One of the major areas of inquiry in biomedical science is in the study of infectious diseases and their biological triggers. Once a cause of a disease is known, research into what can prevent or lessen its effects can potentially help save many lives.

There are several institutions for higher learning located throughout Puerto Rico, with The University of Puerto Rico being the oldest and largest. As a territory of the United States, citizens may have access to additional opportunities for education.

A Master of Science is a graduate degree that can be obtained by students who have first completed a bachelor’s program in a similar field. An MSc typically takes about two years of full-time study to earn.

Part-time learning allows one to obtain a degree or qualification even if one cannot attend school on a full-time basis. One can learn at one's own pace, gradually accumulating credits that count towards a final qualification.