Biomedical and Health Science

Longwood biology student and professor examine a laboratory culture plate together.

What Is Biomedical Science, and Is It Right for Me?

Are you interested in human health, laboratory science and the biology behind medicine? Biomedical science explores how biology can help us understand human health and disease. In Longwood’s Biomedical and Health Science concentration, you’ll explore those connections through biology coursework, laboratory experiences and research.

You’ll prepare for biomedical laboratory work or for graduate and professional programs in health-related fields. If medical, dental or veterinary school is your goal, explore Longwood’s Longwood's Pre-Medical concentration.

Longwood professor leads students through an anatomy lab using anatomical models and specimens.

What Can I Do With a Biology Degree Focused in Biomedical and Health Science?

A Biomedical and Health Science concentration can prepare you for careers in biomedical science or for continued study in a range of health-related fields.

Possible career and graduate-study paths include:

Biomedical laboratory scientist
Biomedical research
Genetic counseling
Physician assistant
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Surgical Assistant
Nurse (accelerated BS to BSN)

Some of these careers require graduate or professional education. Your coursework and experiences at Longwood can help you build the scientific foundation and skills you’ll need to take that next step.

Research and Health-Career Experience

Biomedical and health science becomes much more meaningful when you have opportunities to put what you’re learning into practice.

At Longwood, you can work alongside faculty on research during the academic year or apply for the PRISM Summer Research Program for an faculty-mentored research experience. Biology research facilities include tools such as digital PCR, flow cytometry, nanopore sequencing and advanced microscopes, giving undergraduate students experience with specialized research equipment.

You can also explore health careers through shadowing opportunities. Faculty connections with hospitals, clinics and health practices can help students find opportunities to observe health professionals at work. And at Longwood’s research facility at the Baliles Center for Environmental Education at Hull Springs, students can explore connections between health, medicine and environmental research.

What Will I Study in the Biomedical and Health Science Concentration?

You’ll study biology broadly while developing deeper knowledge related to human health. Hands-on laboratory experiences and class-based research projects give you opportunities to apply what you learn, while upper-level coursework lets you shape part of the program around your interests.

Career exploration is built into the biology program, too. A professional development course each year helps you strengthen analytical and communication skills, explore career options and connect your interests and abilities with your goals.

You’ll study topics such as: