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Requisite map

Overview

Are you interested in the science underlying human health and disease?

Our Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to tackle today’s critical issues in healthcare and research. You will join a world-leading biomedical research hub, the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and be taught and inspired by biomedical researchers and award-winning educators.

Where can a biomedical science degree take you?

The content knowledge and skills developed in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree will support you for careers in the health professions or biomedical research and industry (e.g. pharmaceuticals, medical devices, clinical trials). Many of our graduates have pursued careers in health professions (medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, optometry, speech pathology). The Monash postgraduate Doctor of Medicine program reserves 70% of places for Monash Biomedical graduates. Graduates also work in the research or industry sectors. Double degree graduates often work in areas aligned with their other degree, such as engineering, law or business.

What will you study?

You will learn about the human body in health and disease in core biomedical subjects that are unique to biomedical students. These subjects cover the structure, function and chemical processes of the body (Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry), how microorganisms cause disease (Microbiology), how the body defends itself against infection (Immunology), chemical agents that can be used to treat disease (Pharmacology) and the incidence, distribution, and control of diseases (Public health and epidemiology). You’ll learn inside state-of-art laboratories, through workshops and labs that enhance student learning, develop students’ research and employability skills, and support a sense of belonging to the cohort. A Professional Development Program is embedded into the core subjects, to support your career development during the degree.

Electives to follow your interest or career goals

Our Bachelor of Biomedical Science gives you the flexibility to tailor your studies to fit your interests. Use your eight electives to gain more detailed knowledge in a biomedical science area or broaden your knowledge by studying units from across the University. You could pick up a language, gain business skills or explore global issues and cultures. You could also use your electives to support your career intentions by completing an industry placement, biomedical research project or health unit.

Course structure

Rules

To remain in the scholars program, you must maintain at least a distinction average (70%) across 48 credit points in each calendar year.

Part A. Biomedical science studies96 credit points

You must complete the following units.

Note: Moodle module 'Allies in Indigenous health' to be undertaken concurrently with BMS3031.

Part B. Free elective study48 credit points

You must complete 48 credit points of free elective study.

Elective units can be chosen from across the Faculty and used to deepen your knowledge of the biomedical sciences. This includes those with the prefixes BCH, BME, DEV, GEN, HUP, IMM, MIC, MIS, NUT, PHA and PHY (please note that some of these are prohibited with core BMS units).

Elective units may also be used to sample disciplines from across the University provided you have met the required prerequisites and there are no restrictions on enrolment into the units. The faculties of Arts, Business and Economics, Engineering, Information Technology and Science offer units particularly suitable as electives.
Electives may be from any level, however, no more than four electives (24 credit points) are to be completed from level 1 and at least two electives (12 credit points) must be completed at Level 3.

Your free electives may be used to study a major (48 credit points) or minor (24 credit points) in a non-biomedical science discipline. This is an optional component of the degree. You cannot do a major or minor in the areas of Biochemistry, Anatomy and developmental biology, Genetics and genomics, Human pathology, Immunology, Microbiology, Pharmacology or Physiology, but you may do individual units from these areas.

Scholars program

6 credit points

If you are in the scholars program you are required to include at least one of the following units in your choice of electives

The handbook's description of this structure

The Monash University Bachelor of Biomedical Science, and associated double degrees, provide an interdisciplinary approach to the study of biomedical science. Through completion of the core biomedical/BMS units you will learn about the foundations of biomedical sciences, the body in health and disease, and the role of biomedical sciences in society. Scientific, academic and professional skill development is integrated across the course to prepare you for the workplace or further study. You will be building a foundation for a career in the biomedical and health sciences, with your training beginning on day one with our exceptional learning opportunities and education delivery from leading experts in their field.

Foundations of Biomedical Sciences

You will gain an understanding of core scientific concepts which underpin biomedical science disciplines; including chemistry, biology and physics.

Biomedicine of health and disease

Understanding the structure and function of cells, tissues, organ systems and the body in health and disease across the lifespan is a cornerstone of biomedical science. Through your degree you will learn about these concepts through the contexts of biomedical disciplines such as anatomy, biochemistry, bioinformatics, developmental biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, neuroscience, pharmacology and physiology.

Biomedicine and society

Across your degree you will learn about the impact of biomedical science in society and how it shapes our community. This includes how biomedical research breakthroughs are translated to clinical application and their impact on health policy, the broader societal contexts of health and disease through study of epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, evidenced-based medicine, health care systems and global health challenges.

Research methods and techniques

Interwoven through the core units of this course, you will learn about research methods and participate in highly engaging laboratory practicals in world-class facilities. This includes learning about research design including observational and experimental design, and research and laboratory techniques. Across your degree you will learn how to collect, analyse, interpret and communicate data to targeted audiences. You will also have the opportunity to engage with world-leading researchers and learn about their cutting-edge research.

Personal and professional development

In addition to the scientific knowledge and research skills you will acquire across your degree, you will also have the opportunity to develop employability skills including communication, teamwork and critical thinking; with inclusion and diversity in mind. To further prepare you for the workforce, you will engage in a course-wide professional and personal development program which includes wellbeing, career development, and professionalism.

Elective study

Elective study allows you to supplement the core biomedical science units with additional areas of study you wish to pursue. This will enable you to broaden or deepen your knowledge of aspects of particular biomedical science disciplines, or to select non-biomedical units from across the University in which you are eligible to enrol.

Course progression map

The course progression maps provide guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study:

The course comprises 144 points structured in two parts: Part A. Biomedical science studies (96 points) and Part B. Free elective study (48 points).

To remain in the scholars program, students must maintain at least a distinction average (70%) across 48 points in each calendar year.

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Biomedical science studies (96 points)

You must complete:

BMS1011 Biomedical chemistry
BMS1021 Cells, tissues and organisms
BMS1031 Medical biophysics
BMS1042 Public health and preventive medicine
BMS1052 Human neurobiology
BMS1062 Molecular biology
BMS2011 Human anatomy
BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology
BMS2031 Human physiology
BMS2042 Human genetics
BMS2052 Microbes in health and disease
BMS2062 Introduction to bioinformatics
BMS3031 Molecular mechanisms of disease* (12 points)
BMS3052 Biomedical basis and epidemiology of human disease (12 points)

*Note: Moodle module 'Allies in Indigenous health' to be undertaken concurrently with BMS3031.

Part B. Free elective study (48 points)

Within the Bachelor of Biomedical Science you must complete 48 credit points (8 units) of free electives. Elective units can be chosen from across the Faculty and used to deepen your knowledge of the biomedical sciences. This includes those with the prefixes BCH, BME, DEV, GEN, HUP, IMM, MIC, MIS, NUT, PHA and PHY (please note that some of these are prohibited with core BMS units).

Elective units may also be used to sample disciplines from across the University provided you have met the required prerequisites and there are no restrictions on enrolment into the units. The faculties of Arts, Business and Economics, Engineering, Information Technology and Science offer units particularly suitable as electives.

Free electives can also be identified using the browse units tool and indexes of units in the current edition of the Handbook. The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code; undergraduate units are those that commence with the numbers 1-3. You may need permission from the owning faculty to enrol in some units taught by other faculties.

Electives may be from any level, however, no more than four electives (24 credit points) are to be completed from level 1 and at least two electives (12 credit points) must be completed at Level 3.

If you are in a double degree course, some units required for the partner degree are credited as electives towards the biomedical science degree.

Majors and Minors

Your free electives may be used to study a major (48 points) or minor (24 points) in a non-biomedical science discipline. This is an optional component of the degree. You cannot do a major or minor in the areas of Biochemistry, Anatomy and developmental biology, Genetics and genomics, Human pathology, Immunology, Microbiology, Pharmacology or Physiology, but you may do individual units from these areas.

Scholars program

Students in the scholars program are required to include at least one of the following units in your choice of electives:

BCH3990 Action in biochemistry research project
BMS3990 Action in biomedical science minor research project
DEV3990 Action in anatomy and developmental biology research project
HUP3990 Human pathology in action research project
IMM3990 Immunology in action research project
MIC3990 Action in microbiology research project
PHA3990 Action in pharmacology research project
PHY3990 Action in physiology research project

Learning outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework and Monash Graduate Attributes.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

1
integrate and apply knowledge across the biomedical sciences, from the molecular and cellular levels through to the organ and body systems levels
2
demonstrate and define the relationship between biomedical science and public health and their roles in developing effective solutions to global and local health challenges
3
demonstrate ethical values, critical thinking and creativity in addressing questions relevant to biomedical sciences
4
collect, analyse and interpret biomedical science data meaningfully using experimental and computational approaches
5
demonstrate and apply research skills in biomedical science
6
effectively communicate biomedical science in a variety of formats to diverse audiences
7
work and apply skills independently and collaboratively in ways which value diverse abilities and culturally informed perspectives
8
demonstrate personal, professional and social responsibility; and uphold Indigenous knowledge and peoples

Entry requirements

Guaranteed ATAR and selection rank

85, International: UERT Year 12/Foundation Band 5 (90-92.49); UERT Post-secondary Band 3 (Distinction); Scholars: 90; International: UERT Year 12/Foundation Band 7 (97.5-99.99); UERT Post-secondary Band 4 (High Distinction)

Other applicants

Applicants must have completed the VCE subject prerequisites or equivalent university units.

Applicants who have not completed Year 12 or above: To be considered on your tertiary results alone you must complete at least one semester (equivalent to 24 credit points) of full-time study load (0.5 EFTSL) of a recognised university degree with a minimum average mark required is 70%. These are minimum requirements, admission to this course is competitive and applicants may need to meet a higher requirement to be offered a place.

Applicants who have completed Year 12 or above:
This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations. To be considered on your tertiary results alone you must complete at least one semester (equivalent to 24 credit points) of full-time study load (0.5 EFTSL) of a recognised university degree with a minimum average mark required is 70%. These are minimum requirements, admissions to this course is competitive and applicants may need to meet a higher requirement to be offered a place. For the Scholars program, applicants must have a minimum average of 85% over 48 credit points.

English language

Monash Level B, that is: IELTS (Academic): 6.5 (with individual band scores of Writing: 6.0, Listening: 6.5, Reading: 6.5 and Speaking: 6.0); or Pearson Test of English (Academic): score of 58 overall with minimum scores: Writing 50, Listening 58, Reading 58, Speaking 50; or TOEFL Internet-based test: score of 79 overall with minimum scores: Writing 21, Listening 20, Reading 19, Speaking 18; or Equivalent approved English test

Pathways

Monash Transition Program

More information

Progression to further studies

Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to the one-year honours degree Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) (M3702), Doctor of Physiotherapy (M6032), or the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (M6011 M6019) course at Monash.

Notes for students

You can enrich your degree to hone your academic and professional skills with a range of flagship rich educational experiences. These flagship rich educational experience units may be credited utilising your free electives, or alternatively in place of your discipline specific electives (up to 6 credit points) if approved by the faculty. There are both 6 and 12 credit point unit options available. For information please see Flagship Rich Educational Experiences.

Other information

Are you interested in the science underlying human health and disease?

Our Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to tackle today’s critical issues in healthcare and research. You will join a world-leading biomedical research hub, the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and be taught and inspired by biomedical researchers and award-winning educators.

Where can a biomedical science degree take you?

The content knowledge and skills developed in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree will support you for careers in the health professions or biomedical research and industry (e.g. pharmaceuticals, medical devices, clinical trials). Many of our graduates have pursued careers in health professions (medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, optometry, speech pathology). The Monash postgraduate Doctor of Medicine program reserves 70% of places for Monash Biomedical graduates. Graduates also work in the research or industry sectors. Double degree graduates often work in areas aligned with their other degree, such as engineering, law or business.

What will you study?

You will learn about the human body in health and disease in core biomedical subjects that are unique to biomedical students. These subjects cover the structure, function and chemical processes of the body (Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry), how microorganisms cause disease (Microbiology), how the body defends itself against infection (Immunology), chemical agents that can be used to treat disease (Pharmacology) and the incidence, distribution, and control of diseases (Public health and epidemiology). You’ll learn inside state-of-art laboratories, through workshops and labs that enhance student learning, develop students’ research and employability skills, and support a sense of belonging to the cohort. A Professional Development Program is embedded into the core subjects, to support your career development during the degree.

Electives to follow your interest or career goals

Our Bachelor of Biomedical Science gives you the flexibility to tailor your studies to fit your interests. Use your eight electives to gain more detailed knowledge in a biomedical science area or broaden your knowledge by studying units from across the University. You could pick up a language, gain business skills or explore global issues and cultures. You could also use your electives to support your career intentions by completing an industry placement, biomedical research project or health unit.

Contacts

Academic Coordinator: Professor Julia Choate

Common questions

How long is Bachelor of Biomedical Science?

3 years full time, 144 credit points. At 24 credit points a semester, that is 6 semesters of full-time study.

What ATAR do I need for Bachelor of Biomedical Science?

The guaranteed ATAR listed for 2025 entry is 85, International: UERT Year 12/Foundation Band 5 (90-92.49).

Where can I study Bachelor of Biomedical Science?

At Clayton.

How do I plan my Bachelor of Biomedical Science units?

Open the course in the MonMap planner. It lays out your semesters, checks prerequisites as you drag units in, and tracks the credit points each requirement still needs.

Course details

Qualification: Bachelor Degree
AQF level: Level 7
Credit points: 144
Full time: 3 Years
Part time: 6 Years
Maximum time: 8 years

Faculty: Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
CRICOS code: 028805K
Abbreviation: BBiomedSc
Award titles: Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Scholars Program)Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Handbook years: 2020 2021 2022 2023 202420252026 2027