2023-2024 University Catalog & Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
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Program Options
With an expanded mission that includes greater emphasis on research and discovery, KCU established the College of Biosciences (COB) in 2004. The college granted its first diplomas to graduates of the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program in 2006.
Students interested in pursuing the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences can enroll in either a non-research or research track program.
The non-research track includes core coursework in biochemistry, epidemiology, physiology, molecular biology, immunology, and anatomy, as well as elective coursework such as genetics, histology, bioinformatics, and embryology. It places emphasis on the acquisition and application of knowledge regarding human health and disease and prepares students for doctoral programs in the health care professions (e.g., DO, MD, DDS, DMD, DVM, PharmD, DPT, OD and PhD).
The research track is designed for individuals interested in pursuing careers in research or enrolling in doctoral programs in the health-related fields, including medicine.
Mission Statement
Through intellectual development and scholarly training, the College of Biosciences prepares graduate students for careers in teaching, research and/or service in the life sciences and health care fields.
Vision
The College of Biosciences will be recognized for educating graduate students from diverse backgrounds to become innovators who think critically and are prepared for health and research professions.
Graduates from the degree programs may pursue one or more of the following:
- Enrolling in graduate and doctoral programs in health care
- Enrolling in doctoral programs in biomedical and life sciences.
- Participating in clinical, epidemiological, basic science and public health research.
- Pursuing health care policy, leadership and clinical employment opportunities.
- Pursuing careers in lab science or biotechnology.
College of Biosciences Honor Code
Upon matriculation at Kansas City University, I have become a member of the medical and biosciences community. I understand that I will be expected to maintain and promote the ethical standards that my profession embodies.
I will enter into a relationship of mutual respect with my teachers and my colleagues to enhance the learning environment and gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes of an exemplary member of the biomedical profession. I will adhere to the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and personal conduct at all times off and on campus. I will recognize my strengths and my weaknesses and strive to develop those qualities that will earn the respect of my peers, my colleagues, my family and myself.
Tuition & Fees
Please see the 2023-2024 COB Tuition & Fees section for information on tuition and fees.
Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Consideration
Federal regulations require schools to monitor the academic progress of Title IV financial aid recipients. KCU must certify that students are making satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward the completion of their KCU degree. KCU follows the regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Education that students are meeting the three required measurements to determine SAP: qualitative (GPA), quantitative (pace progression) and time frame. The policy applies to students who are receiving federal aid, however these standards are cumulative so this includes all periods of the student’s enrollment, which may include times when the student did not receive federal aid. The academic standards set forth by the academic program may vary from the financial aid policy for academic progress. Review the full BIOS SAP policy here:
Biomedical Sciences Academic Policies
Academic Advising
The academic advising program promotes student learning, development, and personal growth to encourage self-sufficiency. Biosciences students are assigned to a faculty advisor. Advising placements are made by the assistant vice provost for Student Services and the director of Advising & Learning Enhancement. Students participating in the BIOS-Research program are each assigned an advisor by the dean of COB.
Academic Load
| Fall/Spring Semester Academic Load |
Number of Credits |
| Full-time |
9 or more semester credits |
| Half-time |
6-8.5 semester credits |
| Part-time |
Less than 6 semester credits (not aid eligible) |
| Summer Semester Academic Load |
Number of Credits |
| Full-time |
6 or more semester credits |
| Half-time |
3-5.5 semester credits |
| Part-time |
Less than 3 semester credits (not aid eligible) |
Academic Standing
Students are considered to be in good academic standing when they meet the minimum criteria for continued enrollment. Refer to the Eligibility for Continued Enrollment section of this catalog for additional details.
Academic Probation
Academic probation is an official status from the University, stating that the student is under the most sensitive academic monitoring and improvement plan for the period of time they are on probation, which becomes a part of the student’s academic record. This status is typically applied when one of more or the following occur:
- One or more course failures.
- Student’s cumulative KCU GPA is below 2.5.
Students placed on academic probation will have their status monitored by a University faculty or staff member. In addition, students on probation must attend all classes. Academic probation may also include the suspension of the student’s normal rights to participate in extracurricular, co-curricular and other nonacademic activities, including, but not limited to, the student not being allowed to hold a leadership position in a student organization. Academic probation may also result in suspension or termination of the student’s employment with the University.
Typically, students who are placed on academic probation may not fail any course. The typical length of the academic probation is one year, unless otherwise specified, from the time the student is formally notified of being placed on this status.
Academic probation status is not tied to a student’s SAP as defined by Title IV. It is wholly separate and unrelated to SAP.
Academic Warning
Academic warning is a state of warning from KCU to the student indicating that the University is concerned about the student’s academic performance. This status is typically applied when one or more of the following occur:
- Multiple course exam failures.
- Current cumulative KCU GPA below 3.0.
- Behavioral cues by the student which may indicate academic or personal distress.
Students placed on academic warning may be required to take actions deemed necessary to help improve academic performance. These actions may include, but are not limited to: regular meetings with Learning Enhancement staff, sessions with KCU psychologists, required course attendance, meetings with tutors and/or faculty members, temporary loss of student leadership privileges, and providing frequent status updates to key faculty/administrators.
Academic warning is not tied to a student’s SAP as defined by Title IV. It is wholly separate and unrelated to SAP.
Registration
The Biomedical Sciences academic calendar is divided into fall and spring semesters with a summer semester for Research Track students only. Unlike traditional undergraduate and graduate institutions where students individually register for courses, KCU engages in block registration for each student cohort. The student’s respective department sends enrollment information to the Office of the Registrar every term. Students are responsible for reviewing their enrollment in Workday prior to each semester to ensure they are enrolled correctly.
The last day to add a class is six business days after the published first day of classes in the Academic Calendar. The first day of classes varies by program.
COB students are required to report on the orientation or registration date as specified in the Academic Calendar .
All outstanding financial obligations to the University must be cleared in order for a student to register. Students who are not in University compliance may not attend classes.
Course Drops & Withdrawals
Students who wish to drop or withdraw from a single or multiple courses, but not withdraw completely from the University, must adhere to the following procedures.
Students wishing to drop a course, must initiate the drop process on or before the sixth business day of the term in which they’re enrolled. For intersession courses, the deadline to drop the courses is prior to the first class meeting. Students who wish to drop a course must officially communicate their request to their department and/or, and complete their request via Workday for the Office of the Registrar within the prescribed time requirements. A student who drops a course within the prescribed time requirements will have no record of the course on their transcript.
Students may withdraw from certain courses with the permission of the dean of COB after the drop deadline and up to the withdrawal date. The withdrawal date for fall is the Friday before Thanksgiving. The withdrawal date for spring is the last Friday in April. Course withdrawals are recorded as a W on the student’s academic transcript. Students may not withdraw from a course with a W after the withdrawal date. Students who withdraw from courses after the withdrawal date will receive a failing grade. Students are not eligible to withdraw from a course after the course has ended.
Course withdrawal may have financial aid implications. Students are advised to talk with Financial Aid prior to withdrawing from a course.
Exceptions to this policy may be granted based on extenuating circumstances only. Appeals to the withdrawal deadline are only granted following submission of a written petition, with the concurrence of the course director and the approval of the dean of COB.
Attendance Policy
Attendance at all KCU classes is required. As professionals, students are expected to adhere to this attendance policy with diligence. Requests for excused absences must be filed at least 10 days prior to the anticipated absence. Excused absences may be granted at the discretion of the dean of COB. Unanticipated absences will only be considered for extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control. The dean of COB may determine that absences not following the request process described above that have no supporting documentation are unexcused.
Excused Absences, Makeup Examinations, Quizzes & Events
It is the student’s responsibility to complete the Excused Absence Form on the COB Canvas course, and then submit the form with supporting documentation to the dean of COB. Students are responsible to schedule makeup examinations or quizzes with the Office of Assessment within two days of returning to campus.
The following policy outlines the criteria for excused absences, makeup examinations and quizzes:
- Civic Responsibilities: Students who are required to be physically present at citizenship hearings, court hearings or jury duty on the date of an examination, quiz and/or required presentation will be granted an excused absence and allowed to take a makeup examination. Students should contact the dean of COB with supporting documentation to discuss such circumstances prior to the occurrence.
- Academic Conflict: Students may request an excused absence for academic-related conferences or activities. Only students in good academic standing will be considered.
- Death in the Family: Any student applying for an excused absence or to take a makeup exam or quiz due to a death in their family must provide a copy of the death certificate or obituary program. Consideration will be given for deaths of spouse, life partner, parents, siblings, children, in-laws or grandparents.
- Religious Holiday: Students may request an excused absence for a holiday of their faith. Such holidays should be considered a significant observance recognized by a majority of the faith.
- Illness: Any student who misses an exam, quiz, presentation or event due to illness must be seen by a health care provider on the day of the illness in order to have such illness documented. If an illness is the reason for the absence, the student should provide documentation (if applicable) from a physician noting the date, time, diagnosis and any other details pertinent to the absence.
- Other: Additional extenuating circumstances, not covered by these guidelines, may be brought to the dean of COB for consideration. However, excused absences should not be requested for weddings, vacations, birthdays, non-family special events, etc.
As professionals, students are expected to adhere to the KCU attendance and absenteeism policy with diligence. Any student requesting excessive numbers of excused absences, makeup examinations, quizzes, labs or presentations may be referred to the dean of COB, who may determine that the situation should be elevated to the BIOS-SPC or other KCU administrator.
Disciplinary Situations
In cases where the administrative officers deem it necessary, a disciplinary situation may be referred to the BIOS-SPC. For additional information on student conduct policies, disciplinary actions and appeal processes, please refer to the Student Conduct section.
Grades & Grading Policies
Grades and Quality Points - MS in Biomedical Sciences
| Final Grade |
% Range |
Quality Points |
| A |
90-100% |
4.0 |
| B |
80-89% |
3.0 |
| C |
70-79% |
2.0 |
| F |
<70% |
0.0/Fail |
| H |
- |
Honors |
| P |
- |
Pass |
| I |
- |
Incomplete |
| W |
- |
Withdrawal |
| AW |
- |
Administrative Withdrawal |
| AD |
- |
Administrative Drop |
Testing/Grading
Students will receive a letter grade for each course except those designated Pass/Fail. Points may be assigned for examinations, quizzes, lab exercises, assignments, presentations, and other learning activities.
The course director will assign a letter grade of A, B, C or F, based on the grading scale.
The registrar will calculate an overall GPA each semester. This information will then be reported to students via Workday.
Examinations
Examinations are regularly scheduled and required. Students are evaluated on the basis of their performance on assignments and/or achievements on examinations. The results of examinations and reports concerning attendance, conduct and potential professional attributes are considered by BIOS-SPC in the process of determining eligibility for promotion and graduation.
Testing Policy
Students who are authorized for special accommodations will report to the Office of Testing Services. Accommodation conditions, as appropriate, may include alteration of length of exam time, testing location (room number) or other accommodations. Students in need of special accommodations should complete the Student Request for Accommodation Form, which is available on the Student Disability Services & Resources page on myKCU.
All quizzes and exams will start and end on time. All examinations will begin promptly at the published/announced start time. Exams will automatically lock out at the end of the allocated exam time period.
At the end of the examination time frame, all students are required to end their exam and submit the results via the ExamSoft portal.
A student with an unexcused absence will not be permitted to re-take a makeup exam through Assessment and will receive a grade of zero (0) without the possibility of a make-up exam.
Additional details on this subject can be found in the Attendance Policy.
While taking exams students should have in their possession only items that are necessary for the exam. All purses, backpacks, iPods, hats, sunglasses, unnecessary clothing items, pagers, headphones, CD players, calculators, smart watches, etc., need to be left outside of the room. Cell phones must be turned off and placed outside the testing area. Recording or communication devices of any type are not allowed at any time in the testing environment. Academic integrity, honesty, and personal conduct guidelines will be strictly enforced.
Any student found in possession of any type of electronic device capable of accessing the internet in any testing environment (iPad used for testing is the sole exception) will be awarded an automatic failure of the exam in question. KCU is unable to ascertain intent behind possession of any electronic device in a testing situation, and any student found in possession will be considered academically dishonest. Students will be referred to KCU administration for breach of professional conduct.
Course Remediation Exam
Students are be eligible to complete a course remediation exam for one lecture-based course each semester. In order to qualify, students must:
- Have received a C or F grade for the course.
- Request permission from the Office of the Dean of Biosciences by sending an email to the Dean of the College of Biosciences and the administrative assistant within 1 business day of third exam grades being posted. When requesting permission for remediation, students should indicate which course they would prefer to remediate.
Remediation consists of students successfully completing a cumulative assessment on the course material. This exam will occur within 2 weeks of the final exam of the semester. The grade from remediation will replace the original grade for the purposes of calculating cumulative GPA and for meeting graduation requirements, however both grades will remain on the students’ transcript.
Grading:
The letter grade from the remediation assessment will replace the letter grade for that course as follows:
- Remediation exam score < 70%: F
- Remediation Exam Score 70-79%: C
- Remediation Exam Score 80-89%: B
- Remediation Exam Score 90-100%: A
For courses using the H/P/F grading scheme, achieving a Remediation Exam Score ≥70% will result in a grade of P, a Remediation Exam Score ≥90% will result in a grade of H.
Incomplete Grades
A course director or dean of the College of Biosciences may assign a grade of I if he/she believes that a student has been unable to complete the course/section on time because of extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control. An Incomplete Grade Contract must be completed by the course director, and should clearly detail the requirements for completion of the course/section. The grade contract form is available on the Registrar page of the intranet.
In the event an I grade is being assigned, the dean of COB must be notified before the contract is presented to the student. The COB will email the Incomplete Grade Contract form to the student. The student will have three business days to decline the incomplete grade and receive the current earned grade with all missing assignments calculated as a zero. The student’s signature is not required for the incomplete grade contract to be valid.
Any student receiving a grade of I must coordinate with the course director to satisfy all outstanding coursework for the course/section. Once outstanding requirements for the course are satisfied, the course director will process a change of grade form converting the I to a letter grade. The grade change must be submitted prior to the first day of classes of the next academic year. Once this deadline has passed, the I becomes an F.
Should a student decide to withdraw from the University or if he/she is otherwise separated from the University prior to completing coursework for an incomplete grade, the grade will be updated to reflect a failure (F).
A degree cannot be awarded to a student with an Incomplete grade on his/her record.
Grade Changes/Corrections
Grades may be changed or corrected by the course director, upon certification in writing that an error occurred in computing or recording the grade, or a section or course has been successfully remediated.The change of grade must be documented on a grade change form, approved by the dean of COB, and submitted to the Office of the Registrar for processing.
Grade Appeals
The assessment of the quality of the student’s academic performance is one of the major responsibilities of University faculty members and is solely and properly their responsibility. A grade appeal is not appropriate when a student simply disagrees with the faculty member’s judgment about the quality of the student’s work.
Appeals must be in written form and submitted to the course director within five business days of the grade being posted. The student can appeal the course director’s decision to the dean of COB.
Grade appeals should only be made when a student contends that the final course grade assigned by the course director is arbitrary or capricious. It is not to be used to challenge grades on individual assignments. Some examples of the basis for a legitimate appeal could include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The student has been assigned a grade on the basis of something other than his/her performance in the course, or the student’s grade was not calculated in accordance with the stated policy in the syllabus, on Canvas, or as provided prior to the assignment.
- Standards utilized in the determination of the student’s grade are more exacting or demanding than those applied to other students in the course.
- The grade is based upon standards that are significant, unannounced, and unreasonable departures from those articulated in the course description distributed at the beginning of the course.
- Significant and unwarranted deviation from grading procedures and course syllabi set at the beginning of the course or a grade assigned arbitrarily and capriciously on the basis of whim or impulse.
- There is an error in the computation of the grade that was not corrected.
- The student, through no fault of his/her own, was not provided with the same opportunity to complete the requirements for the course in terms, for example, of time, access to materials, or access to the course director as the other students.
Student Standing
The Registrar will calculate an overall GPA for BIOS students for each semester in the program.
Course Repeat Policy
There is no automatic/guaranteed remediation for students who fail a course or do not satisfy the GPA requirement for satisfactory completion of the program (3.0 cumulative GPA). Failure of any course(s) at KCU may be grounds for dismissal from the program. Students who are at risk of failure will be required to appear before BIOS-SPC. The BIOS-SPC will make an appropriate recommendation to the administration, including whether repeating the course is recommended. The administration will consider the BIOS-SPC recommendation and make a final decision. The student will then be notified as to whether or not he/she has been granted the opportunity to repeat the course. More information regarding the BIOS-SPC process is available in that section of the catalog. Students may only repeat a course once. The opportunity to repeat is not available if the course is subsequently inactivated.
All course enrollments and earned grades will remain on the student’s academic transcript. If a student repeats a course in the BIOS program, the most recent grade earned is used in the calculation of the student’s GPA.
Academic Assessment, Status & Promotion
Eligibility for Continued Enrollment
The dean of COB, in partnership with course directors, evaluates graduate level student performance at the end of each semester to determine if the student has fulfilled all academic requirements for promotion into the next semester. The BIOS-SPC reviews student eligibility for continuation and/or graduation at the conclusion of each academic year. BIOS-SPC reviews student records to determine if the student has fulfilled all academic requirements, has maintained the standards of ethical, moral, personal, and professional conduct, and is considered mentally and emotionally fit. Preceding commencement, the BIOS-SPC certifies to the dean of COB the names of those students eligible to graduate, by degree level and program. The dean of COB provides that list to the faculty senate for review, which is then provided to the Board of Trustees for final approval.
The University, by recommendation of BIOS-SPC and/or the action of the administrative officers, reserves the right to place on conditional or stipulated status, suspend or dismiss a student who has failed to:
- Pass all courses. A failure in any BIOS course results in a review of the student’s academic progress.
- Complete all graded courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher after the first semester for the non-research track program and 2.5 or higher after each of the first two semesters for the research program, and 3.0 or higher after completion of all graded coursework (all programs).
- Maintain acceptable standards of academic performance.
- Maintain acceptable ethical, moral, personal or professional conduct.
- Abide by the University’s policies, rules and regulations.
- Fulfill legal or financial obligations to the University.
- Show professional promise, including mental and emotional fitness in the biomedical sciences.
Academic Program Length Restrictions
All master’s degree students must graduate within three years of the date of matriculation. The dean of COB must approve exceptions to this policy on an individual basis, taking into account extenuating circumstances only.
Dismissal from the College of Biosciences
A student may be dismissed from the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program for any of the following reasons:
- Failing more than one course.
- Having a GPA less than 2.5 after fall semester in the non-research track, or less than 2.5 after the first two semesters in the research track program.
- Having a cumulative GPA less than 3.0 after two or more semesters in the non-research track program or after three or more semesters in the research track program.
- Unsatisfactory performance on comprehensive examination.
- Not maintaining the standards of ethical, moral, personal and professional conduct required of KCU students.
- Not completing all required coursework within three years of matriculation date.
Graduation Requirements & Commencement
MS in Biomedical Sciences
A student who has fulfilled all the academic requirements of their program may be granted a degree from KCU-COB provided the student:
- Has been in residence at KCU-COB for at least one year and has achieved a GPA of 3.0 or greater and passed all courses.
- Has completed all curricular requirements within the prescribed program length.
- Has complied with all legal and financial requirements of the University.
- Has demonstrated the ethical, personal, and professional qualities deemed necessary for the pursuit of a successful career in the biomedical sciences.
- Attends, in person, the ceremony at which time the degree is conferred, unless excused by the dean of COB for extenuating circumstances.
Entrance and completion of a degree from the KCU-COB does not guarantee further career opportunities up to and including entrance into the KCU College of Medicine or any other medical or professional school.
Latin Honors
The criteria for graduating from COB with Latin honors are as follows:
- Summa cum laude: 4.0 GPA.
- Magna cum laude: 3.9-3.99 GPA.
- Cum laude: 3.8-3.89 GPA.
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