Bachelor of Biomedical Science | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Understand how disease and infection affect the human body

In this program, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how the human body works and what happens when diseases, infections and clinical disorders occur. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills for working in applied biomedical industries and medical research.

Study location
  • Sippy Downs
Refer to the program footnotes
CRICOS code
066285C
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
Program length (full-time)
3 years
Semester tuition fee 2018
A$12,800
Estimated total tuition fee *
A$76,800
Footnotes
  • Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
  • * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
  • Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Study location QTAC code
  • Sunshine Coast 013051
Minimum selection threshold
OP - 16 Rank - 64
UniSC program code
SC355
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
Duration
3 years full time or equivalent part time
Recommended prior study
English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences, preferably Chemistry
Fee type 2018
  • What will I pay?
Total courses
24
Total units
288

In this program, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how the human body works and what happens when diseases, infections and clinical disorders occur. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills for working in applied biomedical industries and medical research.

In your first year of study, you’ll develop generic analytic and communication skills, providing a strong foundation for more specialised studies in biomedical science. You’ll study foundations in medical science, cell biology, chemistry, human physiology and anatomy, science research methods, and communication.

You’ll then develop skills and competencies in areas integral to the biomedical sciences including physiology, pathophysiology, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology and pharmacology.

You can also pursue your interests and hone your career opportunities by studying elective courses in clinical areas such as medical genetics, biochemical pharmacology, biotechnology, medical microbiology, clinical embryology, and clinical trials coordination.

This program gives you the opportunity to link with industry and develop a specific interest in biomedical science by undertaking clinical work placements and special research projects. Placements may be in areas such as hospitals, clinical trial centres, pharmaceutical companies and medical research institutes.

This program provides you with a strong base if you’d like to undertake postgraduate studies in professional areas such as medicine, dentistry, medical imaging and pharmacy.

High-achieving graduates of this program may enrol in a fourth-year research Honours degree, which can lead to postgraduate studies (eg. PhD) and to a career as a medical research scientist.

Post-admission requirements

Before undertaking Work Integrated Learning placement students must obtain a Blue Card (Working with Children Check). Additional requirements that will be required for placement include: QLD Health Orientation package, immunisations (hepatitis B, MMR, DTPA, varicella), and you may be required to obtain a current CPR Certificate.

Career opportunities

Graduates are highly trained for employment in areas such as biomedical research and education; biodiscovery; biotechnology and genetics; cardiac, respiratory and sleep diagnostics; clinical embryology; clinical trial coordination; communicable disease control; drug registration; international health; medical microbiology; medical sales and marketing; pharmaceuticals; and scientific writing and publication.

Membership

Australian Society for Biotechnology; Australian Society for Immunology; Australian Society for Microbiology; Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists.

Program structure

Introductory courses (7)

COR109 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
LFS100 Introduction to Psychology A
LFS112 Introduction to Psychology B
LFS122 Engaging Effectively with Aboriginal People
MLS101 Advanced Social Research
SCI105 Critical Social Theory: Power, Critique and Praxis
SCI110 Engaging effectively with culturally diverse people

Advanced courses (11)

BIM263 Master of Social Work Field Education 1
BIM331 Master of Social Work Field Education 2
LFS201 Collective Critical Practice: Developmental Approaches
LFS202 Ethical Social Work Practice in Complex Contexts
LFS251 Advocacy and Leadership in Social Policy Contexts
LFS252 Critical Practice: Mental Health
LFS261 Children, Youth and Families: Challenges, Critique and Change
LFS303 Social Work in Health and Mental Health

PLUS select 3 courses from the following list, of which 2 courses (24 units) must be 300 coded:

BIM202 Master of Social Work Field Education 1
BIM203 Master of Social Work Field Education 2
BIM303 Design Methods
BIM341 Design in Application
BIM371 Design Futures
CHM202 Visual Communication and Culture
CHM311 Planning and Environmental Law
LFS262 Environmental Impact Assessment
MBT301 Environmental and Resource Economics
MBT352 Environmental Health Risk Management
MBT353 Introduction to Contemporary Global Media and Communication
MBT361 Communication Campaign Planning
MLS210 Writing for Strategic Communication
MLS211 Social Media Communication
NUT212 Industry Project 1: Communication, Creativity and Design
NUT232 Industry Internship 1: Communication, Creativity and Design
PUB361 Global Communication
SCI202 Communication Research
SCI302 Introduction to Contemporary Global Media and Communication
SPX201 Communication Campaign Planning
SPX211 Writing for Strategic Communication
SPX301 Communication Research
SRP301 Communication and Thought
SRP321 (24 units)
WPL310 Cell Biology
WPL320 (24 units)

Elective courses (6)

Select 6 elective courses (3 courses must be at 200 or 300 level) from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.

Total units: 288

Program requirements and notes

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
  • Complete no more than 10 introductory (100 coded) courses
Program notes
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
  • Most courses are valued at 12 units unless otherwise specified
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
  • As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
  • Refer to the 'Planning your study' page to manage your progression
  • You may wish to use electives to complete an additional major or minor
  • Register your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)
  • Students who have completed the Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast will be eligible to receive 2 years credit transfer (16 courses) towards the Bachelor of Biomedical Science at USC. Students will be able to apply by direct application for entry into the Bachelor of Biomedical Science via USC Admissions upon completion of the Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science, or via QTAC if they have a break from studies of more than 24 months. Students commencing this pathway are able to commence in either Semester 1 or Semester 2. However, students commencing in Semester 2 will only be able to be part-time enrolled and it will therefore take longer to complete your Bachelor of Biomedical Science. Please select the relevant Recommended Study Sequence.