This program provides education in disciplines of the anatomical sciences (cell biology, developmental biology, and gross anatomy), physiology and pharmacology. These life science disciplines provide a comprehensive understanding of the functions and mechanisms of actions of the cells and major systems of the human body, and of the effects and mode of action of chemicals which modify the major systems of the body.

Options: Four-year or Honours degree

Please click here to view this program in the University Catalogue.

This program includes education in many of the major topics in neuroscience including molecular and cellular neuroscience, systems and sensory neuroscience, behavioural and cognitive neuroscience, neurophysiology and neuroanatomy.

Options: Four-year or Honours degree

Please click here to view this program in the University Catalogue.

This program which provides education in the areas the molecular and cellular approaches to the study of the life sciences including microbial physiology and pathogenesis, protein structure and function, molecular biology, microbial genetics, virology, tumour biology and cancer, immunology and immunopathogenesis.

Options: Four-year or Honours degree

Please click here to view this program in the University Catalogue.

The Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology offer this program that enables cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary training that positions graduates for careers in the biomedical sciences as well as health-related professions.

Options: Four-year or Honours degree

Please click here to view this program in the University Catalogue.

This program builds on the shared two-year biomedical sciences platform shared by all the biomedical science majors to provide students with a strong foundation of multi-disciplinary training while providing flexibility for initial specialization within a particular biomedical science. This program includes necessary courses for students prepared to enter into health-related professional schools not requiring a four-year degree such as Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy.

Options: Three-year degree

Please click here to view this program in the University Catalogue.

This degree program is flexible and offers you the opportunity to take courses in many different subject areas. Here is what a suggested first-year schedule might look like:

^a Required course for the M4 Core Requirement
^b Course from the Cognate Requirement
^c Or other course listed under the Indigenous Learning Requirement could be chosen 
^d Or other course listed under the English Language Writing Requirement could be chosen
^e Or other course listed under the Breadth or Elective Requirement could be chosen

 The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.

This degree program is flexible and offers you the opportunity to take courses in many different subject areas. Here is what a suggested second-year schedule might look like:

^a Required course for the M4 Core Requirement
^b Or other course listed under the Quantitive Reasoning Requirement chould be chosen
^c Or other course listed under the Cognate, Breadth or Elective Requirements chooud be chosen

The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.

The M4 Core Requirements must be finished before a student can apply for a BSc (BMSC) major. 

The M4 Core Requirements (24 credit units) consist of the following classes: 

• BMSC 200.3 Biomolecules
• BMSC 207.3 Human Body Systems I
• BMSC 208.3 Human Body Systems II
• BMSC 210.3 Microbiology
• BMSC 220.3 Cell Biology
• BMSC 230.3 Metabolism
• BMSC 240.3 Laboratory Techniques
• CHEM 250.3 Introduction to Organic Chemistry

These classes must be finished before a student can apply for a BSc (BMSC) major. 

Arts & Science students who want to transfer into the BSc (BMSC) program are required to have a passing grade (50% minimum) in

• 3 credit units of 100-level or higher BIOL, CHEM, PHYS and MATH

to be eligible to transfer into the BSc (BMSC) program. 

If students have not completed their 100 level transfer requirements at the time of transfer, high school grades will be reviewed (Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Physics 30 and Math Foundations 30) for a minimum average of 70%.

The Transfer Application is open annually from March 1st until April 30th.

*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 apply for a new major in the BSc (BMSC) program.

How can I apply for 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 apply  to three-year BMF program at any time through the ‘A&S Student Inquiry’ form. 

How can I apply to one of the BSc (BMSC) 4-year majors? 

You need to complete the M4 Core Requirements by the end of April in the year you want to apply a major, traditionally completed by the end of 2nd year. These classes must be completed by April 30th, 2025 to be eligible to apply to a major for the 2025-26 academic year. 

M4 Core Requirements (24 credit units)

• BMSC 200.3 Biomolecules
• BMSC 207.3 Human Body Systems I
• BMSC 208.3 Human Body Systems II
• BMSC 210.3 Microbiology
• BMSC 220.3 Cell Biology
• BMSC 230.3 Metabolism
• BMSC 240.3 Laboratory Techniques
• CHEM 250.3 Introduction to Organic Chemistry 

Application for a Major is open annually from March 1st to April 30th and must be completed by April 30, 2025, for the 2025-26 academic year. Once the application closes, student eligibility will be checked and application for majors ranked (if requesting a program with limited seats). You will be informed of your placement at the beginning of May of the year you are eligible to apply to a major, via your USask email.   

*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 apply for a new major in the BSc (BMSC) program.

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

We encourage you to fill out the BMSC major application once you are eligible.

Is space limited in some majors?

Yes, there is limited capacity (40 seats) 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 apply to 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 been accepted into the major. 

The application has been closed for the 2025-2026 intake. It will re-open next year from March 1st to April 30th, 2026.

Course Updates for 2025-2026  

(last updated May 20, 2025)

This document includes all important BMSC course and program changes for the upcoming year to assist with planning and registration for the 2025-2026 year.    

CMPT 140.3: Introduction to Creative Computing

CMPT 140 has been added to the BMI major. Students can use either BINF 151, BINF 351, or CMPT 140 to fulfill the program requirements for the Bioinformatics portion of their BMI major.

CPPS 310.3: Basic Human Anatomy

This course will only be offered in Fall Term.

CPPS 498.3: Everything Changed When They Wrote Science as Story– New Course*   Fall Term

This unconventional hands-on hybrid seminar course formally applies the irrefutable power of storytelling to science writing so that you can have the impact you want and need on your readers and your research field. Regular in-class writing exercises and discussions aim to catalyze learner self-discovery and empowerment with narrative writing skills. Students will read, reflect and write a lot in ways they may not have before, consciously harness their creativity and critical thought, and incorporate a story-based toolkit into their work processes.

Prerequisite(s): CPPS 302.3, CPPS 303.3, CPPS 304.3, and CPPS 325.3. Preference will be given to students in a B.Sc. (BMSC) program, but other students may be accepted as space allows. Students must be willing to embrace stretching beyond their comfort zones to develop new, highly transferrable professional skills and to excel in scientific research and communication.

Note: No previous science writing experience or training is required.

This course is not listed in the course list for CPPS programs.

CPPS majors: this course will count in the M6 Elective Requirement for the 4Y program and honours programs for the 2025-26 academic year.

CPPS 498.3: Integrative Physiology, Metabolism, and Metabolic Diseases – New Course*   Fall Term

The focus of this course is to provide a detailed review of integrative physiology, metabolism, and metabolic diseases. We will use primary research literature in the field to advance our understanding of metabolic regulation in health, pathophysiology of metabolic diseases, and recent developments in therapies. This course aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and prepare students for more advanced courses or a senior research thesis in areas of physiology, metabolism, and pharmacology.

Prerequisite(s): CPPS 303 or permission of course coordinator.

This course is not listed in the course list for CPPS programs.

CPPS majors: this course will count in the M6 Elective Requirement for the 4Y program and honours programs for the 2025-26 academic year.

BMIS 325.3: Fundamentals of Bacteriology

This course has been moved to Fall Term.

BMIS 405.3: Structure and Function of Biomolecules

This course has been renamed and renumbered to BMIS 455.3: Mechanisms of Protein Function.

BMIS 412.3: Protein Structure Function and Engineering

This course has been renamed to Methods for Engineering Designer Proteins 

BMIS 420.3: Antimicrobial Resistance of One Health Pathogens – New Course*  Winter Term - previously known as BMIS 498.3

Themes related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the USask signature area of One Health will be introduced through formal introductory lectures, followed by presentation and discussion and critique of primary research articles. Students are required to study all the manuscripts ahead of time and are encouraged to actively participate in the in-class discussions and activities. Graduate students are expected to take a more engaged, leadership role in class discussions. An emphasis will be placed on the critical analysis of the research articles discussed. Methods generally applicable and of interest to the field will also be discussed. Topics to be addressed include but are not limited to defining AMR, AMR in a historical context, canonical mechanisms of resistance in One Health pathogens, surveillance and transmission of AMR in the environment, emerging and novel mechanisms of resistance, and treatment strategies for extensively drug-resistant pathogens.

Prerequisite(s): BMIS 325.3 or permission of the course coordinator.  

Note: Students with credit for BMIS 498.3 Advances in Antimicrobial Resistance of One Health Pathogens cannot take BMIS 420 for credit. Students who have taken BMIS 420.3 as an undergraduate student are ineligible to take BMIS 820.3 as a graduate student.

This course is not listed in the course list for the BMIS programs.

BMI majors: BMIS 420.3 can be used under the M5 Major Requirements: ‘choose 9 credit units’ 4Y program and ‘choose 15 credit units’ honours program to be included in “Any BMSC, BMIS, BIOC or MCIM course at the 300 or 400 level” note for that section.

BMIS 423.3: Immunopathogenesis

This course has been renamed to Advanced Immunology and has been moved to Fall Term.  

BMIS 425.3: Molecular Basis of Microbial Pathogenesis

This course will only be offered in Winter Term.

MCIM 223.3: Principles of Microbiology and Immunology for Nursing

This course has been moved to Winter Term.

PSY 448.3: Advanced Seminar in Neuroscience – Prerequisite change

BMNS students who were planning to take PSY 448, please note that the prerequisites have changed:

Prerequisite(s): 3 credit units from PSY 252.3, PSY 246.3, or PSY 242.3; and 3 credit units of 300-level Psychology. Restricted to Honours students in Health Studies and Psychology.

The Department of Psychology is willing to review NEUR 301, NEUR 334 or NEUR 350 in place of the 300 level Psychology requirements if seats are available in PSY 448. Please submit a prerequisite override indicating the courses you have taken and ask permission to enroll in the class.

*Note: Please add the course coordinator as the approver of this ticket.

Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology (BMI) Announcements for 2025-2026  

(last updated May 20, 2025)

CMPT 140.3: Introduction to Creative Computing

CMPT 140 has been added to the BMI major. Students can use either BINF 151, BINF 351, or CMPT 140 to fulfill the program requirements for the Bioinformatics portion of their BMI major.

BMIS 325.3: Fundamentals of Bacteriology

This course has been moved to Fall Term.

BMIS 405.3: Structure and Function of Biomolecules

This course has been renamed and renumbered to BMIS 455.3: Mechanisms of Protein Function.

BMIS 412.3: Protein Structure Function and Engineering

This course has been renamed to Methods for Engineering Designer Proteins 

BMIS 420.3: Antimicrobial Resistance of One Health Pathogens – New Course*  Winter Term - previously known as BMIS 498.3

Themes related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the USask signature area of One Health will be introduced through formal introductory lectures, followed by presentation and discussion and critique of primary research articles. Students are required to study all the manuscripts ahead of time and are encouraged to actively participate in the in-class discussions and activities. Graduate students are expected to take a more engaged, leadership role in class discussions. An emphasis will be placed on the critical analysis of the research articles discussed. Methods generally applicable and of interest to the field will also be discussed. Topics to be addressed include but are not limited to defining AMR, AMR in a historical context, canonical mechanisms of resistance in One Health pathogens, surveillance and transmission of AMR in the environment, emerging and novel mechanisms of resistance, and treatment strategies for extensively drug-resistant pathogens.

Prerequisite(s): BMIS 325.3 or permission of the course coordinator.  

Note: Students with credit for BMIS 498.3 Advances in Antimicrobial Resistance of One Health Pathogens cannot take BMIS 420 for credit. Students who have taken BMIS 420.3 as an undergraduate student are ineligible to take BMIS 820.3 as a graduate student.

This course is not listed in the course list for the BMIS programs.

BMI majors: BMIS 420.3 can be used under the M5 Major Requirements: ‘choose 9 credit units’ 4Y program and ‘choose 15 credit units’ honours program to be included in “Any BMSC, BMIS, BIOC or MCIM course at the 300 or 400 level” note for that section.

BMIS 423.3: Immunopathogenesis

This course has been renamed to Advanced Immunology and has been moved to Fall Term.  

BMIS 425.3: Molecular Basis of Microbial Pathogenesis

This course will only be offered in Winter Term.

Biomedical Neuroscience (BMNS) Announcements 
for 2025-2026  

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

(last updated May 20, 2025)

PSY 448.3: Advanced Seminar in Neuroscience – Prerequisite change

BMNS students who were planning to take PSY 448, please note that the prerequisites have changed:

Prerequisite(s): 3 credit units from PSY 252.3, PSY 246.3, or PSY 242.3; and 3 credit units of 300-level Psychology. Restricted to Honours students in Health Studies and Psychology.

The Department of Psychology is willing to review NEUR 301, NEUR 334 or NEUR 350 in place of the 300 level Psychology requirements if seats are available in PSY 448. Please submit a prerequisite override indicating the courses you have taken and ask permission to enroll in the class.

*Note: Please add the course coordinator as the approver of this ticket.

Changes to the BMNS major in the 2023-2024 calendar    
Learn about the differences in the 2022-2023 academic year and the 2023-2024 academic year as well as current 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. 

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

Differences between the calendars:     

How do I switch calendar years? 

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

Cellular Physiological and Pharmacological (CPPS) Announcements 2025-2026  

(last updated May 20, 2025)

CPPS 310.3: Basic Human Anatomy

This course will only be offered in Fall Term.

CPPS 498.3: Everything Changed When They Wrote Science as Story– New Course*   Fall Term

This unconventional hands-on hybrid seminar course formally applies the irrefutable power of storytelling to science writing so that you can have the impact you want and need on your readers and your research field. Regular in-class writing exercises and discussions aim to catalyze learner self-discovery and empowerment with narrative writing skills. Students will read, reflect and write a lot in ways they may not have before, consciously harness their creativity and critical thought, and incorporate a story-based toolkit into their work processes.

Prerequisite(s): CPPS 302.3, CPPS 303.3, CPPS 304.3, and CPPS 325.3. Preference will be given to students in a B.Sc. (BMSC) program, but other students may be accepted as space allows. Students must be willing to embrace stretching beyond their comfort zones to develop new, highly transferrable professional skills and to excel in scientific research and communication.

Note: No previous science writing experience or training is required.

This course is not listed in the course list for CPPS programs.

CPPS majors: this course will count in the M6 Elective Requirement for the 4Y program and honours programs for the 2025-26 academic year.

CPPS 498.3: Integrative Physiology, Metabolism, and Metabolic Diseases – New Course*   Fall Term

The focus of this course is to provide a detailed review of integrative physiology, metabolism, and metabolic diseases. We will use primary research literature in the field to advance our understanding of metabolic regulation in health, pathophysiology of metabolic diseases, and recent developments in therapies. This course aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and prepare students for more advanced courses or a senior research thesis in areas of physiology, metabolism, and pharmacology.

Prerequisite(s): CPPS 303 or permission of course coordinator.

This course is not listed in the course list for CPPS programs.

CPPS majors: this course will count in the M6 Elective Requirement for the 4Y program and honours programs for the 2025-26 academic year.

CPPS Course and Program changes for 2024-25 academic year:

Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (ID BMSC) Announcements for 2025-2026  

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

There are no notices for this major.

This information will help you choose the correct courses for your program requirements. The following new courses are accepted as equivalents to the past courses. Always read individual course details to note equivalencies and registration notes in the USASK catalogue.

Anatomy and Cell Biology Announcements for 2024-2025  

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 405 seats are limited  

If you require CPPS 405: Current Topics in Cellular Physiological and Pharmacological Sciences to complete your ACB degree please contact bmscadvising@usask.ca as soon as possible to secure a seat.

Biochemistry (BIOC) Course Notices 2024-2025 

The following notice is for students who are following the BSc Biochemistry (BIOC) program. The BSc in BIOC 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. Students can take one of the following options to complete this requirement.

BINF 151.3 (formerly BINF 210 in the program)   
BINF 351.3 (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 2024-2025  

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 351.3 (formerly BINF 200.3) 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 2024-2025  

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.    

Additional options added to area of major       

The following has been added to the C6 area of major options in the PHPY major for 2019-2020 catalogue for the 2023-2024/Current 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  (formerly ACB 400)
CPPS 406 (formerly ACB 406)   
    

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.  

CPPS 400: Clinical and Biomedical Imaging
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 115.3, PHYS 117.3 (or PHYS 125.3); and CPPS 310.3. 

*Note: Overrides through the electronic override system will be accepted starting May 17, 2024 to avoid delays in June registration. Please add the course coordinator as the approver of this ticket.   

PHPY 490.0 Process

PHPY majors are required to complete the seminar course: PHPY 490.0, for the major requirement in their final year. Students completing PHPY 490.0 will register for the course and receive an automatic pass for the course. Students 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.    

*Note: Overrides through the electronic override system will be accepted starting May 17, 2024 to avoid delays in June registration. Please add the course coordinator as the approver of this ticket. 

Application for admission to an Honours Program will not be considered until the successful completion of at least 60 credit units with a Cumulative Weighted Average of at least 70% overall and at least 70% in the subject of honours major (M4 and M5 courses). Students who intend to apply to an Honours Program should do so in May of the same year they plan to complete their Undergraduate Research course, or after the completion of 60 credit units to start planning in accordance with Honours Program requirements.

The Undergraduate Student Office in the College of Arts and Science processes all applications and will notify students by email over the summer prior to enrollment in the Undergraduate Research course.

The deadline to apply to the Honours Program has been changed to May 1st, 2025. 

The Undergraduate Student Office in the College of Arts and Science will accept applications up to May 31st, 2025 for this year only to accommodate the change in deadline.

A&S Honours Application

Students planning to complete an Honours Program are responsible for securing a faculty supervisor to enroll in the Undergraduate Research course, which is completed in the final year of study. The process of securing a supervisor can be competitive, so students are encouraged to begin this search as soon as possible, usually early in the year before they plan to complete the Undergraduate Research course. Students should start by identifying their research interests and exploring the research areas of approved potential supervisors.

Once a supervisor is secured:

• Students wishing to complete CPPS 432.6 or NEUR 432.6 (CPPS, BMNS or ID BMSC students) must email the BMSC Academic Advisor at bmscadvising@usask.ca to inform them of their selected supervisor.
• Students wishing to complete BMIS 489.6 (BMIS or ID BMSC students) must email the BMIS 489.6 course coordinator for approval of their selected supervisor.
• The BMSC Academic Advisor will consult with the course coordinator, confirm approval of supervisor and add permissions for the student to register in the Undergraduate Research course. These permissions are typically added late summer/beginning of September.

Deadline to secure a supervisor for 2025-2026 academic year will be August 31, 2025

The Biomedical Sciences Advisor can help with: 

• major specific questions or concerns - M4 and M5 requirements
• confirmation of program and degree requirements 
• course sequencing for competitive majors 
• navigating university policies and procedures 
• connecting you with educational supports 
• application for a major process 
• choosing a major and choosing courses 

Time slots for advising appointments are 30-minutes in length, which is adequate for most advising concerns. However, if you have more than one item to address, please book two 30-minute back-to-back time slots (60 minutes total). 

• Book an Academic Advising Appointment

Arts and Science Advisors can help with:

• outside of major questions or concerns - M1, M2, M3 and M6 requirements
• confirmation of program and degree requirements
• clarification of academic policies and procedures
• academic appeals, deferred exam requests, graduation checks
• visiting student requests, second degree requirements
• inquiries about "required to discontinue" notices and probation status
• discussion of confirmed transfer credits
• strategies for applying to other colleges
• academic strategies to strengthen grades

The Undergraduate Student Office offers in-person and remote academic advising apppointments. You will find the link to book an appointment under the Arts and Science Channel in PAWS. Students can schedule an appointment with an academic advisor up to 14 days in advance.

Academic advising appointments are available at the following hours:

• Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm
• Tuesday and Thursday: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Log into PAWS, and go to the Arts and Science Channel. In the Student Academic Services section, click on Book an Appointment.