Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science

Overview

• Study biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, with specialisations in immunology, haematology, histopathology and immunohaematology.
• Gain practical experience in our laboratories using industry equipment in pathology laboratories on clinical placements.
• Opportunity  to progress onto postgraduate medicine studies.
• Only course in SE Queensland where graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists.
• Prepares you for a career in pathology, testing in the areas of immunology, haematology, microbiology, histopathology, cytology and biochemistry, possibly specialising in leukaemia diagnosis, stem cell manipulation, DNA testing or tumour diagnosis.

Details

The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science is an exciting and innovative program leading to many rewarding career options. Not only is the degree the preferred qualification for employment in the clinical diagnostic pathology industry as a medical laboratory scientist, it also gives you an excellent foundation for a career in biomedical and clinical research. The program gives you hands-on experience in cutting-edge diagnostic techniques and the opportunity to learn from, and be mentored by, workplace professionals.

Why choose this course?

This is the only medical laboratory science degree in South-East Queensland that is currently accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists. More than 90 per cent of graduates seeking employment within the pathology industry are successful within months of graduation. The course is designed in consultation with managers, medical scientists and academics in clinical diagnostic pathology and research laboratories, so you will gain advanced knowledge of the latest techniques used in these settings.  
 
Throughout the course you will undertake practical classes in QUT’s state-of-the-art laboratories, so that when you graduate, you will have extensive experience with techniques, equipment and instruments used in clinical practice and/or research. As part of your professional development, during your final year you will also undertake one semester of work integrated learning where you will interact directly with, and be mentored by, practising medical laboratory scientists or clinical researchers. You may also be able to complete part of your work placement in regional Australia, interstate or an international laboratory.

Career outcomes

As a medical laboratory scientist you will perform, interpret and report on analyses (or conduct research) in the areas of immunology, haematology, transfusion science, microbiology (bacteriology, mycology, virology and parasitology), histopathology, cytopathology, chemical pathology, diagnostic endocrinology and molecular biology. After graduation you may decide to specialise in areas such as cytological diagnosis, transplantation science, cellular therapies, molecular diagnostics, cytogenetics, and health informatics, or proceed to a managerial position within a private laboratory or hospital.
 
As a graduate, you could also pursue further studies leading to a career in medical research. Past graduates are currently working as researchers in areas such as cancer diagnosis, malaria, virology, stem cells, infectious diseases, immunology, transfusion science, eye disease, reproductive medicine and molecular biology. If you wish to undertake postgraduate studies in medicine, this course is also an excellent pre-medical degree.

Professional recognition

As a graduate, you are immediately eligible for membership with the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists, and will have completed the academic and work placement requirements for admission as full members. Depending on your clinical discipline(s) of employment, you will be eligible to apply for membership of various professional organisations including the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists, Australian Society of Microbiology, Australian Society of Cytology, Human Genetics Society of Australasia, Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand, Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion and Australian Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

Other course requirements

Proof of successful vaccination against Hepatitis B must be provided by the end of the first semester of the third year. This course includes a mandatory work integrated learning internship in a recognised laboratory in the first semester of the final year of the full-time program, and a QUT approved uniform is to be worn during that time.

Blue Card

A current blue card authorised with QUT may be required prior to commencing the clinical placement components of this course. Please ensure you allow at least 28 days for processing. For more information see Blue Card.

Units

Your course

Year 1

The course commences by developing a sound knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts that underpin medical laboratory science: cellular and molecular biosciences, anatomy, physiology mathematics, statistics, biophysics and chemistry. You will also be introduced to the local, national and global profession of medical laboratory science, and the Australian Healthcare System in the first of your professionally orientated units in the course.

Year 2

In your second year, you will explore more specialised concepts in pathology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, cytogenetic and molecular pathology, histopathological techniques, quantitative medical science, and quality assurance systems. In your practical classes, you will learn some of the latest techniques used in the clinical diagnostic pathology industry, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills to professional standards.

Year 3

The third year of the program allows you to further develop and refine your knowledge, understanding and practical skills to a more advanced level, and learn how they are applied in the clinical disciplines of molecular diagnostics, microbiology, chemical pathology, diagnostic endocrinology, histopathology, cytopathology, haematology and, transfusion and transplantation science.

Year 4

In your first semester, you will undertake a semester-long work integrated learning internship in a recognised laboratory. During that time you will also complete studies in health informatics and learn how this relates to day-to-day laboratory operations. In your final semester, you will complete an elective of your choice designed to complement your learning, e.g. pharmacology, marketing, management or research techniques. You will also prepare professional plans and identify graduate opportunities, as well as further your clinical discipline specific learning in the context of intercultural health and contemporary issues in medical science.

Entry requirements

Course fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. All fees are based on current fixed fee prices. We review fees annually.

HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay your course fees

You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.

Find out if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan

Scholarships and financial support

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

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You may also be eligible for Centrelink payments