Mission
Program Description
Degree Description
Accreditation

Greetings from the Program Director
Research, education, and health care have always gone hand-in-hand. New discoveries are made and technologies developed in the laboratory, taught in the classroom, and applied in the clinic. The process is a never-ending one and each component of this 'health care continuum' is important. We must continue to strive for better technologies and treatments, become better teachers of future generations of health care providers, and learn improved ways to practice and care for patients. Midwestern University (MWU) is committed to this process. Through our various colleges, we have been training students to become health care providers since 1900. In 1996, MWU opened its Glendale, Arizona, campus by starting the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. In 1997, the Physician Assistant Program began followed in 1998 by the College of Pharmacy–Glendale. In 1999, the College of Health Sciences began an Occupational Therapy Program and the Biomedical Sciences Program (offering degrees in Bioethics and Health Professions Education).

In 2000, the Master of Biomedical Science (M.B.S) Program was initiated. Offering a laboratory research degree, the Program prepares students for careers in medical research, pharmaceutical industry, governmental safety and regulatory agencies, and the health care industry.

Our Master of Biomedical Sciences program is intended for full-time students. In addition, those interested may take individual courses in the Biomedical Sciences Program as a "non-degree" candidate to either sample the curriculum or learn about a specific topic. Courses may be audited or taken for credit as a non-degree student on a space-available basis.

A premium is placed on interdisciplinary education and integrating all aspects of the health care continuum. Therefore, students from all disciplines of health care (physicians, physician assistants, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, pharmacists, dentists, researchers, etc) study together with health care administrators, lawyers, social workers, clergy, and other interested individuals.

The mission of the Biomedical Sciences Program is to provide opportunities for training at all levels of the "health care continuum" in the laboratory, classroom, and clinic. The program offers a dynamic learning experience that fosters disciplined thinking and self-directed learning. The courses of study will provide the academic foundation on which to make discoveries in the laboratory, sound ethical decisions in the clinic, and effective teachers in the classroom who are training future health care professionals.

We look forward to partnering with you, the patient-care providers of our community. Come grow with us in this exciting new academic environment. Please feel free to visit our beautiful campus in Glendale or call the Biomedical Sciences Program at 623/572-3620 for more information.

Leonard B. Bell, Ph.D.
Director, Biomedical Sciences Program

Mission
The mission of the Master of Biomedical Science Program is two-fold: 1) to graduate students who have the requisite knowledge and skills to be competitive for admission into Ph.D. and academic medical programs to pursue careers in teaching and research, and 2) to graduate students who are competitive applicants for admission into programs in the health sciences (e.g. medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or other health professional programs). Graduates will also be prepared to pursue careers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and biosafety industries, as well as government regulatory agencies.

Program Description
The Master of Biomedical Science (MBS) degree is a full-time, two-year, research program that provides the student with a broad background in the biomedical sciences, laboratory experiences, and research skills. The curriculum is designed to prepare and graduate students who have extensive knowledge, technical skills, and expertise to function in a variety of biomedical professions. These include careers in areas such as technicians and supervisors in the biotechnology, biosafety, and pharmaceutical industry; research personnel in biomedical science laboratories; employees in governmental and regulatory agencies; and undergraduate teaching. All students take a minimum of 72 quarter hour credits in basic science, medical ethics, and research courses (including a laboratory project and Research Thesis). A series of electives and independent studies are available. The electives allow the student to further specify an area of interest to better prepare them for a career in their chosen field.

NOTE: Transferring between degree programs is prohibited. MBS students who leave after their first year will not be granted an MA degree. MA students who do not get accepted into a professional program after the first year cannot “stay on” for a second year and get the MBS degree.

Biomedical Science Degree Description
Master of Biomedical Science (M.B.S.)
The Master of Biomedical Science (M.B.S.) degree program is designed as a full-time, graduate level program that provides the student with a broad background in the biomedical sciences, laboratory experiences, and research skills. However, a specialized curriculum may be developed with the approval of the Director of Biomedical Sciences for those students interested in part-time status. The curriculum is designed to prepare and graduate students who have extensive knowledge, technical skills and expertise to function in a variety of biomedical professions. These include careers in areas such as technicians and supervisors in the biotechnology, biosafety, and pharmaceutical industry; research personnel in biomedical science laboratories; employees in governmental and regulatory agencies; and undergraduate teaching.

The 72 quarter-hour (minimum) curriculum may be completed in as little as 18 months for students who remain on full-time status, but must be completed within four (4) years of matriculation, excepting approved leaves of absence. All students are required to complete a research project approved by the student’s research committee. The required curriculum includes eight basic science courses in physiology, microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and neuroscience. Pharmacology may be taken in the second year as an elective. In addition to the basic science courses, the student must take a series of research courses that prepare the student for a research project and thesis that is the culmination of the degree program. The research courses include Research Topics and Methods, Research Design and Statistics, Good Laboratory Practice, Ethics of Research and Experimentation, Information Systems for Education and Research, Research Literature Review, Research Protocol, and Research Seminar. Finally, a series of electives and independent studies are available to complete the 72 quarter-hour requirement. The electives allow the student to further specify an area of interest to better prepare them for a career in their chosen field.

The goal of the M.B.S. degree and program is to prepare students with a broad understanding in the biomedical sciences and extensive experience in laboratory research. This training will augment their credentials and education and give the graduate greater career options in further postgraduate education; biotechnology, biosafety, and pharmaceutical industry; biological laboratory research; and governmental regulatory agencies.

Accreditation
Midwestern University has been continuously accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, A Commission of the North Central Association of College and Schools, since 1993. (30 North LaSalle St., Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602) The most recent action by HLC/NCA (1997-1998) resulted in a 10-year accreditation renewal. The State of Arizona Board of Private Postsecondary Education has approved all current degree programs at Midwestern University, Glendale - Arizona Campus.

All degrees are conferred under the authority granted by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and The Higher Learning Commision, A Commision of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.