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
Annual tuition fee 2018
A$25,600
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 2023 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) 84 units

COR109
LFS100
LFS112
LFS122
MLS101
SCI105
SCI110

Developing and Graduate courses (11) 132 units

BIM263
BIM331
LFS201
LFS202
LFS251
LFS252
LFS261
LFS303

PLUS select 3 courses (36 units) from the following list, of which 2 courses (24 units) must be 300 coded:

BIM202
BIM203
BIM303
BIM341
BIM371
CHM202
CHM311
LFS262
MBT301
MBT352
MBT353
MBT361
MLS210
MLS211
NUT212
NUT232
PUB361
SCI202
SCI302
SPX201
SPX211
SPX301
SRP301 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
SRP321 (24 units)
WPL310 Working Effectively with Aboriginal People
WPL320 (24 units)

Elective courses (6) 72 units

Select 6 elective courses (72 units) (3 courses (36 units) 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
  • The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
  • It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
  • 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 Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
  • Register your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)
  • Students who have completed the Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science at USC will be eligible to receive 2 years credit transfer (16 courses) towards the Bachelor of Biomedical Science at USC and will only be required to complete an additional 8 courses (24 courses in total). 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.
  • Concurrent study with the Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science is not permitted.