Mar 28, 2024  
USC Catalogue 2021-2022 
    
USC Catalogue 2021-2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOGUE]

Biopharmaceutical Sciences (BS)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs, Minors and Certificates

The Bachelor of Science in Biopharmaceutical Sciences (BPS) offers a unique interdisciplinary approach designed to provide in-depth training in the discovery, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products and their role in health care industries. Courses will focus on subdisciplines of pharmaceutical sciences including the study of the chemical and physical properties of drugs and their biological effects, and will link these systems to the discovery, development and commercialization of pharmaceuticals for the advancement of human health. Courses will also focus on the business and marketing aspects of the pharmaceutical industry.

The Bachelor of Science in Biopharmaceutical Sciences will train students for diverse positions in industrial, academic or other research environments within the areas of drug discovery, development and commercialization. It will also prepare students for professional or graduate studies in graduate education in pharmaceutical, health care delivery, medical and basic sciences and post-baccalaureate professional education in medicine, pharmacy, business, regulatory and quality science, finance and law.

The Bachelor of Science in Biopharmaceutical Sciences will be a springboard to diverse careers in industrial, academic or other research environments within the areas of drug discovery, development and commercialization. It also will prepare students for professional or graduate studies in graduate education in pharmaceutical, medical and basic sciences and post-baccalaureate professional education in biomedical engineering, business, finance and law. 

The Bachelor of Science in Biopharmaceutical Sciences requires the completion of a minimum of 128 units that include:

  1. General Education and Writing Requirements
  2. Foundational courses designed to prepare students for the major
  3. An introductory 4-unit lower-division (200 level) course in Pharmaceutical and Regulatory Science (RXRS)
  4. A minimum number of 32 units of upper-division (300 level and above) courses in Biopharmaceutical Sciences (BPSI) and Pharmaceutical and Regulatory Science (RXRS)
  5. A minimum of 8 units of upper-division (300 level and above) courses in Biological Sciences (BISC) unique to the major

Students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in pharmacy, medicine, chemistry or dentistry are encouraged to take organic chemistry and/or physics. 

The Bachelor of Science in Biopharmaceutical Sciences is conferred by the USC School of Pharmacy.

Chemistry


Select two courses from either the general chemistry or the advanced general chemistry series.

Biopharmaceutical Sciences (BPSI) and Pharmaceutical and Regulatory Science (RXRS) Unit Requirement


Students must complete a minimum of 36 units of BPSI or RXRS coursework, including one 4-unit lower-division RXRS course and a minimum of 32 units of upper-division (300 level and above) BPSI or RXRS coursework. A maximum of 4 units can be met by taking Directed Research (BPSI 490).

Pharmaceutical and Regulatory Science (RXRS) Requirement (Part 1)


One course.

Biopharmaceutical Sciences (BPSI) Requirement (Part 2)


One course.

Biopharmaceutical Sciences (BPSI) and Pharmaceutical and Regulatory Science (RXRS) Requirement (Part 5)


Select a minimum of two courses totaling a minimum of 8 units. Can be a combination of BPSI and RXRS coursework.

Biological Sciences (BISC) Requirement


Select two courses.

Undergraduate Honors Program (optional)


The undergraduate honors in Biopharmaceutical Sciences is awarded through successful completion of the senior capstone project. The project is a demonstration of knowledge in the student’s chosen area of interest which results in a product/project, research data, research paper, or portfolio of work, and a presentation. This experience encourages students to use a variety of skills in the areas of writing, speaking, research and documentation, which distinguishes them as scholars and future leaders in pharmacy.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs, Minors and Certificates