Admission Requirements
Students seeking admission to the Master’s in Biomedical Sciences Program must have earned a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited university or college.
Applicants must have successfully completed at least one academic year in each of the following subjects, including laboratory sections: 1) biology or zoology; 2) inorganic chemistry; 3) organic chemistry; and 4) physics.
The following coursework is highly recommended, but not required: biochemistry, human anatomy, molecular biology, physiology and statistics. Applicants are selected on the basis of previous academic work, adequate preparation in biological and physical sciences, undergraduate grade-point average, standardized test scores (such as DAT, GRE, MCAT, etc.), recommendations from persons involved in the students’ previous educational experience, and other factors as determined by the Admissions Committee and program faculty.
Technical Standards Please refer to the RFUMS Student Policies Handbook for information on accommodations under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). A candidate for the M.S. degree must possess certain abilities and skills, which include observational, communicational, motor, intellectual-conceptual (integrative and quantitative), behavioral, and social attributes. I. Observation The candidate must be able to acquire information as presented through demonstration and experiences in the basic sciences. This includes information conveyed through physiological and pharmacological demonstrations in animals, microbiological cultures, and microscopic images of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathological states. Furthermore, a candidate must be able to: • observe experimental results or subjects accurately, acquire information from written documents, and visualize information as presented in images from paper, films, slides, video, or other forms of modern electronic media. • interpret graphic images and other forms of data readout (such as oscilloscopes, computer screens, gels, etc.) with or without the use of assistive devices. In any case where a candidate’s ability to observe or acquire information is compromised, the candidate must utilize alternate means to collect and convey the essential information. Obtaining and using such alternate means shall be the responsibility of the student. II. Communication The candidate must be able to communicate effectively, efficiently, and sensitively with research subjects, faculty, staff and colleagues. III. Motor The candidate must possess the motor skills necessary to design and perform laboratory experiments and statistical analysis of collected data. IV. Intellectual-Conceptual (Integrative and Quantitative) Abilities The candidate must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize. The candidate must be able to utilize these problem-solving skills in a timely fashion. V. Behavioral and Social Attributes The candidate must work to his or her fullest potential while exercising good judgment. He/she must be able to function effectively in stressful situations and adapt to changing environments. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation are all personal qualities required for a successful scientific career, and are assessed during the admissions and educational process.
Use of Technical Standards in Admissions
The Admissions Committee will consider any applicant who can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for the satisfactory completion of the graduate degree. Students will be judged not only on their scholastic accomplishments, but also on their capacities to meet the requirements of the School’s curriculum. The applicant will be judged by the existing record of scholarship, motivation, character, and achievement as submitted in the application. Technical standards may be obtained through the Department Chair of the Interprofessional Healthcare Studies Department. It will be the responsibility of the applicant to determine whether or not he/she will be able to meet these standards and, therefore, whether to apply. It is the responsibility of the University to decide whether each student has met technical and academic standards. Applicants for admission who desire further information on the Technical Standards of the College of Health Professions may contact the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at the University. RFUMS is supportive of students who may qualify for accommodations under the ADA in order to meet the Academic and Technical Standards required for graduation. Applicants are encouraged to discuss disabilities, and the accommodations that may be made for them with the ADA Coordinator, well in advance of matriculation. Reasonable accommodations must not fundamentally alter the nature of the program. In addition, reasonable accommodations must not cause an undue financial or administrative burden to the University and must not endanger the safety of one’s self or others.