
5 |
| General Education Requirement | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Senior | ||
| Autumn | ||
| BCH 480 | Advanced Biochemistry I 1 | 3 |
| BIOB 490 | Advanced Undergraduate Research 1 | 3 |
| General Education Requirement | 3 | |
| Upper Division Elective | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BCH 482 | Advanced Biochemistry II 1 | 3 |
| BCH 486 | Biochemistry Research Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOH 447 | Genes and Development Lab 1 | 3 |
| Upper Division Elective | 4 | |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 121 | |
- 1
Indicates you have a choice of alternative courses for degree completion. See catalog, Degree Works, or your advisor for other options.