University of Texas at El Paso Academic Catalog

Academic Catalog

BS in Biomedical Sciences

Requirements for the BS degree in Biomedical Sciences consist of the general College of Science requirements: completion of at least 120 semester credit hours, a minimum of 37 of which must be in upper-division coursework and completion of the University's General Education Core, which includes mathematics requirements MATH 1411. In addition, MATH 1312 or STAT 2480 is required.

Marketable Skills 

  • Students will have the ability to search relevant scientific databases for new scientific literature or information.
  • Students will have the ability to convey scientific ideas and concepts orally and in writing in a manner appropriate to the audience; ability to understand, interpret and summarize oral and written scientific communications; ability to criticize arguments rationally.
  • Students will think critically by using logic to interpret scientific results, identify appropriate experimental controls, and design methods for testing hypothesis. 
  • Students will be able to confidently search relevant scientific databases for new scientific literature or information.

Fast Track

The Fast-Track Program enables outstanding undergraduate UTEP students to receive both undergraduate and graduate credit for up to 15 hours of UTEP course work as determined by participating Master's and Doctoral programs.  Not all undergraduate programs have elected to participate in the Fast Track option, so students should see their departmental graduate advisor for information about requirements and guidelines. A list of courses that have been approved for possible use at the graduate level is found here

M.B.A. - Master of Business Administration / B.S. in Biomedical Sciences
ACCT 5304Accounting Analysis3
BLAW 5306Business Law and Ethics3
ECON 5311Managerial Economics3
FIN 5311Financial Management3
MGMT 5311Organizational Mgmt Seminar3
MKT 5311Marketing Management3
QMB 5311Quantitative Methods-Business3
OSCM 5308Concepts of Production Mgmt3
M.S. in Bioinformatics / B.S. in Biomedical Sciences; B.S. in Microbiology
BINF 5351Intro. Bioinformatics I3
BINF 5352Intro. Bioinformatics II3
BIOL 5351Intro Bio I:Basic Seq. Comp.3
BIOL 5352Intro Bio II: Gene Find/Compar3
BIOL 5316Biosystematics3
BIOL 5326Advances Immunological Concept3
BIOL 5329Physiology of Bacterial Cell3
BIOL 5340Structure/Funct Macromolecules3
BIOL 5342
BIOL 5343
BIOL 5344Molecular Pathogenesis3
M.B.A. - Master of Business Administration  / B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
ACCT 5304Accounting Analysis3
BLAW 5306Business Law and Ethics3
ECON 5311Managerial Economics3
FIN 5311Financial Management3
MGMT 5311Organizational Mgmt Seminar3
MKT 5311Marketing Management3
QMB 5311Quantitative Methods-Business3
OSCM 5308Concepts of Production Mgmt3

M.S. in Biological Sciences / B.S. in Biomedical Sciences 

BIOL 5131Ethical, Soc/Pol Dimensions1
BIOL 5301Select Adv Topics Biol Science3
BIOL 5305Herpetology3
BIOL 5307
BIOL 5308Rsrch Funding & Prof Developmt3
BIOL 5313Biogeography3
BIOL 5316Biosystematics3
BIOL 5318
BIOL 5322Advances/Evolutionary Theory3
BIOL 5323
BIOL 5324
BIOL 5326Advances Immunological Concept3
BIOL 5327Advances in Ecological Theory3
BIOL 5328Biostatistics3
BIOL 5329Physiology of Bacterial Cell3
BIOL 5340Structure/Funct Macromolecules3
BIOL 5342
BIOL 5343
BIOL 5344Molecular Pathogenesis3
BIOL 5346
BIOL 5351Intro Bio I:Basic Seq. Comp.3
BIOL 5352Intro Bio II: Gene Find/Compar3
BIOL 5354
BIOL 5360Aquatic Ecology3
M.S. in Biomedical Engineering ​/ B.S. Biomedical Sciences; B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry; B.S. in Microbiology
BIOL 5301Select Adv Topics Biol Science *3
BIOL 5308Rsrch Funding & Prof Developmt3
BIOL 5311Neurobiology of Brain Diseases3
BIOL 5320Endocrinology3
BIOL 5330Cancer Biology3
BME 5301BME for Global Health3
BME 5302Telemedicine & Imaging Info.3
BME 5303Research & Lab Methods3
BME 5304BME Device Design & Regulation3
BME 5310Biomaterials3
BME 5313Tissue Engineering3
BME 5321Biomechatronics3
BME 53533
BME 5390Special Topics in BME3
*

Advisor approval needed

Degree Plan

Students preparing for careers in the health professions (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy or physician's assistant) or advanced degrees in cancer biology, cell and molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, neurobiology, toxicology, etc. should consider the Biomedical Science option. For more information contact CORE advisors.

University Core C42
Designated Core C
Calculus I
PHYS 1403
PHYS 1404
General Physics I
and General Physics II
8
OR
Introductory Mechanics
and Laboratory for PHYS 2320
and
Introductory Electromagnetism
and Laboratory for PHYS 2321
Required Courses:
BIOL 1107Topics in Study of Life I C1
BIOL 1108Organismal Biology Laboratory C1
BIOL 1305General Biology C3
BIOL 1306Organismal Biology C3
BIOL 3192Professional Development Sem.1
BIOL 3314
BIOL 3115
Molecular Cell Biology
and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory
4
BIOL 4388Mammalian Physiology3
MICR 2340
MICR 2141
General Microbiology
and Gen Microbiology Laboratory
4
ZOOL 4181Vertebrate Physiology Methods1
Required Chemistry Courses:
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 C
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1306 C
CHEM 2324
CHEM 2124
Organic Chemistry
and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2324 C
4
CHEM 2325
CHEM 2125
Organic Chemistry
and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2325 C
4
CHEM 3330Biochem I:Struc & Function3
Math Sequence
MATH 1312Calculus II3
or STAT 2480 Elementary Statistical Methods
Upper Division Electives
Select twelve hours of upper division courses from BIOL, BOT, CBCH, MICR, or ZOOL 1, 212
Major Electives:
Select an additional seven hours of BIOL, BOT, CBCH, MICR, or ZOOL, excluding BIOL 1103, BIOL 1104, BIOL 1203, BIOL 1303, BIOL 1304, BIOL 3351, BIOL 3357 and MICR 2330
Additional Coursework:
Select thirteen additional hours of upper division coursework 213
Total Hours120
1 BIOL 3320 Genetics is strongly recommended
2 BIOL 3115, 3314, 3351, 3357, 4388, and ZOOL 4380 cannot be taken as upper-division electives For Premed students CHEM 3332 Biochem II: Metabol & Bioenerg is strongly recommended
C Course requires a grade of C or better
Major Electives 
BIOL 2111Human Anat/Physio Lab I1
BIOL 2113Human Anat/Physio Lab II1
BIOL 2311Human Anat/Physiology I3
BIOL 2313Human Anat/Physiology II3
BIOL 3117Ecology Laboratory1
BIOL 3316Ecology3
BIOL 3320Genetics3
BIOL 3330Histology3
BIOL 3342Plants and People3
BIOL 3360Quantitative Methods Ecology3
BIOL 3417Plant Ecology4
BIOL 3427Desert Ecology4
BIOL 4195Advanced Methods in Biology1
BIOL 4198Special Problems1
BIOL 4225Field Biology2
BIOL 4298Special Problems2
BIOL 4320Endocrinology3
BIOL 4324Animal Behavior3
BIOL 4325Field Biology3
BIOL 4327Animal Ecology3
BIOL 4330Cancer Biology3
BIOL 4370History/Philosophy-Biology3
BIOL 4390Biological Practicum3
BIOL 4395Topics in Biology3
BIOL 4398Special Problems3
BIOL 4428Global Change Ecology4
BIOL 4466Ecosystem Ecology4
BOT 2410General Botany4
BOT 3330Comparative Plant Morphology3
BOT 3437Plant Diversity & Systematics4
MICR 3144Pathogenic Microbiology Lab1
MICR 3146Microbial Physiology Lab1
MICR 3343Pathogenic Microbiology3
MICR 3345Microbial Physiology3
MICR 3449Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics4
MICR 4154Immunology Laboratory1
MICR 4329Epidemiology3
MICR 4351General Virology3
MICR 4353Immunology3
MICR 4355Medical Mycology3
ZOOL 2406Vertebrate Zoology4
ZOOL 2466Invertebrate Zoology4
ZOOL 3464Medical Parasitology4
ZOOL 4384Cellular Neuroscience3
ZOOL 4476Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles4
ZOOL 4478Birds and Mammals4

University Core Curriculum

The department may make specific suggestions for courses which are most applicable towards your major.

All courses require a C or better

I. Communication (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience.
Select six hours of the following: 6
For students whose secondary education was in English:
Written and Oral Communication
Writing About Literature
Rhetoric & Composition I
Rhetoric & Composition 2
Rhetoric, Composition & Comm
For students whose secondary education was not in English:
Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl
Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl
Total Hours6

II. American History (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area. Courses involve the interaction among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, considering how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role.
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
Total Hours6

III. Language, Philosophy & Culture  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience. Courses involve the exploration of ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in order to understand the human condition across cultures.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-African Amer Studies
Latina/o Presence in the U.S.
English Literature
English Literature
Intro to American Fiction
Intro to American Drama
Intro to American Poetry
Making of the "Other" Americas
World History to 1500
World History Since 1500
Introduction to Philosophy
Ethics
Introduct to Religious Studies
Seeing & Naming: Conversations
Introduction to Womens Studies
Global Feminisms
Total Hours3

IV. Mathematics  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships. Courses involve the understanding of key mathematical concepts and the application of appropriate quantitative tools to everyday experience.
Select one of the following:3
College Algebra
Trigonometry and Conics
Math in the Modern World
Math for Social Sciences I
Calculus I
Precalculus 1,2
Math for Social Sciences II
Statistical Literacy
Elementary Statistical Methods
1 A higher-level course in the calculus sequence can be substituted.
2 TCCN MATH 1314 will also satisfy this requirement.
Total Hours3

V. Life & Physical Sciences  (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method. Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on experiences.
Select one of the following:1-4
Astronomy Lab I
Elem Astronomy-Solar System
Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies
Introductory Biology Lab
Human Biology Laboratory
Topics in Study of Life I
Organismal Biology Laboratory
Introductory Biology
Human Biology
General Biology
Organismal Biology
Human Anat/Physio Lab I
Human Anat/Physio Lab II
Human Anat/Physiology I
Human Anat/Physiology II
Laboratory for CHEM 1305
Laboratory for CHEM 1306
Intro General Chemistry Lab
Intro Organic & Biochem Lab
General Chemistry
General Chemistry
Intro to General Chemistry
Intro Organic & Biochemistry
Environmental Sci. Lab
Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301
Intro to Environment Science 2
Intro to Environmental Sci
Laboratory for GEOG 1306
Physical Geography
Lab for GEOL 1313
Lab for GEOL 1314
Principles of Earth Sci - Lab
Laboratory for Geology 1212
Principles of Earth Sciences
Principles of Earth Science
The Blue Planet
Natural Hazards
Intro to Physical Geology
Intro to Historical Geol
Fundamentals of Nutrition
Wellness Dynamics
Microorganisms and Disease
General Physics I
General Physics II
Laboratory for PHYS 2320
Laboratory for PHYS 2321
Introductory Mechanics
Introductory Electromagnetism
Total Hours 6

VI. Political Science  (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas. Courses involve the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement, and their political and philosophical foundations.
Required Courses:
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
Total Hours6

VII. Social and Behavioral Sciences  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human. Courses involve the exploration of behavior and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, and events, examining their impact on the individual, society, and culture.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog
Intro-Cultural Anthropology
Cultural Geography
Intro to Linguistics
Econ for Engrs & Scientists
Intro to Chicano Studies
Asian American Studies
Interpersonal Communication
Mass Media and Society
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Introduction to Ed Psychology
Action Research in Classrooms
Introduction to Linguistics
Cultural Geography
Leadership in Action
Introduction to Linguistics
Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Cultural Geography
Total Hours3

VIII. Creative Arts (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination. Courses involve the synthesis and interpretation of artistic expression and enable critical, creative, and innovative communication about works of art.
Select one of the following:3
Art Appreciation
History of Art I
History of Art II
Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat
Introduction to Dance
Intro-Art of Motion Pict.
Music Appreciation
Jazz to Rock
Music, Culture, and Society
Introduction to Theatre
Total Hours3

IX. Component Area Option (six hours)

a. A minimum of 3 SCH must meet the definition and corresponding Core Objectives specified in one of the foundational component areas. b. As an option for up to 3 semester credit hours of the Component Area Option, an institution may select course(s) that: (i) Meet(s) the definition specified for one or more of the foundational component areas; and (ii) Include(s) a minimum of three Core Objectives, including Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and one of the remaining Core Objectives of the institution's choice.
Intro to Global Business
Public Speaking
Business/Profession Comm
Intro-Computational Thinking
Computer Programming Sci/Engr
Eng Innovation and Leadership
Engineering Design Experience
Applied Engineering Analysis
Introduction to Leadership
Inquiry in Math & Science
Comm. Var. Across the Lifespan
Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Total Hours0

4-Year Sample Degree Plan

BS in Biomedical Sciences (Starting with Calculus)

BS in BIOLOGY-BIOMEDICAL CONCENTRATION
FRESHMAN
Fall
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I3
SCI 1301Inquiry in Math & Science3
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
4
BIOL 1305
BIOL 1107
General Biology
and Topics in Study of Life I
4
Spring
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 23
MATH 1411Calculus I4
CHEM 1306
CHEM 1106
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1306
4
BIOL 1306
BIOL 1108
Organismal Biology
and Organismal Biology Laboratory
4
SOPHOMORE
Fall
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
ART 1300Art Appreciation3
CHEM 2324
CHEM 2124
Organic Chemistry
and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2324
4
MICR 2340
MICR 2141
General Microbiology
and Gen Microbiology Laboratory
4
Spring
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
COMM 1301Public Speaking3
CHEM 2325
CHEM 2125
Organic Chemistry
and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2325
4
Upper Division Biology Elective3
Lower Division Biology Elective3
JUNIOR
Fall
PSYC 1301Introduction to Psychology3
PHYS 1403General Physics I4
CHEM 3330Biochem I:Struc & Function3
BIOL 3192Professional Development Sem.1
BIOL 3314
BIOL 3115
Molecular Cell Biology
and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory
4
Spring
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
PHYS 1404General Physics II4
MATH 1312Calculus II3
or STAT 2480 Elementary Statistical Methods
BIOL 4388Mammalian Physiology3
ZOOL 4181Vertebrate Physiology Methods1
SENIOR
Fall
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
PHIL 2306Ethics3
Upper-Division Biology Elective3
Lower-Division Biology Elective4
Upper-Division Biology Elective3
Spring
Upper-Division Biology Elective3
Upper Division Biology Elective4
Upper-Division Non-Major Elective3
Upper-Division Non-Major Elective3
Upper-Division Non-Major Elective3
Total Hours120

BS in Biomedical Sciences (Starting with Pre-Calculus) 

BS in BIOLOGY-BIOMEDICAL CONCENTRATION
FRESHMAN
Fall
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I3
SCI 1301Inquiry in Math & Science3
MATH 1508Precalculus5
BIOL 1305
BIOL 1107
General Biology
and Topics in Study of Life I
4
Spring
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 23
MATH 1411Calculus I4
BIOL 1306
BIOL 1108
Organismal Biology
and Organismal Biology Laboratory
4
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
4
SOPHOMORE
Fall
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
STAT 2480Elementary Statistical Methods3-4
or MATH 1312 Calculus II
CHEM 1306
CHEM 1106
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1306
4
MICR 2340
MICR 2141
General Microbiology
and Gen Microbiology Laboratory
4
Spring
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
COMM 1301Public Speaking3
BIOL 3314
BIOL 3115
Molecular Cell Biology
and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory
4
CHEM 2324
CHEM 2124
Organic Chemistry
and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2324
4
Lower Division Biology Elective4
JUNIOR
Fall
PHYS 1403General Physics I4
ART 1300Art Appreciation3
PSYC 1301Introduction to Psychology3
CHEM 2325
CHEM 2125
Organic Chemistry
and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2325
4
BIOL 3192Professional Development Sem.1
Lower-Division Biology Elective3
Spring
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
PHYS 1404General Physics II4
BIOL 4388Mammalian Physiology3
CHEM 3330Biochem I:Struc & Function3
ZOOL 4181Vertebrate Physiology Methods1
SENIOR
Fall
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
Upper-Division Biology Elective3
Upper-Division Biology Elective3
Upper-Division Biology Elective3
Upper Division Elective3
Spring
PHIL 2306Ethics3
Upper-Division Biology Elective3
Upper-Division Biology Elective3
Upper Division Elective3
Upper Division Elective3
Total Hours124-125