The interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences major (BS) is designed for the undergraduate student with an aptitude for the sciences and who plans to attend medical school or to conduct biomedical research in graduate school and beyond. The BS degree is intended particularly for students preparing for research and/or practice in the chemical, genetic, cellular, physiological basis of human disease. The major requires a minimum of 78 semester hours of course work in the natural sciences, mathematics, statistics, and the social sciences. The major is selective, with a limited number of students admitted, and the curriculum is challenging, requiring extreme dedication by its students who will be mentored by UI faculty members from the participating disciplines.

Pursuing a career in biology can be very rewarding and exciting. Biologists learn how living things work, how they interact with one another, and how they evolve. Biologists help us understand the natural world in which we live and issues of personal well-being and worldwide concern, such as the environment and human health. There are a range of careers that an individual can pursue with a degree in biology. Agriculture and food production Healthcare delivery and administration Biomedical research and diagnostics Biotechnology development and implementation Biofuels research and production Environmental research and policy Education