Tufts MS in Biomedical Sciences

Tufts University School of Medicine offers the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, otherwise known as their MBS program to pre-medical and pre-dental students who want to enhance their credentials before matriculating to medical or dental school. This program is new, having its first class during the 2007-2008 academic year.

But don't let this deter you from giving Tufts serious consideration. The administration has done an excellent job in devising a biomedical sciences program which will prepare you for all of your future academic endeavors.

Tufts School of Medicine is located in the heart of downtown Boston in the vicinity of Chinatown, so if you like a big city feel, but like to see familiar faces then I would strongly encourage you to come to Tufts. In this Master of Science program the students do not compete against one another, rather they work together, form study groups and have small advising groups to promote the skills and tools which are critical to the study of medicine.

Program Focus

This is not a program for individuals who have not completed the basic requirements for medical school. You need to present strong academic credentials in your undergraduate studies because this is an advanced degree program where you will walk away with the Master of Science degree. Also, you will be participating in the same lectures and take the same exams as the first-year medical school class and be graded accordingly. Essentially, you will get to experience medical school first-hand and if you excel academically, then you may be invited to interview at Tufts University School of Medicine (top 20% of the class).

Structure

If you want to experience medical school inclusive of having your courses taught by the lecturers who teach the medical school students then the biomedical sciences will be a great choice. Generally, your classes will be separate from the medical students, allowing you to have a more individualized experience and the ability to ask questions during lecture. This is possible, because the medical students have their lectures in the morning, while the MBS students have the same lecture in the afternoon.

Courses are taken on a schedule comparable to the medical students, so you will begin with microbiology and biochemistry.Throughout the year you will be completing a number of courses:

• Medical Course: Molecular Biology, 2 cr
• Medical Course: Cell, Tissue & Organ Biology, 5 cr
• Medical Course: Biochemistry, 5 cr
• Medical Course: Immunology, 2 cr
• MBS Course: Intro to Clinical Medicine, 2 cr
• Medical Course: Physiology, 5 cr
• MBS Course: Basic Human Pathology, 5 cr
• MBS Course: Intro to Basic and Clinical Anatomy, 5 cr
• MBS Course: Nutrition, 2 cr
• Elective, 4 cr
• MBS: MCAT Tutorial (optional)
• MBS Thesis (Library or Laboratory-based), 2 cr

Lastly, there are no labs in the Master of Science program, courses and grading are all lecture based.

There is a thesis component to the biomedical sciences program. You have the option of doing a library or laboratory-based thesis, and this is completed over the summer when the medical classes are completed. Many students opt for the library one because it allows them to work on medical school applications and is not as intense as the laboratory. But if you are completely opposed to working on a thesis you can get a certificate instead of a Master degree, if it was up to me I would get the Master degree because it will carry a lot of weight for you in the future.

Eligibility

You will need to have completed your course requirements for medical school. It is highly suggested the MCAT be taken, otherwise the GRE may be substituted. Please note, you are completing graduate level coursework, therefore having a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is necessary.

Admissions

Tufts Biomedical Sciences program operates on a rolling admissions basis and once all application materials are received you can expect a decision within 4-8 weeks. The application deadline is July 15, but late applications may be accepted until the class is filled (70 students). A complete application includes:

• Online application form
• Application fee ($70.00)
• Personal Statement
• 3 Letters of Recommendation or Committee
• MCAT score report or official GRE score
• Official Transcripts

Learn more about Tufts MBS