School of Medicine Division of Biomedical Sciences

Bridging the gap between science research & clinical medicine

Working with Dr. Walker in lab

Master's Curriculum

The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences is a minimum total of 36 units program comprised of core and elective courses, research, and a thesis or comprehensive examination. The normative time to complete program is 18 months (six quarters). Learn more about graduate program regulations and procedures.

Plan I: Thesis

(36 units)

Required

  • Core and electives graduate level courses numbered 200-289 (24 units)
  • Directed research (minimum of eight units)
  • Research thesis in designated lab with faculty advisor

Optional

  • Upper-division electives interdisciplinary curriculum courses number 100-189 (maximum of 12 units may apply to degree)

Plan II: Comprehensive Examination

(44 units)

Required

  • Core and electives graduate level courses numbered 200-289 (18 units)
  • Directed research (minimum of eight units)
  • Written comprehensive examination

Optional

  • Upper-division electives interdisciplinary courses number 100-189 (maximum of 18 units may apply to degree)

Core Courses

Students must complete a minimum of two quarters of seminars listed below.

  • Each quarter, seminar presentations from leading scientists focus on a specific disease-based research topic. In addition to the formal seminar, students participate and have the opportunity to host student-only lunch forums with invited speakers. (1 unit)

    Oral presentations by staff and visiting scholars on current research topics in the field of biomedical sciences. 

  • Oral reports by PhD students on current research topics in biomedical sciences. (1 unit)

Directed Research

Students must also complete a minimum of eight units of directed research.

  • Original research in the area selected for the advanced degree. (1-12 units)

    Submission of quarterly Enrollment Request Form is required to obtain faculty/PI enrollment approval. Form can be obtained from the student services advisor.

Required Electives

Beyond the core courses and directed research, students must select a minimum of two courses from the following list. Please note course electives may not be offered every term. For the most up-to-date course offerings, visit the Schedule of Classes.

  • Discussion of the molecular basis of disease with special emphasis on new developments and the broad application of approaches and techniques. Course is repeatable with consent of the student’s advisory committee; may be applied only once toward core requirements. (3 units)

  • Oral presentations and intensive small-group discussion of selected topics in the area of special competence of each faculty member. Course emphasizes recent advances in the special topic area and varies accordingly. (2 units)

    E. Basic Epitheliology; G. Regulation of Gene Expression; J. Microbial Pathogenesis and Host-Pathogen interactions; L. Current Topics in Cell Biology; M. Hormone Action; N. Mechanisms Of Steroid Hormones; O. Steroid Metabolism; P. Molecular Pharmacology Q. Mechanisms Of Carcinogenesis; U. Transport Physiology; W. Advanced Immunology; X. Mutagenesis & Genetic Instability; Y. Cancer Genetics. Segments are repeatable.

  • Integrative view of the human immune system and inflammation in health and disease. (3 units)

  • Integrative view of the human cardiovascular system in health and disease. (4 units)

  • Provides an integrative view of human kidney function and dysfunction. (3 units)

  • Integrative view of the human respiratory system in health and disease. (3 units)

  • Provides and integrative view of the human gastrointestinal system in health and disease. (3 units)

  • A survey of the mechanisms of common human diseases at the molecular, cellular and organ system levels and the multidisciplinary approaches used for their investigation. Instructional components include lectures, discovery in problem-based learning sessions, and independent study. (2 units)

  • Cell Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience: CBNS106, CBNS116, CBNS120, CBNS125, CBNS126, CBNS127, CBNS129, PSYC112, PSYC117, PSYC203B, PSYC207C, PSYC208

    Mechanisms of Gene Expression and Regulation Studies: BPSC148, BPSC234, CMDB201, CMDB 203, CS234, CS238, EEOB214, EEOB216, ENTX204, GEN203, GEN241, GEN242, GEN206, GEN220, MCBL221, STAT100A

Additional Electives

Courses from this list can be taken and applied towards the 36-unit program requirement, but do not satisfy the required electives. Please note course electives may not be offered every term. For the most up-to-date course offerings, visit the Schedule of Classes.

  • Specialized discussions by staff and students of current research topics in biomedical sciences. (1 unit)

  • Directed research in biomedical sciences performed prior to advancement to candidacy in preparation for dissertation projects. (1-6 units)

    Limited to students enrolled in Comprehensive Examination Plan after completion of 8 units of BMSC 299. It is recommended to consult with the Student Services Advisor before requesting enrollment.

Limited Enrollment

Enrollment for the following courses are limited to doctoral degree students. For more information, please consult with the student services advisor.

Course Number Course Title
BMSC 229 Foundations in Translational Research
BMSC 231 Foundations of Medicine
BMSC 232 Cardiovascular, Renal, and Respiratory Sciences
BMSC 233 Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, and Reproductive Health
BMSC 234 Musculoskeletal Medicine
BMSC 235 Clinical Neurosciences

Electives for Dual Degree Students Only

Dual degree program is only available to current UCR medical students with prior consultation with SOM executive associate dean for student affairs and master's program director. MDCL courses are only permitted for dual degree students (ie. MD/MS).

  • Covers basic principles of disease processes, genetics, and molecular, cellular, and development biology. Instruction is driven by cases and accomplished through lectures and discovery in small group discussions, laboratories, and conferences. Also covers aspects of anatomy, doctoring, patient examination, and the longitudinal ambulatory clinical experience. Includes problem-based learning. (7.5 units)

  • Covers physiology, pathophysiology, physical diagnosis; imaging in the cardiovascular, renal; respiratory sciences. Instruction is driven by cases; accomplished through lectures; discovery in small group discussions, laboratories; conferences. Also covers aspects of anatomy, doctoring, patient examination; the longitudinal ambulatory clinical experience. Includes problem-based learning. (12 units)

  • Covers biochemistry, pathophysiology, physical diagnosis; imaging associated with gastrointestinal endocrine; reproductive health. Instruction is driven by cases; accomplished through lectures and discovery in small group discussions, laboratories; conferences. Also covers aspects of anatomy, doctoring, patient examination; the longitudinal ambulatory clinical experience. Includes problem-based learning. (10 units)

  • Covers the musculoskeletal system, biology; pathology of the peripheral nervous system; physical diagnosis. Utilizes lectures; case studies to accomplish course objectives. Promotes discovery of learning by small group discussions, laboratories; conferences. Also covers aspects of anatomy, doctoring, patient examination; the longitudinal ambulatory clinical experience. Includes problem-based learning. (4 units)

  • Covers neurobiology; provides an introduction to neurology; psychiatry, as well as physical diagnosis; imaging of the nervous system. Utilizes lectures; case studies to accomplish course objectives. Promotes discovery of learning by small group discussions, laboratories; conferences. Also covers aspects of anatomy, doctoring, patient examination; LACE. Includes problem-based learning. (5 units)