BS. Biomedical Science

PROGRAM MISSION

 

The Biomedical Sciences program at Diné College provides students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue careers in research, healthcare, and biotechnology while preparing them to address critical health challenges. The program is designed to support student success by fostering career development, encouraging graduate study, enhancing employment and advancement opportunities, and preparing graduates to serve and contribute to the Navajo Nation.

PROGRAM GOALS

 

Goal 1: To obtain the necessary knowledge and skills essential for a career in medical sciences or allied healthcare professions. Biomedical Sciences majors need more than the average amount of Science, Operations Analysis, and Programming.

Objective 1: Students will successfully complete the comprehensive courses in clinical Chemistry/ biochemistry, molecular biology/genetics, clinical microbiology, infectious disease, and immunology. Students will get training in various analytical methodologies using spectrophotometry, PCR/RT-PCR, Immunoblotting, ELISA, CRISPER, Electrophoresis, etc.

Objective 2: Students will participate in translational research and hands-on experiences through laboratory exercises and group projects.

Goal 2: To grace the interpersonal communication skills to convey the results of scholarly work and to be able to work with others in groups and teams. Reading Comprehension, Science, and Critical Thinking are the three most important skills for people in the field.

Objective 1: Students will participate in Journal clubs and research projects to be trained in complex problem solving, Active learning, and Judgement & Decision making.

Objective 2: Students will be encouraged to attend scientific workshops/ training and meetings to learn social perceptiveness and management of personal resources.

Goal 3: To develop competent Biomedical Native Scientists, it is necessary to develop operational skills.

Objective 1: Students will be trained in collecting, organizing, evaluating, and analyzing data, troubleshooting, instrument calibration, and time management.

Objective 2: Students will be encouraged to participate in summer internship/research opportunities, proposal writing, grant writing, poster and paper presentations, and publication to learn coordination and system evaluation skills.

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

 

PSLO1. (Nitsahakees: thinking) Using critical thinking skills, students will be able to outline the different responses of the human body to physical, chemical, and microbial interaction, and demonstrate a commitment to the application of biomedical science in the improvement of health disparities. Additionally, via a series of laboratory experiments, they will be trained in collecting, organizing, evaluating and analyzing data, troubleshooting, instrument calibration, equipment selection, operation monitoring, and time management.

PSLO2: (Nahat’a: planning) Through research and synthesizing information, students will be able to describe a chosen health care profession in detail, obtain knowledge from other students’ descriptions, and use this knowledge to reflect on their own career path. This training will develop their social perceptiveness and decision-making skills.

PSLO3. (Iiná: performance) By implementing course material, students will be able to identify structures of the human body, describe their functional interrelatedness, and communicate scientific information successfully, with specialized knowledge of concerns in health-related fields. They will learn various analytical methodologies and laboratory techniques to master the skills as required for successful completion of the program.

PSLO4. (Siihásin: application and evaluation) By reflecting on and applying the significance of their educational goals, students will demonstrate a professional scholastic behavior and attitude that will make them active listeners, problem solvers, team players and achievers.

2025 – 2026 Checklist

Bachelor of Science Degree
Biomedical Science (122–125 credits)

General Education Requirements (63–64 hrs)Upper Division Requirements (59–62 hrs)
Freshman Semester I
BIO 181 General Biology I (4.0)
CHM 151 General Chemistry I (5.0)
ENG 101 College Composition I (3.0)
MTH 110 College Algebra (4.0)
Total: 16 hrs

Freshman Semester II
BIO 182 General Biology II (4.0)
CHM 152 General Chemistry II (4.0)
ENG 102 College Composition II (3.0)
MTH 190 Pre-Calculus (4.0)

Total: 15 hrs

Sophomore Semester III
BIO 201 Anatomy and Physiology I (4.0)
CHM 235 General Organic Chemistry I (4.0)
MTH 213 Statistics (4.0)
Gen Ed: NAV 101/102/201/202/211 (3.0–4.0)

Total: 15–16 hrs

Sophomore Semester IV
BIO 202 Anatomy and Physiology II (4.0)
BIO 205 Microbiology (4.0)
CHM 236 General Organic Chemistry II (4.0)
MTH 191 Calculus I (4.0)

Total: 16 hrs
Prog Req: 63–64 hrs
Junior Semester I
BIO 344 Cellular and Molecular Biology (4.0)
CHM 310 Introduction to Pharmacology (4.0)
CHM 360 Fundamental Biochemistry (3.0)
PHY 110 Algebra-based Physics I (4.0)
Total: 15 hrs

Junior Semester II
BIO 320 Human Pathophysiology (4.0)
BIO 340 General Genetics (4.0)
PHY 111 Algebra-based Physics II (4.0)
Gen Ed: NIS 111 Foundations of Navajo Culture (3.0)

Total: 15 hrs

Senior Semester III
BIO 450 Bioinformatics or Upper Div Elect (3.0)
BIO 488 Medical Microbiology (4.0)
BIO 495 Cancer Biology (3.0)
Gen Ed: NIS 221 Navajo History to Present (3.0)
Gen Ed: HUM 105/131/151/152 or FA 106/107/112/115/120/121 (3.0)

Total: 16 hrs

Senior Semester IV
BIO 408 or BIO 494 (6) or BIO 485 (3–6) (3.0–6.0)
BIO 498 Senior Seminar (1.0)
Gen Ed: HUM 105/131/151/152 or FA 106/107/112/115/120/121 (3.0)
Gen Ed: HST 101/102/135/136 (3.0)
Gen Ed: ECO 111/200/201 or PSY 111/200/211/240 (3.0)

Total: 13–16 hrs
Prog Req: 59–62 hrs

Suggested Elective Courses (including prerequisites)

BIO 365 (Writing in the Biological Sciences); * BIO 170 (Medical Terminology)
PSY 315 (Health Psychology); PUH 395 (Epidemiology)
NAV 231 (Medical Terminology of Navajo); ENG 222 (Writing for the Sciences)
NAS 413 (Indigenous Research Methodologies); BIO 497 (Independent Study)
NIS 371 (Navajo Philosophy); BIO 390 (Principles of Forensic Sciences)
* MTH 251 Calculus for Life Sciences and Business
Courses with * are highly recommended.

Must pass all courses with “C” grades or higher

 

DEAN'S OFFICE

Dr. Shazia Tabassum Hakim, Ph.D., SCCM (MLS) CCM 
Acting Dean, School of STEM
Tuba City Campus

Phone: (928) 283-5113 ext. 07520
Research Labs: 7538, 7539
Email: stabassum@dinecollege.edu
Selina Yazzie
Administrative Assistant
Tsaile Campus

Phone: 928-724-6731
Email: syazzie@dinecollege.edu