Biomedical Sciences

A photograph of students in the Human Anatomy lab.

Studying Biomedical Sciences at Guelph provides you with a broad overview of human and animal health through the study of function, structure, and paraclinical sciences.

Students in HHNS study a common core which includes calculus, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, statistics, nutrition, and physiology. Human anatomy is in the core for Human Kinetics and Bio-Medical Science. After completing the core, your course selection reflects the major that you've chosen, and your particular interests.

Through the use of electives, you can structure a program emphasizing reproductive biology, nutritional sciences, or principles of health and disease prevention. In addition, this program is designed to partially meet the current requirements for entry into medical schools in Ontario, as well as entry into the DVM program of the Ontario Veterinary College.

This is an honours program, and is therefore completed in four years of study.

Courses of Interest

  • Pharmacology (BIOM*3090) explains drug-receptor interactions, the mechanism of action, and toxicity of drugs acting on the cardiovascular and central nervous system.
  • Biomedical Physiology (BIOM*3200) focuses on the normal functioning of mammals. The physiology of the nervous, endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular and digestive systems and homeostasis as reflected in respiratory and renal function is treated in a detailed manner. The integrative nature of various physiological systems is highlighted and cellular and molecular information is incorporated to enhance the understanding of these systems. Aspects of medically significant changes in the mammalian physiological systems are also introduced.
  • Human Anatomy (HK*3401/02) consists of lectures and hands on dissection or prosection laboratories, providing a multifaceted learning atmosphere.
  • Pathology (PATH*3610) presents basic concepts of disease in the cells, tissues, organs and fluids of the body. There is a particular emphasis placed on disease processes resulting from physical, toxic, and microbiological causes.