Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology)
Are you a problem solver who wants to work at the forefront of healthcare to positively impact the world through the investigation and diagnosis of diseases, that will enable improvements in health outcomes and quality of life? UniSC’s new Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology) program can prepare you to become a medical scientist investigating existing health conditions and researching new breakthroughs.
The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology) program focusses on preparing graduates to enter the profession of medical laboratory science, so they are equipped with the education and professional standards (knowledge, competencies, skills and attributes) for safe, ethical and effective contemporary professional practice.
Students will develop the analytical, technical and cognitive abilities that allow them to respond to the changing demands of medical laboratory science, whose key disciplines include Anatomical Pathology, Chemical Pathology, Genomic Pathology, Haematology, Immunopathology, Medical Microbiology and Transfusion Science. Students will graduate with the skills for, and commitment to, continuous improvement and lifelong learning. They will understand how to strengthen their competence and advancement of knowledge through professional development and research. The program has been developed according to the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) Accreditation Standards and Procedures for Bachelor Degree, and is seeking AIMS accreditation.
Students undertaking UB001 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology) program may be eligible to be awarded SC211 Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science as an integrated qualification during the study of their full degree.
In this program you will:
- Conduct laboratory investigations on a range of human samples
- Develop technical skills in anatomical pathology, chemical pathology, haematology, genomic pathology, medical microbiology and transfusion science
- Undertake industry placements
- Receive training by experienced medical laboratory scientists to handle human specimens, use a range of scientific instruments and work safely in an accredited laboratory environment
Location
Entry threshold
ATAR/RankDuration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
CSPQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
First year only offered at this location.
Program to be rolled out. 1st year 2024, 2nd year 2025, 3rd year 2026, 4th year 2027
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 27
- Total units
- 336
- Duration
- 3.5 years 3.5 years
- UniSC program code
- UB001
- Program coordinator
Introductory courses (9) 108 units
MLS101 Foundations in Medical Science
HLT140 Think Health
SCI105 Introductory Chemistry
MLS100 Haematology
MLS121 Histology
MLS131 Medical Laboratory Placement 1
LFS112 Human Physiology
LFS122 Human Anatomy
LFS100 Cell Biology
Developing courses (8) 96 units
MLS200 Introduction to Clinical Microbiology & Immunology
MLS201 Advanced Haematology
HLT221 Human Pathophysiology
LFS251 Biochemistry
MLS211 Medical Biochemistry
MLS231 Medical Laboratory Placement 2
BIM200 Blood Banking and Transfusion Sciences
BIM202 Medical Genetics
Graduate courses (10) 132 units
MLS300 Clinical Microbiology II #
MLS302 Molecular Diagnostics #
BIM331 Immunology
BIM341 Biochemical Pharmacology
MLS301 Histopathology #
BIM371 Clinical Embryology
MBT353 Microbial Pathogenesis
MLS400 Case-based Laboratory Practice #
MLS401 Laboratory Quality Systems #
MLS402 Medical Laboratory Placement 3 #
This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.
Explore the likely peer cohort in the student profile data
No admissions data available
In UniSC admitted new student{{ studentProfile.model.allStudents > 1 || studentProfile.model.allStudents[0] === '<' ? 's' : '' }} at the {{ studentProfile.getLocationByCode() }} campus
| Applicant background | No. of students | % of all students |
|---|---|---|
Notes
<5 - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than five students.
Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 60.00 |
Additional entry information
Non-standard English language requirements apply.
-
The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology) is designed to meet of the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) Accreditation Standards & Procedures, Bachelor Degree which specifies the following:
2.4.1 Teaching may comprise online, face to face, blended mode or any relevant delivery format but students must undertake face to face practical classes in the Foundation (where relevant) and Professional Units to develop requisite laboratory skills.
2.5.3 A range of appropriate assessment practices that evaluate student performance against stated unit objectives are to be used
2.5.3.1 All final theory assessments in the Professional Medical (Laboratory) Science Units (see 2.3.2) whether these are conducted on-campus or online must be invigilated.
2.5.4 It is a requirement that students pass all final practical assessments in all advanced units noting 2.5.5
2.5.5 Transfusion Science Units/Content
2.5.5.1 It is a requirement that students must undertake appropriate practical classes and attain at least 50% in the theory assessment and at least 80% in final practical assessments to pass the Transfusion Science units or transfusion science content where not a discrete unit.
Therefore, to successfully complete the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology) students
must participate in all on-campus practical classes (2.4.1) in the following courses:
- MLS101 Foundations in Medical Science
- LFS100 Cell Biology
- SCI105 Introductory Chemistry
- LFS112 Human Physiology
- MLS100 Haematology
- LFS122 Human Anatomy
- MLS121 Histology
- LFS251 Biochemistry
- MLS200 Introduction to Clinical Microbiology & Immunology
- HLT221 Human Pathophysiology
- MLS201 Advanced Haematology
- MLS211 Medical Biochemistry
- BIM200 Blood Banking and Transfusion Science
- BIM331 Immunology
- MLS300 Clinical Microbiology II
- MLS302 Molecular Diagnostics
- MLS301 Histopathology
- MLS400 Case Based Laboratory Practice
- MLS401 Laboratory Quality Systems
will undertake invigilated (closed book) final theory assessments (2.5.3.1) in:
- MLS100 Haematology
- MLS121 Histology
- MLS200 Introduction to Clinical Microbiology & Immunology
- HLT221 Human Pathophysiology
- MLS201 Advanced Haematology
- MLS211 Medical Biochemistry
- BIM200 Blood Banking and Transfusion Science
- BIM331 Immunology
- MLS300 Clinical Microbiology II
- MLS302 Molecular Diagnostics
- MLS301 Histopathology
- MLS400 Case Based Laboratory Practice
- MLS401 Laboratory Quality Systems
must pass all final practical assessments in the following all advanced units (2.5.4)
and must attain at least 50% in the theory assessment and at least 80% in the final practical assessment in
- BIM200 Blood Banking and Transfusion Science (2.5.5).
WIL notes
UniSC still strongly recommends that all students undertaking placement are fully vaccinated and provide evidence of this vaccination status to the University.
It is a Queensland Government requirement that students undertaking a placement within a clinical setting are fit tested annually for an approved respirator. Clinical settings include hospitals, residential aged care facilities, residential disability care facilities, prison health services, youth detention health services, community health care settings, and vaccination clinics). If the Fit Testing requirement applies to placement activity within your Program it will appear in your mandatory checks on Sonia Online (our UniSC Work Integrated Learning system). In accordance with Australian Standards, you must be clean shaven for your fit test. Facial hair that lies along the sealing surface of a tight-fitting respirator prevents an effective seal. Therefore, it is a requirement that there is no hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface in order to achieve a fit. At this stage, there is no exemption in Queensland to this requirement for religious or other reasons and UniSC is unable to waive this requirement.
In order to commence industry placement you must:
- Before undertaking industry placement courses, students must provide proof of vaccination against Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Pertussis and Varicella (Chickenpox) etc.
- Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority).
- Hold a valid USC Blue Card for working with children.
- Students must undertake mandatory online orientation courses for the organisations where they will be placed, and will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement regarding patient information.
- Students will be required to complete placement(s) in rural/regional locations. Students will be required to fund the cost for travel, accommodation, fuel etc. associated with placement. USC scholarships and bursaries are available for students to apply to supplement these costs.
- For information about how to complete Post-admission requirements, visit Medical Laboratory Science (Placements) - Mandatory requirements.
- This program includes placements in settings that may require COVID-19 vaccination with limited placement in settings that do not require full vaccination.
Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.
UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.
What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?
The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.
Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.
UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.
Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.
Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.
Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?
IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.
How does this affect you?
To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.
If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.
If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.
Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12
The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12
The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Prior study or work experience
If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
- have a TAFE/VET qualification
- have relevant work experience, or
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.
It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.
Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)
You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.
Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
QTAC code
| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 013232 |
Need advice on what to study or how to apply?
Our Student Central team can help.
Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.