Frequently Asked Questions
What could I do with this degree?
A Master of Health Science in Biomedical Sciences affords the student the opportunity to seek careers in the medical field, public health, health care leadership, teaching and research.
This degree program serves as a stepping-stone for students wishing to further their education in medical school or a related biomedical sciences field.
Where do Bellarmine students complete clinical experiences?
Louisville is fortunate to have a diverse array of clinical sites. Working with a program director, students will be assigned to clinical experience sites in the Louisville metropolitan area. If the student is not from the Louisville-area, the student
and director will work together to find equivalent clinical experiences nearer to their hometown. You are responsible for your own transportation, parking, and meals.
Do I need previous health care experience?
While previous experience is advantageous, it is not required.
One-Year Accelerated Curriculum
ONE YEAR ACCELERATED CURRICULUM
Summer Semester 1 May – August (Session II, II & IV) 9 credit hours (in-person classes)
HLTH 561 Histology (4)
HLTH 560 Human Anatomy with Regional Dissection (4)
BU 599 Career Counseling:
Medical & Graduate School Application Preparation (1)
Fall Semester 2 August – December 13 credit hours (online/hy-flex classes)
HLTH 600 Health Policy (3)
HLTH 604 Current Trends and Issues
in Health Care (3)
HLTH 642 Neuroscience (3)
HLTH 640 Advances in Infection, Immunity and Genomics (3)
HLTH 650 Clinical Experience I (1)
Spring Semester 3 January – May 13 credit hours
(online/hy-flex classes)
PHIL 543 Bioethics (3)
HLTH 641 Advanced Physiology (3)
HLTH 643 Medical Biochemistry (3)
HLTH 651 Clinical Experience II- 1 credit
Elective 3
hours
Elective Course Options:
HLTH 652 Medical School Preparation (3)
HLTH 602 Communication & Technology (3)
HLTH 624 Introduction to Knowledge Translation: Evidence to Practice (3)
*Planned course sequence subject to change.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BU599 Career Counseling: Medical and Graduate School Application Preparation (1)
This course will focus on the medical and graduate school application process. Information will be presented on the process and provide ways to enhance success through guest speakers, development of a personal statement, increase in effective interviewing skills, and personal reflection.
HLTH560 Human Anatomy with Regional Dissection (4)
Regional human anatomy will be explored via cadaver dissection, focusing on upper/lower extremities, thorax and abdomen. Students will have the opportunity to perform self-directed study of anatomical regions not specifically covered in the course (head/neck, back). Six hours lecture, twelve hours lab per week.
HLTH561 Histology (4)
Functional microscopic anatomy of mammalian tissues. This course will emphasize the structural and functional relationships of normal cells, tissues, and organs and will integrate cell and molecular biological concepts. This is an intensive, graduate level course designed for students enrolled in the MHSBS Program. Eight hours lecture, eight hours lab per week.
HLTH 602 Communication and Technology in Health (3)
This course examines the social and behavioral issues impacting communication and the successful use of information technologies to support health and health care. Current issues relative to the use and management of “big data” via health care information systems will be explored – including the efficiency and usability of various technologies and datasets, the accuracy and quality of information provided, and the privacy and security of the data shared. This course will also discuss various technologies which are aimed at promoting health, preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases, and/or improving rehabilitation and long-term care.
HLTH640 Advances in Infection, Immunity, and Genomics (3)
This course will examine emerging pathogens, trends in infectious disease, advances in immunology, and applications of genomic techniques through in-depth investigation of current literature in these fields.
HLTH641 Advanced Physiology (3)
This course teaches the functions of the human body at a level required for clinical medicine. The course covers normal physiology, as well as selected diseases. Concepts are organized by systems: Cellular, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Renal. Additional content includes a Foundational Basics introductory section on the genetics, body fluids, autonomic nervous system and a final integration which applies the physiological principles learned to special situations (e.g., Aging, Exercise and Stress). The ultimate goal is for students to develop an understanding of the integrated functions of the normal body, “problem solving” and “critical thinking” skills when evaluating clinical situations.
HLTH642 Neuroscience (3)
This course is designed to prepare future health care professional students to apply basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology principles to patient populations. This course will emphasize the structural and functional organization of the nervous system, particularly that of central nervous system. Topics include neurophysiology, synaptic physiology and plasticity, developmental neurobiology, systems neuroscience, neuroanatomy, and neuropathology.
HLTH643 Medical Biochemistry (3)
This is a lecture-only, online course that focuses on human medical biochemistry. The goal of this course is to review the core concepts of biochemistry that apply to human health and disease and to cite specific examples of their application. Students will analyze and evaluate the most common biochemistry cited in
medical literature. Furthermore, these basics will facilitate further learning in biochemistry and the health sciences. Three credit hours.
HLTH650 Clinical Experience I (1)
This is the first of a two-course series that provides MHSBS students with clinical setting exposure and shadowing experience. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 30 hours in three clinical areas that serve populations across the lifespan, for a total of 90 hours minimum throughout the semester.
HLTH651 Clinical Experience II (1)
This is the second of a two-course series that provides MHSBS students with clinical setting exposure and shadowing experience. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 30 hours in three clinical areas observing different service delivery models, for a total of 90 hours minimum throughout the semester.
HLTH652 Medical School Prep (3)
This course, designed specifically for the MHSBS Program, is for students who plan to apply to medical school during the next year’s cycle. It includes live, online MCAT test prep (provided by Kaplan Test Prep) and a comprehensive review of the medical application process. Three credit hours. Pass/fail only.
NURS 624 Introduction to Knowledge Translation: Evidence to Practice (3)
This course examines the process of critically appraising research in order to translate current evidence into practice. Students learn to formulate clinical questions in answerable format, search for and identify best evidence, and appraise that evidence for rigor and applicability to the practice setting. This course serves as the basis for scientific inquiry, about human experiences to address important problems that require solutions and to expand the research and the evidence base for professional nursing practice.
PHIL 543 Bioethics (3)
This course applies philosophical ethical principles to the field of health care and its delivery. Intended for graduate students with experience in the health care arena, the course focuses on practical problems confronting health care providers and utilizes the professional expertise and interests of the students.
Total estimated tuition and course fees: $24,775 Tuition will be locked in at $665 per credit hour for the entire cohort if continuously enrolled. These rates do not include any books, supplies, or additional expenses.
Suggested pre-requisites for this program include completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, two letters of recommendation from science faculty, and a personal statement. Standardized tests scores (GRE, MCAT, etc.) are not required but can be submitted if the student has them. Students are required to have completed the following coursework (pre-medical prerequisites) to be considered for admission to this program:
- Two semesters of Biology with laboratory
- General Chemistry I and II with laboratory
- Organic Chemistry I and II with laboratory
- At least one semester of Biochemistry (preferably two semesters)
- General Physics I and II with laboratory
- Calculus I and/or Statistics
- General Psychology
- Introductory Sociology
- One semester of English (composition course)
- One semester of reading comprehension course (i.e., literature)
At Bellarmine, whether you are learning online or on-campus, you’ll receive dedicated support from passionate professors.
Dr. Steven D. Wilt, Program Director, is a developmental and molecular biologist interested in the physiology of the retinal pigment epithelium. Dr. Wilt also uses molecular biology and bioinformatics tools
to study the phylogeny of tight junction molecules.
Dr. Savita Chaurasia teaches Medical Biochemistry. She is a biochemist researching plant-based natural products as sources of new drug candidates, which play a vital role in the health care system. She is also working
on the green synthesis of nanoparticles which are of great significance in many industries, including food preservation, cosmetics, pharmacy, and medicine.
Dr. Sonja Bareiss teaches Neuroscience, Anatomy, Pain Neuroscience and Biophysical Agents. Her research interests are in the area of pain following central nervous system injury and neurodegenerative disease. She is particularly
interested in the neuroprotective effect of exercise and other pharmacotherapies to treat chronic pain (post-spinal cord injury) and diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Dr. Christopher Wingard teaches Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physiology and Pathology while participating in Human Performance Health Promotion I and II. His research interests have been in investigating the response of the cardiovascular
system to environmental challenges including: diet, exercise and air pollution. Particular focus has been on the mechanisms underlying the responses to ischemic injuries, metabolic syndrome and inhaled xenobiotic materials.
Dr. Daniel Golemboski teaches Advances in Infection, Immunity, and Genomics. He is a microbiologist and the research in his lab is concerned with bacterial antibiotic resistance. Through the process of DNA sequencing,
genome assembly, and in-depth genetic analysis he is attempting to elucidate mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and the development of virulence factors in pathogenic bacteria.
Dr. Chantal Prewitt currently teaches Anatomy and Neuroscience and participates in the Service Learning courses. Her research interests include refining pedagogy of anatomy and neuroscience, developing continuing education courses
for DPTs, and use of technology in education.