Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Overview

• Study cell and molecular biology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, chemistry and physics, before advancing to anatomical sciences, advanced cell and molecular biology, human biochemistry, human physiology and studies in infectious diseases.
• Develop industry-relevant practical skills in laboratory classes embedded in the first, second and third years of your degree.
• Prepares you for a career in biomedical research, medical biotechnology, clinical physiology and postgraduate studies in medicine and allied health.
• Prepare yourself for entry into postgraduate medicine studies by studying a solid foundation of the areas tested in GAMSAT.

Details

Why choose this course?

Biomedical science is an exciting, rapidly evolving area, with many career opportunities in a diverse range of fields related to human health and disease. To prepare you for the multidisciplinary nature of the Biomedical Science industry, the Bachelor of Biomedical Science at QUT provides a distinctive opportunity to choose one major and two minors that align with your graduate career goals.

Your theoretical studies will be complemented with extensive practical experience in our laboratories, and as a graduate you will have the relevant skills to pursue career pathways in science, including medical research, clinical science and/or continue with further studies in allied health and medicine.

Course summary

In this course you will develop a strong foundation for understanding the human body and the application of this knowledge to models of health and disease.

Foundation studies in anatomy, pathology, physiology, biological chemistry, biomedical physics and cell biology provide a solid knowledge base for topics covered later in the course. In Years 2 and 3 you'll choose to major in one of the following study areas: anatomical sciences, human biochemistry, human physiology, infectious diseases and cell and molecular biology. You also have the opportunity to undertake two minor areas of study that align with your career goals. You may choose to complement your scientific studies with units in exercise physiology, Indigenous issues, psychology, public health, or ethical issues related to gene technology.

You'll also be given the opportunity to gain real-world experience as a part of your course, through work integrated learning and clinical or industry placements. You'll be taught by specialists in the field, including researchers at the Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, who are world experts in addressing current global health problems in areas that include cancer biology, tissue engineering, infectious diseases and vaccine development.

Career outcomes

The Bachelor of Biomedical Science is designed for students seeking a science-based qualification that will lead to employment opportunities in biomedical research, clinical science and scientific laboratory fields. The course provides a solid grounding for students wishing to pursue postgraduate study in medicine and other allied health-related courses.

Professional recognition

Depending on the units selected in final year, graduates will be eligible for membership into one or more of the following organisations: Australian Society for Medical Research, Australian and New Zealand Society for Cell and Developmental Biology, Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Australian Association of Clinical Biochemists, Australian Society for Microbiology, Australian Neuroscience Society, The Endocrine Society of Australia, Society of Reproductive Biology, Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists, Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, and Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society.

Units

Your Course

Year 1

You will undertake units covering chemistry, physics, anatomy, pathology and cell biology, providing a solid knowledge base for the topics covered later in the course. With QUT's practical approach to teaching, you will not only learn the theory, but gain a wealth of practical experience in state-of-the-art laboratories. You will also gain an introduction to the essential communication skills required for a career in the health and medical professions.

Year 2

You will have the option of choosing a major and two minors from five key biomedical scientific disciplines to align with your own career goals: anatomical sciences, cell and molecular biology, human biochemistry, human physiology and infectious diseases. You will have the opportunity to complement your studies by choosing a university wide set from a discipline outside of biomedical science, such as behavioural science, public health, human rights, entrepreneurship, mathematical sciences, international business or study a language. A minor is also available in Clinical Physiology which includes a 400 hour Clinical Physiology internship in which you will be placed in a hospital with professional clinical physiologists who will provide training in physiological instrumentation and measurement, recording, interpretation and reporting of clinical data. You will also have opportunities to gain real world experience as part of your course in Work Integrated Learning placements in biomedical research institutes and laboratories in the science industry.

Year 3

In the real world, the design and completion of successful research and/or business projects demand that individuals gather information, solve problems, work effectively as a part of a team and analyse and communicate results in a critical manner. Therefore each major in this course will culminate in a capstone unit which will require you to apply the knowledge and skills developed through your course. Capstone projects include human anatomical dissection, contemporary laboratory based research projects in biochemistry, physiology and cell and molecular biology, and diagnosis, characterisation and development of appropriate responses to an infectious disease outbreak scenario.

Course Design

The Bachelor of Biomedical Science comprises first-year studies in chemistry, physics, anatomy, pathology and cell biology, providing a solid knowledge base for the topics covered later in the course.  Units in the second and third years combine advanced studies with theoretical, practical, and problem-solving skills. Several units in the area of humanities and applied health are an integral part of the course.

The Bachelor of Biomedical Science provides the necessary knowledge and skills to enter a career in biomedical research, with integration of research design and implementation, scientific writing and communication and practical laboratory skills embedded through each year of the course.

Furthermore students will be well prepared to sit GAMSAT which is designed to evaluate mastery and use of concepts in basic science as well as the acquisition of more general skills in problem solving, critical thinking and writing. The Bachelor of Biomedical Science provides a solid grounding in GAMSAT testing areas: reasoning in humanities and social sciences, written communication, reasoning in biological and physical sciences (including chemistry, biology and physics).

Entry requirements

Minimum academic requirements

Did you complete secondary school in Australia?

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.

Scholarships and financial support

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

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