S2008 Bachelor of Medical Bioscience

The course that develops through two themes, firstly, foundation biomedical sciences and scientific practice and, secondly, human health that culminate in biomedical science practice through an internship. There will also be some elective study. 

Part A. Core foundation studies

These studies provide a comprehensive scientific foundation for a career in biomedical science, with a particular emphasis on medical and molecular diagnostics, as well as medical biotechnology. You will develop a strong knowledge base in biology, genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, and chemistry, alongside practical skills in diagnostic techniques, laboratory practices, and scientific communication. Through an exploration of scientific discovery throughout history, you will also gain the ability to critically assess the validity of scientific information and understand the core elements of modern science.

A central focus of the program is the development of practical skills and their professional application in laboratory and workplace settings. You will engage deeply with scientific principles and concepts across disciplines relevant to biomedical science, including human physiology, immunology, cellular metabolism and biochemistry, medical microbiology, pathology, haematology, pharmacology, and toxicology. These studies also examine the functional immune system of multicellular organisms and the disease states that arise from pathogen infection and autoimmune conditions.

Additionally, you will learn how the human body’s systems interact to perform complex physiological functions, equipping you with a holistic understanding of human biology and its biomedical applications.

Part B. Professional practice

These studies give you the opportunity to integrate the various strands of your learning in a real workplace by completing a minimum of eight weeks of work-based training in hospitals and medical research centres.

Part C. Elective studies

This studies will enable you to further your knowledge through the choice of units from any faculty, including units offered for other science courses.

Course progression map

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

The course comprises 144 points of which 120 points comprise biomedical science studies and 24 points are electives studies. It is structured in three parts: Part A. Core foundation studies (114 points), Part B. Professional practice (6 points) and Part C. Elective studies (24 points). 

Elective units may be at any level, however, no more than 10 units (60 points) may be completed at level 1.

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Core foundation studies (114 points)

You must complete the following units:

• BIO1011 Blueprints for life
• BIO1022 Life on earth
• BTH2741 Biochemistry and metabolism of biomolecules
• BTH2752 Cellular metabolomics of macronutrients
• BTH2830 Fundamentals of microbiology
• BTH3722 Medical microbiology
• CHM1051 Chemistry 1 advanced
• CHM1052 Chemistry 2 advanced
• GEN2041 Foundations of genetics
• GEN3051 Medical and forensic genetics
• IMM3802 Essentials of applied immunology
• MBS2820 General pathology
• MBS3020 Haematology and blood transfusion science
• PHA3800 Fundamentals of toxicology
• PHA3801 Principles of pharmacology
• PHY2810 Physiology of human body systems
• SCI1000 Science communication to influence change
• SCI1020 Introduction to statistical reasoning
• SCI2716 Laboratory safety and management

Part B. Professional practice (6 points)

You must complete the following unit:

• MBS3800 Medical bioscience internship

Part C. Elective studies (24 points)

Select electives that will enable you to further develop your knowledge of medical bioscience or select units from across the University, provided you are eligible to enrol in them.

Elective units may be at any level, however, no more than 10 units (60 points) may be completed at level 1.