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Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BBioMedSc

  • Course code

    3007312

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

Are you fascinated by how our bodies function, what keeps us healthy and what causes disease? Or maybe why are humans so different, yet also so much the same? The Bachelor of Biomedical Science embraces these questions as you explore the human body all the way to the cellular level.

You'll gain a scientific understanding of the structure and function of the human body and the interrelationships between health and disease. Together with foundational sciences, you will explore the intricacies of human health and examine the pathological basis of disease processes. You will develop skills in problem-solving, analysis and interpretation of medical and laboratory data, as well as practical skills in laboratory methods.

This course is taught in laboratories equipped with cutting edge analytical equipment and provides a solid base in biomedical science, from anatomy, immunology, neuroscience and microbiology to haematology and more. A substantial professional placement builds invaluable on-the-job experience.

Graduate opportunities include roles across scientific and health care environments. Graduates may also qualify for postgraduate degrees such as pharmacy and physiotherapy, or choose to pursue medicine or other careers.

Course Learning Outcome

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of a range of technical and conceptual approaches used in the biomedical sciences.

Exercise critical reasoning and problem solving skills in a biomedical context.

Demonstrate the ability to accurately and critically evaluate scientific work.

Demonstrate innovative responses and solutions to challenges in the biomedical sciences.

Demonstrate the highest standards of ethics in research and in interactions with colleagues and the public.

Demonstrate professional standard knowledge, skills, competencies and attributes in all disciplines of the biomedical sciences appropriate for safe and effective contemporary practice.

Acknowledge responsibility for independent and self-directed learning and reflective practice.

Demonstrate the ability, and acknowledge responsibility, for maintaining and advancing knowledge in the biomedical sciences.

Communicate concisely and appropriately in a biomedical science setting.

Demonstrate the ability to work with efficiency and precision as part of a team of biomedical scientists.

Apply and integrate an understanding of social, Indigenous and cultural diversity and respect for the identity of all people.

The course structure includes 420 hours of professional placement for students to gain workplace experience in health and research facilities, such as pathology labs or research labs.

Professional experience placements require students to fulfil certain pre-requisites prior to attending any placements. Prior to applying for this course, please consider the important information regarding these requirements.

This course enables students to gain knowledge and understanding of human health and the connection between disease processes and scientific laboratory investigations. Core units cover biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, immunology, neuroscience, microbiology, haematology, genetics and research.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Gold Coast Session 1, Session 2, Session 3 N/A N/A

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

An applicant who has completed a Certificate III qualification will not be admitted solely on the basis of this qualification.

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

  • 23 core units (276 credit points); and
  • one elective unit (12 credit points).

Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Health and Human Sciences after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising any 16 core units.

Students may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Health and Human Sciences after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising any 8 core units.

Professional Experience Learning

This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement.   All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access & Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Access & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes
Year 1, Session 1
CHEM1002 Chemistry for Health Sciences
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
N/A
Enrolment information It is recommended that you have basic maths skills prior to enrolling in this unit. Students enrolling online are required to attend a one-day, on-site intensive laboratory session at the Gold Coast campus. Students who are not able to attend this intensive block should not enrol in the online offering of this unit.
HBIO1007 Human Physiology I
Session1,2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1,2
Session1,2
Gold Coast
Session1,2
Session1,2
Lismore
Session1,2
Session1,2
Anti-requisites BIO00307 - Human Physiology
HLTH1001 Introduction to Science for Health Professions
Session1,2,3
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1,3
Session1,3
Online
Session1,2,3
Session2,3
Anti-requisites Cannot be taken if already completed or enrolling in SCIN1001 - Nature of Science.
HBIO1003 -  Systemic Anatomy OR HBIO1001 -  Human Anatomy
Year 1, Session 2
HBIO1008 Human Physiology II
Session2,3
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2,3
Session2,3
Gold Coast
Session2,3
Session2,3
Lismore
Session2,3
Session2,3
Pre-requisites HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I OR Students in the 2125150 - Diploma of Health must have completed HLTH1001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions and have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1005 - Intermediate Anatomy and Physiology
Anti-requisites BIO00307 - Human Physiology
HBIO2006 Histology and Embryology
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites BIO01302 Human Anatomy OR HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy
CHEM2002 Organic Chemistry
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites CHEM1002 - Chemistry for Health Sciences OR CHEM1001 - Chemistry
PHYS1002 Introductory Physics and Maths for Health Sciences
Session2
Location Domestic International
Online
Session2
N/A
Enrolment information Previous studies in HSC Mathematics would be an advantage in this unit.
Year 2, Session 1
BIOL2007 Biochemistry
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites BIO00307 - Human Physiology; OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I AND HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II; AND CHEM2002 - Organic Chemistry
BIOL2003 Neuroscience
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites (HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy OR HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy) AND BIO00307 - Human Physiology OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
HBIO2005 Human Pathophysiology
Session1,3
Location Domestic International
Online
Session1,3
Session1,3
Pre-requisites HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy OR HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy AND BIO00307 - Human Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II
PHAR2001 Introductory Pharmacology
Session3
Location Domestic International
Online
Session3
Session3
Pre-requisites For students in Bachelor of Nursing - Enrolled Nurse Pathway (3007303): Must have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1005 - Intermediate Anatomy and Physiology For all other students: BIO00307 - Human Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
Year 2, Session 2
MICR2001 Microbiology
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites BIOL2007 - Biochemistry
BIOL2002 Molecular Genetics
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites BIOL2007 - Biochemistry AND HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology
MEDC2001 Immunology
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites BIOL2007 - Biochemistry AND HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology
Enrolment information The laboratory activities within this unit require students to fulfil certain vaccination compliance requirements prior to attending laboratory classes. As some vaccination protocols can take up to 5 months to complete, we encourage you to prepare now. Compliance requirements include SCU Vaccination requirements in accordance with state Health policies: NSW Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases; and QLD Health Vaccination Requirements. SCU has incorporated a combined NSW and QLD vaccination procedure as students may need to attend laboratory classes in both states. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
General Elective / Transfusion Science
Year 2, Session 3
STAT2001 Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
Session1,2,3
Note 2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Online
Session1,3
Session1,3
Pre-requisites 36 credit points
Year 3, Session 1
BIOL2005 Bioinformatics
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites MAT00330 - Research and Analysis in Health OR MWF10663 - Research and Evidence Based Practice OR STAT2001 - Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners AND BIOL2002 - Molecular Genetics
MICR2002 Clinical Microbiology
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites MEDC2001 - Immunology AND MICR2001 - Microbiology AND HBIO2006 - Histology and Embryology
Enrolment information This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/clinicalplacements
BIOL2004 Haematology
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites MEDC2001 - Immunology AND have completed or be currently enrolled in BIOL2006 - Clinical Biochemistry
Enrolment information This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/clinicalplacements
BIOL2006 Clinical Biochemistry
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites BIOL2002 - Molecular Genetics AND MEDC2001 - Immunology AND HBIO2006 - Histology and Embryology AND PHYS1002 - Introductory Physics and Maths for Health Sciences AND STAT2001 - Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
Enrolment information This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/clinicalplacements
Year 3, Session 2
PBHL2001 Epidemiology
Session2
Location Domestic International
Online
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites MAT00330 - Research and Analysis in Health OR MWF10663 - Research and Evidence Based Practice OR STAT2001 - Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
BIOL3001 Professional Experience in the Biomedical Setting
Session2
Note 1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites Have completed 240 credit points in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science including MICR2002 - Clinical Microbiology AND BIOL2006 - Clinical Biochemistry AND BIOL2004 - Haematology
Enrolment information Please be advised that this unit includes professional experience learning which has pre-placement provisions and associated placement expenses as detailed on the Faculty of Health Professional Experience page. Failure to comply with these pre-placement requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Professional Experience Learning. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes
Year 1, Session 1
HLTH1001 Introduction to Science for Health Professions
Session1,2,3
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1,3
Session1,3
Online
Session1,2,3
Session2,3
Anti-requisites Cannot be taken if already completed or enrolling in SCIN1001 - Nature of Science.
HBIO1001 -  Human Anatomy OR HBIO1003 -  Systemic Anatomy
Year 1, Session 2
HBIO1007 Human Physiology I
Session1,2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1,2
Session1,2
Gold Coast
Session1,2
Session1,2
Lismore
Session1,2
Session1,2
Anti-requisites BIO00307 - Human Physiology
PHYS1002 Introductory Physics and Maths for Health Sciences
Session2
Location Domestic International
Online
Session2
N/A
Enrolment information Previous studies in HSC Mathematics would be an advantage in this unit.
Year 1, Session 3
HBIO1008 Human Physiology II
Session2,3
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2,3
Session2,3
Gold Coast
Session2,3
Session2,3
Lismore
Session2,3
Session2,3
Pre-requisites HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I OR Students in the 2125150 - Diploma of Health must have completed HLTH1001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions and have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1005 - Intermediate Anatomy and Physiology
Anti-requisites BIO00307 - Human Physiology
Year 2, Session 1
CHEM1002 Chemistry for Health Sciences
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
N/A
Enrolment information It is recommended that you have basic maths skills prior to enrolling in this unit. Students enrolling online are required to attend a one-day, on-site intensive laboratory session at the Gold Coast campus. Students who are not able to attend this intensive block should not enrol in the online offering of this unit.
Year 2, Session 2
HBIO2006 Histology and Embryology
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites BIO01302 Human Anatomy OR HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy
CHEM2002 Organic Chemistry
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites CHEM1002 - Chemistry for Health Sciences OR CHEM1001 - Chemistry
Year 3, Session 1
BIOL2007 Biochemistry
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites BIO00307 - Human Physiology; OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I AND HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II; AND CHEM2002 - Organic Chemistry
BIOL2003 Neuroscience
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites (HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy OR HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy) AND BIO00307 - Human Physiology OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
Year 3, Session 2
MICR2001 Microbiology
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites BIOL2007 - Biochemistry
BIOL2002 Molecular Genetics
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites BIOL2007 - Biochemistry AND HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology
Year 4, Session 1
PHAR2001 Introductory Pharmacology
Session3
Location Domestic International
Online
Session3
Session3
Pre-requisites For students in Bachelor of Nursing - Enrolled Nurse Pathway (3007303): Must have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1005 - Intermediate Anatomy and Physiology For all other students: BIO00307 - Human Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
HBIO2005 Human Pathophysiology
Session1,3
Location Domestic International
Online
Session1,3
Session1,3
Pre-requisites HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy OR HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy AND BIO00307 - Human Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II
Year 4, Session 2
MEDC2001 Immunology
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites BIOL2007 - Biochemistry AND HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology
Enrolment information The laboratory activities within this unit require students to fulfil certain vaccination compliance requirements prior to attending laboratory classes. As some vaccination protocols can take up to 5 months to complete, we encourage you to prepare now. Compliance requirements include SCU Vaccination requirements in accordance with state Health policies: NSW Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases; and QLD Health Vaccination Requirements. SCU has incorporated a combined NSW and QLD vaccination procedure as students may need to attend laboratory classes in both states. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
STAT2001 Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
Session1,2,3
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Online
Session1,3
Session1,3
Pre-requisites 36 credit points
Year 5, Session 1
BIOL2005 Bioinformatics
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites MAT00330 - Research and Analysis in Health OR MWF10663 - Research and Evidence Based Practice OR STAT2001 - Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners AND BIOL2002 - Molecular Genetics
BIOL2006 Clinical Biochemistry
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites BIOL2002 - Molecular Genetics AND MEDC2001 - Immunology AND HBIO2006 - Histology and Embryology AND PHYS1002 - Introductory Physics and Maths for Health Sciences AND STAT2001 - Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
Enrolment information This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/clinicalplacements
Year 5, Session 2
PBHL2001 Epidemiology
Session2
Location Domestic International
Online
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites MAT00330 - Research and Analysis in Health OR MWF10663 - Research and Evidence Based Practice OR STAT2001 - Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
General Elective / Transfusion Science
Year 6, Session 1
MICR2002 Clinical Microbiology
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites MEDC2001 - Immunology AND MICR2001 - Microbiology AND HBIO2006 - Histology and Embryology
Enrolment information This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/clinicalplacements
BIOL2004 Haematology
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites MEDC2001 - Immunology AND have completed or be currently enrolled in BIOL2006 - Clinical Biochemistry
Enrolment information This unit contains laboratory activities and/or professional experience learning that require students to fulfil certain vaccination and compliance requirements prior to attending. As some of these can take up to 5 months to complete, you must prepare now. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity and/or Professional Experience Learning which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/clinicalplacements
Year 6, Session 2
BIOL3001 Professional Experience in the Biomedical Setting
Session2
Note 1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites Have completed 240 credit points in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science including MICR2002 - Clinical Microbiology AND BIOL2006 - Clinical Biochemistry AND BIOL2004 - Haematology
Enrolment information Please be advised that this unit includes professional experience learning which has pre-placement provisions and associated placement expenses as detailed on the Faculty of Health Professional Experience page. Failure to comply with these pre-placement requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Professional Experience Learning. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes
Year 1, Session 2
HBIO1007 Human Physiology I
Session1,2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1,2
Session1,2
Gold Coast
Session1,2
Session1,2
Lismore
Session1,2
Session1,2
Anti-requisites BIO00307 - Human Physiology
Year 1, Session 3
HBIO1003 -  Systemic Anatomy OR HBIO1001 -  Human Anatomy
HBIO1008 Human Physiology II
Session2,3
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2,3
Session2,3
Gold Coast
Session2,3
Session2,3
Lismore
Session2,3
Session2,3
Pre-requisites HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I OR Students in the 2125150 - Diploma of Health must have completed HLTH1001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions and have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1005 - Intermediate Anatomy and Physiology
Anti-requisites BIO00307 - Human Physiology
Year 2, Session 1
Follow the full-time or part-time progression from Year 1 excluding the completed units

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes
Complete the unit under Session 3 below and then follow the Course Progression for Session 1 Commencement excluding the completed unit.
Session 3
HBIO1003 -  Systemic Anatomy OR HBIO1001 -  Human Anatomy

Note 1:

Double-weighted unit

Note 2:

Can also be studied in Year 2, Session 2

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
Core Units
HBIO1007 Human Physiology I
CHEM1002 Chemistry for Health Sciences
HBIO1008 Human Physiology II
HLTH1001 Introduction to Science for Health Professions
CHEM2002 Organic Chemistry
PHYS1002 Introductory Physics and Maths for Health Sciences
BIOL2007 Biochemistry
PHAR2001 Introductory Pharmacology
HBIO2005 Human Pathophysiology
MICR2001 Microbiology
PBHL2001 Epidemiology
BIOL3001 Professional Experience in the Biomedical Setting Note 1
BIOL2003 Neuroscience
HBIO2006 Histology and Embryology
BIOL2002 Molecular Genetics
MEDC2001 Immunology
BIOL2005 Bioinformatics
MICR2002 Clinical Microbiology
BIOL2004 Haematology
BIOL2006 Clinical Biochemistry
STAT2001 Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
Plus one of
HBIO1003 Systemic Anatomy
or
HBIO1001 Human Anatomy
Elective
Students wishing to pursue a career in medical laboratory science are advised to take the below unit, Transfusion Science. Otherwise, choose one elective unit from undergraduate university wide electives
MEDC2002 Transfusion Science