Understand how disease, infection and clinical disorders affect the human body.
In this program, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the human body works and what happens when diseases, infections and clinical disorders occur. You will develop the knowledge and skills for working in applied biomedical industries and medical research.
- 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.
- ^First year courses offered at Moreton Bay from Semester 1, 2020.
- ^First year courses offered at Moreton Bay from Semester 1, 2020.
In this program, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the human body works and what happens when diseases, infections and clinical disorders occur. You will develop the knowledge and skills for working in applied biomedical industries and medical research.
In your first year of study, you will develop your analytical and communication skills, providing a strong foundation for more specialised studies in biomedical science. You will study foundations in medical science, cell biology/introduction to bioscience, chemistry, human physiology and anatomy, science research methods, and communication. You will then develop in key areas including physiology, pathophysiology, biochemistry, microbiology, medical genetics, immunology and pharmacology.
You can also pursue your interests and hone your career opportunities by studying elective courses in clinical and research areas such as molecular biology, biochemical pharmacology, biotechnology, medical microbiology, clinical embryology, haematology 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 would like to undertake postgraduate studies in professional areas such as medicine, dentistry, medical imaging and pharmacy.
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; Australian Physiological Society.
Program structure
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
HLT140 Professional Placement
LFS112 Crime Research Methods
LFS122
MLS101 International Justice and Human Rights
SCI105 Social Work Field Education 1 *
SCI110 Transition to Social Work Practice*
PLUS select 1* of
LFS100 Social Research
OR
LFS103 Community Development and Social Action
*If you are intending to complete the Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science (SC211) you MUST enrol in LFS100 Cell Biology
Developing and Graduate courses (9) 108 units
BIM202 Professional Placement
BIM263
BIM331
LFS203 International Justice and Human Rights
LFS251 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
LFS252 Diversity, Crime and Justice
LFS261 Direct Practice 2
LFS303 Critical Social Policy Analysis
PLUS select 1 course from:
WPL310 Social Work Field Education 2
LFS304 Context Responsive Social Work Practice
SRP301 Communication and Thought
BIM371
BIM300
Minor courses (4) 48 units
Select 1 Minor from: +
- Medical Microbiology (available at Sunshine Coast only)
- Medical Biochemistry (available at Sunshine Coast only)
- Biotechnology (available at Moreton Bay & Sunshine Coast)
- Clinical Trial Management (available at Moreton Bay only)
- Haematology + (available at Sunshine Coast only)
+ Students articulating from SC211 Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science to SC355 Bachelor of Biomedical Science MUST SELECT the Haematology minor.
Elective courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 elective courses (48 units) from the undergraduate elective course options.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
- (Sippy Downs) Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Sippy Downs) Semester 2 commencement (July)
- (Sippy Downs) Associate Degree Medical Laboratory Science pathway - Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Sippy Downs) Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science pathway - Semester 2 commencement (July)
- (Moreton Bay) Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Moreton Bay) Semester 2 commencement (July)
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 level (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.
- 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 generally not permitted. However in some special circumstances applications for concurrent study may be considered on a case by case basis for students that have completed at least 144 units (12 courses) of the Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science. Please contact Student Central for application information.