BSc (BMSC) Program  

In 2021-22, the College of Arts and Science, in an exciting partnership with the College of Medicine, introduced the new collaborative degree, a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences (BSc (BMSC)).  

The Biomedical Sciences Major Map provides detailed information on the degree and career information. 

The first two years of all BMSC programs include core courses indicated below. These two years ensure students build a solid foundation moving forward in the program. The BMSC courses incorporate content from each of the Biomedical Science areas of study to broaden student knowledge and create versatility in their studies. 

BMSC Common 2-year Courses 

* Other type M requirements might include courses in humanities, fine and performance arts, or social sciences. For a complete list of type M requirements, consult the current University of Saskatchewan course catalogue.

Current Arts & Science students not currently enrolled in the BSc (BMSC) program can transfer to the program by following the process indicated below.  

A passing grade (50% minimum) in 100-level or higher BIOL, CHEM, MATH is required. If there are deficiencies in any of these requirements high school grades will be reviewed with the following requirements: Chemistry 30, Biology 30, and Math Foundations 30 each with a minimum average of 70%. The transfer process is initiated annually from March 1st until April 30th by filling out: this survey.  

If you are a current BSc (BMSC) student, you can simply declare intent for a major by filling out this survey when eligible. See details below.  

*If you started your program prior to 2020 and are currently declared in a past major (ACB, BIOC, MCIM, PHPY) you can choose to continue with that major or declare intent for a new major in the BSc (BMSC) program.

• Complete survey

The BSc (BMSC) majors: 

How can I declare the 3-year BSc (BMSC) Biomedical Foundations major (BMF)? 

Once you are accepted into the BSc (BMSC) program, you will have an undeclared major. You can switch to three-year BMF program at any time through the ‘A&S Inquiry’ form. 

How can I declare one of the BSc (BMSC) 4-year majors (BMI, BMNS, CPPS, ID BMSC)? 

The process to declare a BMSC 4-year major is slightly different from other A&S programs. You first need to complete all the courses indicated in the table below by the end of April in the year you want to declare a major (traditionally completed in 2nd year). In that year, you can declare your intent for a BMSC major from March 1st to April 30th by going through the survey link. The survey will prompt you to rank the majors from most preferred to least preferred. You must meet specific criteria (outlined in the table below) to be officially switched to one of the majors. The survey to declare a major needs to be completed by April 30, 2023, for the 2023-24 academic year. Once all the surveys are received, all students will be checked for their required courses and ranked (if requesting a program with limited seats). You will be informed of your placement in May of the year you declare. 

*If you started your program prior to 2020 and are currently declared in a past major (ACB, BIOC, MCIM, PHPY) you can choose to continue with that major or declare intent for a new major in the BSc (BMSC) program.

Required Classes to declare a 4-year major*: 

* These classes must be completed by April 30th, 2023 to declare for the 2023-24 academic year. 

What if I do not meet the requirements to choose a major?

We encourage you to follow the BMSC 2-year Common Core program requirements laid out here and declare the following year once all criteria are met. You can apply to transfer to the BSc BMSC program before you're eligible to declare intent for a major if you meet the admission requirements.  

Is space limited in the new majors?

Yes, there is limited capacity in the Biomedical Neuroscience (BMNS) and the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Science (ID BMSC) majors. If student demand is greater than the program's capacity, all eligible students will be ranked by their average in the courses included in the criteria to declare a major. The top students will be accepted into the major and the remaining placed in their second choice.  Students should not complete third year courses in ID BMSC or BMNS unless they have secured a seat in the major. 

• Complete survey

Biomedical Science Course Updates for 2023-2024   

This document includes important BMSC course and program changes for the upcoming year to assist with planning and registration for the 2023-2024 year.    

CPPS 417 not offered in 2023-2024  
  
CPPS 417: Business in Healthcare, will not be offered in the 2023-2024 school year. It will be offered again every year starting 2024-2025.    

(PHPY majors: view PHPY major announcements for options to accommodate CPPS 417 not being offered 2023-2024)    

New Special Topics Course BMIS 498: Molecular Basis of Symbiosis and Microbiomes offered  

An introduction to the molecular bases of multiorganismal interactions from theory to well-established models involving microbes. This course emphasizes the importance of functional biological units and methods to study interactions between organisms. After an introduction to the field, students will read and present relevant literature.  

Prerequisites: BMSC 320 and BMIS 308    

BMI majors: BMIS 498.3 can be used in the M5 ‘choose 9cu’ 4-year and ‘choose 15cu’ honours to be included in “Any BMSC, BMIS, BIOC or MCIM course at the 300 or 400 level” note for that section.     

CPPS 304: Introduction to Pharmacology offerings in 2023-2024  

CPPS 304 will be offered in Summer 2023 and Fall 2023. The course will not be offered in the Winter term for the year 2023-2024.       

CPPS 331- Methods in Cell and Developmental Biology: Authentic research experience in 3rd year lab class 
 
This hands-on course provides students with experience in multiple lab techniques common to cell biology using eukaryotic cells which includes tissue culture and fluorescence microscopy. Teams of students are guided to apply the scientific method to create their own hypothesis and experiment(s) using mammalian cells. This provides an authentic research experience and allows students to develop skills in tissue culture techniques, collaborative problem solving, analysis of original data, and strengthening scientific reporting skills.  

CPPS 400 Prerequisite Overrides  

CPPS 400: Clinical and Biomedical Engineering, prerequisites are- PHYS 115.3, PHYS 117.3 (or PHYS 125.3); and CPPS 310.3. 
Students who have not yet completed CPPS 310 can request a prerequisite override to register for CPPS 400 before or alongside CPPS 310. The course will cover all related anatomy content needed in the course. This course is intended for 3rd and 4th year students.  
 

Note: Overrides through the electronic override system will be accepted starting May 10, 2023, to avoid delays in June registration. Please add the course coordinator as the approver of this ticket.    

CHEP 350.3 Introduction to Epidemiology Course Inclusion   

Biomedical Foundations (BMF) and Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology (BMI) majors can use CHEP 350.3: Introduction to Epidemiology (formerly BMSC 350.3) as an option in area of major.   

• In BMF where “BMSC -300 level” CHEP 350 is accepted in M5   
• In BMI where “Any BMSC, BMIS, BIOC or MCIM course at the 300 or 400 level”, CHEP 350 is accepted in M5   

This change is included in the current 2023-2024 catalogue.      

Important NEUR 404 2023-2024 Prerequisite and Registration Process     

Please note the following prerequisites for NEUR 404: Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology.    
Prerequisites: NEUR 350.3, NEUR 301.3, and CPPS 306.3 (formerly PHPY 305)     

Departmental permission will be required for this course to ensure the correct prerequisites are completed. Students must have PHPY 305 or CPPS 306; students with only CPPS 307 completed will not be approved to register for this course.      
     
*Departmental permission does not guarantee a seat in NEUR 404. The course will not have a waitlist and the seats fill quickly on the day registration opens so it is advised to have an alternate course option planned and register in courses as soon as your registration window opens.     

Note: Department permission requests for NEUR through the electronic override system will be accepted starting May 10, 2023, to avoid delays in June registration. IMPORTANT: Please add bmscoverrides@usask.ca as the approver of this ticket, not the coordinator. If you require any additional overrides, please use the course coordinator as the approver.     

Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology (BMI) Announcements for 2023-2024  

New Special Topics Course BMIS 498: Molecular Basis of Symbiosis and Microbiomes offered   

An introduction to the molecular bases of multiorganismal interactions from theory to well-established models involving microbes. This course emphasizes the importance of functional biological units and methods to study interactions between organisms. After an introduction to the field, students will read and present relevant literature.    

Prerequisites: BMSC 320 and BMIS 308      

BMI majors: BMIS 498.3 can be used in the M5 ‘choose 9cu’ 4-year and ‘choose 15cu’ honours to be included in “Any BMSC, BMIS, BIOC or MCIM course at the 300 or 400 level” note for that section.     

CPPS 304 now an option in M5     

CPPS 304 has been added to the BMI M5 options in the 2023-2024 catalogue.   

CPPS 304: Introduction to Pharmacology will be offered in Summer 2023 and Fall 2023. The course will not be offered in the Winter term for the year 2023-2024.    

Biomedical Neuroscience Announcements for 2023-2024  

*These notices are only for students who have been officially accepted into the BMNS major 

CPPS 304 offerings in 2023-2024    

CPPS 304: Introduction to Pharmacology will be offered in Summer 2023 and Fall 2023. The course will not be offered in Winter term for the 2023-2024 year.  

Changes to the BMNS major in the 2023-2024 calendar    
Learn about the differences in the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 program catalogues.     

What is the program catalogue?    
    
The program catalogue displays the most current calendar requirements in a degree. In March each year the newest catalogue is released for the next academic year. The 2024-2024 programs are now published.     

Which BMNS calendar year should I follow?    
    
All current BMNS students are encouraged to switch to the 2022-2023 or 2023-2024 calendar because new courses have been added, providing more flexibility.       

Differences between the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 calendar:     

*BIOL 430 is offered every other year – it will not be offered 2023-2024    

How do I switch calendar years? 

Once you are officially declared in BMNS, you can switch calendar years by submitting a request through an ‘A&S Inquiry’ form.    

 
Important NEUR 404 2023-2024 Prerequisite and Registration Process     

Please note the following prerequisites for NEUR 404: Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology.    
Prerequisites: NEUR 350.3, NEUR 301.3, and CPPS 306.3 (formerly PHPY 305)     

Departmental permission will be required for this course to ensure the correct prerequisites are completed. Students must have PHPY 305 or CPPS 306; students with only CPPS 307 completed will not be approved to register for this course.      
     
*Departmental permission does not guarantee a seat in NEUR 404. The course will not have a waitlist and the seats fill quickly on the day registration opens so it is advised to have an alternate course option planned and register in courses as soon as your registration window opens.     

Note: Department permission requests for NEUR through the electronic override system will be accepted starting May 10, 2023, to avoid delays in June registration. IMPORTANT: Please add bmscoverrides@usask.ca as the approver of this ticket, not the coordinator. If you require any additional overrides, please use the course coordinator as the approver.      

Cellular Physiological and Pharmacological (CPPS) Announcements 2023-2024  

The Business of Healthcare: CPPS 417 will not be offered in 2023-2024   
   
CPPS 417 will not be offered in the 2023-2024 year. It will be offered every year again starting 2024-2025.      

CPPS 304: Introduction to Pharmacology offerings in 2023-2024  

CPPS 304 will be offered in Summer 2023 and Fall 2023. The course will not be offered in the Winter term for the year 2023-2024.      

Important NEUR 404 2023-2024 Prerequisite and Registration Process     

Please note the following prerequisites for NEUR 404: Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology.    
Prerequisites: NEUR 350.3, NEUR 301.3, and CPPS 306.3 (formerly PHPY 305)     

Departmental permission will be required for this course to ensure the correct prerequisites are completed. Students must have PHPY 305 or CPPS 306; students with only CPPS 307 completed will not be approved to register for this course.      
     
*Departmental permission does not guarantee a seat in NEUR 404. The course will not have a waitlist and the seats fill quickly on the day registration opens so it is advised to have an alternate course option planned and register in courses as soon as your registration window opens.     

Note: Department permission requests for NEUR through the electronic override system will be accepted starting May 10, 2023, to avoid delays in June registration. IMPORTANT: Please add bmscoverrides@usask.ca as the approver of this ticket, not the coordinator. If you require any additional overrides, please use the course coordinator as the approver.      

Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (ID BMSC) Announcements for 2023-2024  

*These notices are only for students who have been officially accepted into the ID BMSC major 

CPPS 304: Introduction to Pharmacology offerings in 2023-2024  

CPPS 304 will be offered in Summer 2023 and Fall 2023. The course will not be offered in the Winter term for the year 2023-2024.      

Introduction to Epidemiology: CHEP 350 Registration  

CHEP 350 lists the following prerequisites: STAT 244.3, STAT 245.3, or STAT 246.3 

Students who completed PLSC 214 or a statistic regulation equivalent will be eligible to register without a prerequisite override. 

Anatomy and Cell Biology Announcements for 2023-2024  

The following notice is for students who are following the BSc Anatomy and Cell Biology (ACB) program. The BSc in ACB is only available to students who started their program prior to 2020 and are currently declared in the ACB major.    

CPPS 304: Introduction to Pharmacology offerings in 2023-2024  

CPPS 304 will be offered in Summer 2023 and Fall 2023. The course will not be offered in the Winter term for the year 2023-2024.      

CPPS 405: Current Topics in Cellular Physiological and Pharmacological Sciences seats are limited  

If you require this course to complete your ACB degree please contact Kristen.brown@usask.ca as soon as possible to secure a seat.         

Biochemistry (BIOC) Course Notices 2023-2024 

The following notice is for students who are following the BSc Biochemistry (BIOC) program. 

The BSc in Biochemistry is only available to students who started their program prior to 2020 and are currently declared in the BIOC major.   

Bioinformatics Options    

The BIOC major requires BINF 200 or BINF 210 in the area of major. Please note the following course code changes for 2022-2023 moving forward.    

BINF 151 (formerly BINF 210 in the program)   
BINF 351 (formerly BINF 200 in the program)     

This change is not reflected in the course catalogue but either course will be accepted. Take note that BINF 151 is a junior credit, whereas BINF 351 is a senior credit (200+). All 4-year/honours degrees must meet a minimum of 66 SR level credits in their degree.  

Microbiology and Immunology (MCIM) Course & Program Notices as of 2023-2024  

The following notice is for students who are following the BSc Microbiology and Immunology (MCIM) program.  
The BSc in MCIM is only available to students who started their program prior to 2020 and are currently declared in the MCIM major.    

MCIM 416     

This course is no longer offered; this change is not reflected in the program catalogue or DegreeWorks.   
If you have not completed MCIM 416, any 300 level MCIM course that is not already required for the degree will be accepted in its place. Current options include: BMIS 308.3 (formerly MCIM 308.3, 309.3, either will be accepted), or BMIS 380.3 (formerly MCIM 398.3), or BMIS 425.3 (formerly MCIM 425.3)    

CHEP 350.3 Course Inclusion   

MCIM majors can use CHEP 350.3 (formerly BMSC 350.3) as a C6 restricted elective option in area of major   
*This course is currently not accepted as a replacement for MCIM 416.3         

BINF 151 (formerly BINF 210)    

BINF 151 (formerly BINF 210) is an accepted option for MCIM majors.    
MCIM students have the option to take either BINF 351 (formerly BINF 200.3) or BINF 151 (formerly BINF 210.3), instead of just BINF 351.3 as the only option. This change is not reflected in the course catalogue but either course will be accepted.    

NOTE: BINF 151 is a junior credit, whereas BINF 351 is a senior credit (200+). All 4-year/honours degrees must meet a minimum of 66 SR level credits in their degree.   

Physiology & Pharmacology (PHPY) Notices for 2023-2024  

 The following notice is for students who are following the BSc Physiology and Pharmacology (PHPY) program. The BSc in PHPY is only available to students who started their program prior to 2020 and are currently declared in the PHPY major.    

Physiology & Pharmacology (PHPY) majors: Additional options in area of major and CPPS 417 not offered 2023-2024       

The following has been added to the C6 area of major options in the PHPY major for 2019-2020 catalogue for the 2023-2024 year   

in the ‘choose 6 cu’ section(s):    

CPPS 337 (formerly PHPY 402) or CPPS 417*   
CPPS 403 (formerly PHPY 403)   
NEUR 404 (formerly PHPY 404)  
CPPS 415 (formerly PHPY 405)  
CPPS 400  
CPPS 402  
CPPS 406  
    

*Important: CPPS 417 will not be offered in 2023-2024       

CPPS 400 Prerequisite Overrides  

CPPS 400: Clinical and Biomedical Engineering, prerequisites are- PHYS 115.3, PHYS 117.3 (or PHYS 125.3); and CPPS 310.3. 
Students who have not yet completed CPPS 310 can request a prerequisite override to register for CPPS 400 before or alongside CPPS 310. The course will cover all related anatomy content needed in the course. This course is intended for 3rd and 4th year students.  

Note: Overrides through the electronic override system will be accepted starting May 10, 2023, to avoid delays in June registration. Please add the course coordinator as the approver of this ticket.

CPPS 304: Introduction to Pharmacology offerings in 2023-2024  

CPPS 304 will be offered in Summer 2023 and Fall 2023. The course will not be offered in the Winter term for the year 2023-2024.      

PHPY 490.0 announcement    

Physiology & Pharmacology majors are required to complete the seminar course, PHPY 490.0, for the major requirement in the final year. Students completing PHPY 490.0 in 2023-2024 will need to register for the course and will receive an automatic pass for the course. Students registered in PHPY 490.0 will receive notifications for departmental seminars, but attendance is not mandatory and there will not be any scheduled content or coursework associated with the course.     

If you have any time conflicts with PHPY 490.0 ensure you register in the conflicting class first, then request the time conflict override to PHPY 490.0 to receive approval to register.           

Important NEUR 404 2023-2024 Prerequisite and Registration Process         

Please note the following prerequisites for NEUR 404: Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology.    
Prerequisites: NEUR 350.3, NEUR 301.3, and CPPS 306.3 (formerly PHPY 305)     

Departmental permission will be required for this course to ensure the correct prerequisites are completed. Students must have PHPY 305 or CPPS 306; students with only CPPS 307 completed will not be approved to register for this course.      
     
*Departmental permission does not guarantee a seat in NEUR 404. The course will not have a waitlist and the seats fill quickly on the day registration opens so it is advised to have an alternate course option planned and register in courses as soon as your registration window opens.     

Note: Department permission requests for NEUR through the electronic override system will be accepted starting May 10, 2023, to avoid delays in June registration. IMPORTANT: Please add bmscoverrides@usask.ca as the approver of this ticket, not the coordinator. If you require any additional overrides, please use the course coordinator as the approver.