
Ann L. Boyd
- Professor of Biology
- Program Director, Master's in Biomedical Science
Tailored specifically to the demands of the region’s growing hub of life science research employers, the program offers an alternative to conventional graduate education for those who work full time with courses that are taught in the evenings.
The biomedical science degree is a 33-credit program of graduate research and academic study developed for:
Hood’s close proximity to Fort Detrick and the burgeoning biotech corridor make it the convenient choice for the area’s large population of lab and science employees. Strategic location also affords the program strong relationships with top R&D firms, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and nearby federal and private laboratories. In addition to highly qualified full-time faculty, students benefit from the knowledge of adjunct instructors who are leaders at NCI, USAMRIID and other major research organizations.
Coursework begins with molecular biology, biochemistry and bioinformatics, after which students select a track in molecular biology or microbiology. Capstone project options include conducting laboratory research at the workplace or writing and defending a mock grant proposal. Classes are small and taught by instructors who know how to connect instruction to the real world.
The NIH Summer Internship Program
In addition to full-time biomedical research opportunities, the NIH provides career development opportunities for all summer interns, including workshops, courses, journal clubs and access to the OITE Career Services Center. You can join our diverse community of more than 5,000 trainees for outstanding research and career development resources. The program accepts high school, undergraduate, graduate and professional (medical/dental/pharmacy/nursing, etc.) school students in biomedical, social science, behavioral and computational fields.
SIP includes several subprograms designed to help build a diverse and inclusive scientific workforce. PLEASE NOTE: Although you use the online SIP application to apply for all these subprograms, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and program curricula vary. Please read each program's description carefully to decide which, if any, will best fit your needs. If you apply to one of these programs, you must submit your application before the subprogram deadline AND contact your references to let them know the deadline for receipt of their letters.
The prerequisite course provides background knowledge and skills necessary for the completion of the degree requirements. Students admitted to the BMS program that do not meet all of the academic requirements for admission to the program will be required to take this course in addition to the 33 credits necessary for program completion.
BMS 501/BIFX 501 | Foundations in Life Sciences | 3.0 |
The core courses provide a foundation for electives in either curricular concentration: Biotechnology/Molecular Biology or Microbiology/Immunology/Virology
BMS 511/BIOL 411 | Protein Biochemistry | 3.0 |
BMS 523 | Cell Structure & Function | 3.0 |
BMS 524/BIOL 424 | Molecular Biology of Eukaryotic Cells | 3.0 |
BMS 537/BIOL 437 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3.0 |
Students are encouraged to select elective courses within a concentration. The curricular concentrations are the faculty’s suggestions to help ensure a cohesive program of coursework. However, students, in consultation with their academic advisers, may select a combination of elective courses individualized to their own needs and interests.
BMS 512/BIOL 412 | Biochemistry of Intermediary Metabolism | 3.0 |
BMS 520 | Protein Purification and Characterization | 3.0 |
BMS 525/BIOL 425 | Virology | 3.0 |
BMS 528/BIOL 428 | Immunology | 3.0 |
BMS 534/BIOL 434 | Basic Principles & Methods in Molecular Genetics | 3.0 |
BMS 535 | Advanced Topics in Recombinant DNA Technology: Gene Transfer, Expression, and Detection | 3.0 |
BMS 539 | Molecular Immunology | 3.0 |
BMS 540 | Advanced Topics in Recombinant DNA Technology: Genome Analysis & Mapping | 3.0 |
BMS 541 | Advanced Topics in Recombinant DNA Technology: Gene Structure & Function | 3.0 |
BMS 542 | Ethics In Science | 3.0 |
BMS 590 | Advanced Topics in Biomedical Techniques | 3.0 |
BMS 597 | Internship | 1-3 |
ENV 505 | Biostatistics | 3.0 |
BMS 512/BIOL 412 | Biochemistry of Intermediary Metabolism | 3.0 |
BMS 525/BIOL 425 | Virology | 3.0 |
BMS 527 | Pathogenic Microbiology | 3.0 |
BMS 528/BIOL 428 | Immunology | 3.0 |
BMS 533 | Medical Virology | 3.0 |
BMS 539 | Molecular Immunology | 3.0 |
BMS 541 | Advanced Topics in Recombinant DNA Technology: Gene Structure & Function | 3.0 |
BMS 542 | Ethics In Science | 3.0 |
BMS 543 | Advanced Immunology | 3.0 |
BMS 590 | Advanced Topics in Biomedical Techniques | 3.0 |
BMS 597 | Internship | 1-3 |
ENV 505 | Biostatistics | 3.0 |
Four core courses | 12.0 | |
Four elective courses | 15.0 | |
BMS 580 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 6.0 |
BMS 580: under the direction of a thesis adviser and a reading committee (6 credits).
An oral defense of the thesis is required. Click here for BMS thesis guidelines.
Four core courses | 12.0 | |
Six elective courses, three of which must be laboratory lecture courses | 18.0 | |
BMS 571 | Biomedical Science Seminar | 3.0 |
Preparation of a mock grant proposal draft (Submission of final written document and oral defense occurs in subsequent semester based on committee feedback) |
|
The 4PLUS program is designed for highly motivated students who have the desire to build career options into their undergraduate curriculum and earn a master's degree in biomedical science.
Hood College students currently majoring in biology are eligible to participate in a 4PLUS program that allows for a combined, and in some cases accelerated, master’s degree in biomedical science after the completion of their undergraduate program.
Program Director
Assistant Director of Graduate Admission
“This is a great area for the sciences due to the number of labs around, and they’re happy to work with Hood College students. Look around for opportunities, make connections in and out of the College, and take work opportunities when they come up.”
“Hood College holds a very dear place in my heart. It’s a very personal place, and the people I met there feel like family to me.”
“I work in infectious disease research, and the courses I’ve taken in the biomedical sciences program have helped me gain more knowledge in the field.”