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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


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.

Please note:

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Critically evaluate scientific investigations, and safely and accurately generate, analyse, interpret and present data in the biomedical science disciplines.

Apply evidence-based concepts to explain the physiological, environmental, and social determinants of human health and disease, and how these relate to local and global health issues.

GA2: Creativity

Adapt to unpredictable and complex problems through critical reasoning and problem-solving skills in biomedical science, individually and in collaboration.

GA3: Ethical practice

Demonstrate the highest standard of scientific and academic integrity, ethical conduct, and legal requirements across the biomedical science professions.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate professional standard knowledge, skills, competencies and attributes in all disciplines of the biomedical sciences in conjunction with safe and efficient contemporary practice.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Develop life-long learning and professional development skills by self-directed, independent learning and reflective practice within biomedical science.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Communicate in verbal and written forms effectively and professionally in the context of biomedical science.

GA7: Cultural competence

Demonstrate respect for social and cultural diversity and the identities of people in all professional settings.

The course includes 140 hours of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for students to gain workplace experience in health and research facilities, such as pathology labs or research labs.

WIL is a vital part of your professional experience and comes with specific expectations and responsibilities. Please read the following carefully before applying for the course:

  • Placement Locations: While we consider your current residential address when allocating placements, local placements are not guaranteed. It is essential to keep your address up to date in MyEnrolment, as inaccurate information may result in a placement that requires extended travel.
  • Travel and Costs: You should be prepared to travel to your allocated placement, which may be outside your immediate local area. You will require access to reliable transport to complete shifts that may occur during mornings, afternoons, nights, and weekends. You are responsible for organising and covering any associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and related expenses.
  • Fit-to-Practice Requirements: Before attending any placement, you must meet mandatory compliance requirements, which may include, but are not limited to, immunisations (as per the Australian National Immunisation Program), mask-fit testing, First Aid and CPR certification and National Police Certificate checks. 

More detailed information on WIL is available on the Faculty of Health WIL page.

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 Term 1, Term 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

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.0
Listeningminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.5
Speakingminimum 5.5
Writingminimum 5.5

Course requirements

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

  • 22 core units (264 credit points); and
  • 2 elective units (24 credit points).

Work Integrated Learning

This course includes work integrated learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on the Faculty of Health Work Integrated Learning page must be met prior to attending work integrated learning. All work integrated 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 Equity and 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 Equity and 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

Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

HLTH1004 The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
Term1,3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3
Term1,3
BIOL1006 Introduction to Medical Science
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Enrolment information This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning. Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HBIO1009 Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Term2,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2,5
Term2,5
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2,5
Term2,5
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7. Details will be provided closer to the time.
CHEM1001 Chemistry
Term2,4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
Enrolment information There will be a 2-day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore Campus (Terms 2 and 4) or the National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour (Term 2 only). Please refer to http://scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables.
HBIO1010 Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
Summer Term
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites [173970] HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology]
BIOL1007 Foundational Cell Biology
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Anti-requisites BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules
HLTH1009 Research for Practice 1: Introduction to Research in Health and Social Sciences
Term1,3,4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3,4
Term1,3,4
Gold Coast
Term1,3,4
Term1,3,4
Lismore
Term3,4
Term3,4
Online
Term1,4
N/A
BIOL2007 Biochemistry
Term2,4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Pre-requisites HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology OR VTEC1001 - Anatomy and Physiology for Veterinary Technologists

Second Year

CHEM2002 Organic Chemistry
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites [166347] CHEM1001 - Chemistry]
Enrolment information Online students must attend a three-day residential at the Gold Coast Campus. Further details, including dates, will be advised via the Blackboard site.
MICR2001 Microbiology
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites BIOL1006 - Introduction to Medical Science AND BIOL2007 - Biochemistry; OR BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules OR BIOL1007 - Foundational Cell Biology
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HBIO2005 Human Pathophysiology
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology OR PHTY1002 - Foundational Physiotherapy Practice
INDG2001 Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
Term2,4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
BIOL2012 Introductory Histopathology and Cytopathology
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites BIOL1006 - Introduction to Medical Science AND HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7, which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
BIOL2002 Molecular Genetics
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites BIOL1006 - Introduction to Medical Science AND BIOL2007 - Biochemistry; OR BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules OR BIOL1007 - Foundational Cell Biology
Enrolment information Online students must attend a three-day residential at the Gold Coast Campus. Further details, including dates, will be advised via the Blackboard site.
MICR2002 Clinical Microbiology
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites MICR2001 - Microbiology
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time. This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.
STAT1002 Scientific Data Management and Analysis
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Term4
Term4
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4

Third Year

BIOL2008 Haematology I
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites BIOL2002 - Molecular Genetics AND HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology
Anti-requisites BIOL2004 - Haematology
Enrolment information Please note this unit has an assessment scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time. This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning
PHAR2001 Introductory Pharmacology
Term1,3,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Lismore
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Pre-requisites Be admitted to 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry); OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL2006 Clinical Biochemistry
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites BIOL1006 - Introduction to Medical Science AND BIOL2007 - Biochemistry AND HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time. This unit contains laboratory activities that requires students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
Elective
MEDC2001 Immunology
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites BIOL1006 - Introduction to Medical Science AND HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
Enrolment information This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.
Elective
PBHL2001 Epidemiology
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites 48 credit points in any SCU Course
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7, which will require attendance online. Details will be provided closer to the time.
BIOL3002 Professional Experience in the Biomedical Setting
Dual Term4
12 Note 1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Pre-requisites Have completed 168 credit points in 3007312 - Bachelor of Biomedical Science OR 3007322 - Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science including: BIOL2008 - Haematology I
Enrolment information This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.

Note 1:

This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL). Please refer to the unit details for more information.

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
HLTH1004 The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
BIOL1006 Introduction to Medical Science
HBIO1009 Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
CHEM1001 Chemistry
HBIO1010 Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL1007 Foundational Cell Biology
HLTH1009 Research for Practice 1: Introduction to Research in Health and Social Sciences
BIOL2007 Biochemistry
MICR2001 Microbiology
CHEM2002 Organic Chemistry
HBIO2005 Human Pathophysiology
INDG2001 Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
BIOL2012 Introductory Histopathology and Cytopathology
BIOL2002 Molecular Genetics
MICR2002 Clinical Microbiology
STAT1002 Scientific Data Management and Analysis
BIOL2008 Haematology I
PHAR2001 Introductory Pharmacology
BIOL2006 Clinical Biochemistry
MEDC2001 Immunology
PBHL2001 Epidemiology
BIOL3002 Professional Experience in the Biomedical Setting Note 1
Two (2) university-wide elective units