MS in Biomedical Sciences

The Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences at the University of Balamand offers a two-year graduate program in Biomedical Sciences to promote the ability of students to conduct scientific research and prepare them for the pursuit of a PhD or MD degree or a career in research laboratories or health-oriented fields. The graduate program enables graduate students to develop cognitive and subject-specific skills, acquire technical skills essential for conducting independent scientific research, improve interpersonal and communication skills, and demonstrate professionalism in conducting biomedical research.

The program offers graduate students course and research tracks in Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Physiology. Upon defining a research project and with the supervision of Faculty members, students are expected to present and communicate their research findings in a thesis and in Faculty seminars.

Mission

The graduate program in Biomedical Sciences is committed to providing graduate students with subject-specific knowledge and technical and critical analysis skills to develop the competencies needed to conduct scientific research in preparation for a career in laboratories of Biomedical Sciences or the pursuit of a Ph.D. or M.D. degree.

Objectives

The graduate program enables students to:

1. Develop cognitive and subject-specific skills
   
   
2. Acquire technical skills essential for conducting independent scientific research
   
   
3. Develop interpersonal and communication skills
   
   
4. Demonstrate professionalism in conducting biomedical research

Program Learning Outcomes

Cognitive & Subject-specific Skills

Graduate students will demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the principles in physiology, histology, biochemistry, immunology, genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, and epidemiology and biostatistics.

By the time of graduation, students are expected to:

1. Discuss the normal structure and function of the human body at the whole body, organ system, organ, tissue, cellular and molecular levels.
   
   
2. Define the genetic and biochemical basis of cellular function.
   
   
3. Identify the fundamental concepts in biochemistry and immunology.
   
   
4. Define the mechanisms of human infection characteristic of bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. .
   
   
5. Apply the basic principles of epidemiology and statistics.
   
   
6. Critically evaluate theory, research findings, and research applications.

Technical Skills

Graduates will demonstrate the fundamental skills needed to define a research strategy in order to analyze a research problem and explore potentials for a solution.

By the end of the program, graduates will be able to:

1. Generate a complete research proposal.
   
   
2. Analyze data gathered through experimental procedures.
   
   
3. Analyze data statistically.
   
   
4. Perform routine and subject-specific experimental procedures.
   
   
5. Identify, evaluate, and manage problems in their learning of research practices.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Graduates will communicate effectively with their colleagues, advisors, and members of the research laboratory team.

By the end of the program, graduates will be able to:

1. Communicate the results of experimental investigations or the progress of their research orally or in writing.
   
   
2. 2. Work effectively with other researchers in the laboratory.

Professionalism

Graduates will maintain standards of competence and integrity.
By the end of the program, graduates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a commitment to scientific knowledge and self-learning.
   
   
2. Demonstrate honesty and integrity in all interactions with colleagues, research team, and advisors.
   
   
3. Apply the ethical principles governing biomedical research.