Overview
Gain in-depth knowledge of human-body functions, focusing on physiology, anatomy and cell biology, for an exciting future in the health sector, with the Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree from Victoria University.
You can use this course to embark on an exciting career in biomedical research or for entry into postgraduate health courses, including postgraduate medicine.
The course will provide you with a strong foundation in the medical sciences, and advanced laboratory skills through hands-on practical experimentation and online interactive learning.
The new curriculum offers a quality syllabus that emphasises critical thinking and active learning via an inquiry team-based learning – a strategy producing skilled, knowledgeable and lifelong learners. In addition, you will build on intellectual, analytical, organisational, personal and interpersonal skills.
You will gain in-depth understanding of how the body works from the molecular level through to physiological functions. Applying this knowledge of human biomedical science, you'll examine the causes, diagnosis and treatment of disease at molecular, cellular and system levels. Core areas of study include:
- physiology
- anatomy
- biochemistry
- cell biology
- medical microbiology
- immunology
- molecular biology
- human genetics.
Study overseas while earning course credits
At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.
Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.
Course e-Brochure
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Lauren Cornall has progressed to postgraduate study in cardiovascular research at VU, for which she was a Victoria Young Achiever Award finalist.
Careers in biomedical science
On completion of this course you will be prepared for entry into a constantly changing local and global biomedical workforce or for postgraduate study. You will have developed capabilities in critical analysis, communication and laboratory skills – essential for becoming successful professionals in both research and clinical based biomedical science.
Alternatively, a biomedical science degree is a prerequisite for postgraduate medicine (subject to meeting pre-requisites) and a pathway entry into other allied health courses, such as, physiotherapy, dentistry or osteopathy.
Job titles
- medical researcher
- scientific journalist
- medical laboratory scientist
- science laboratory specialist.
Organisations employing biomedical sciences graduates
Biomedical sciences graduates can find work in pharmaceutical or nutrition companies, hospitals and medical clinics, and research organisations.
Students may be employed in technical and scientific positions on research projects funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and other agencies in government and private sector laboratories in universities, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies.
You could enter a vast range of health-related industries upon graduating,including:
- medical research
- genetic engineering
- the pharmaceutical industry
- pharmaceutical/medical sales
- laboratory technology.
Salaries
See average salary & employment info for medical laboratory scientists in Australia, via Labour Market Insights.
In demand
Preventable diseases are, sadly, on the increase. Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia – increasing at a faster rate than other chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. (Diabetes Australia).
Course structure
To attain the Bachelor of Biomedical Science students will be required to complete 288 credit points consisting of:
-
96 credit points of First Year Core studies;
-
96 credit points of Major studies;
Plus One (1) of the following:
Option A:
- 96 credit points of second Major studies;
OR
Option B:
- 96 credit points of Minor studies (Two Minor sets in total):
Please Note: Students that select Option A must choose 12 credit points in place of HBM3202 Applied Biomedical Science, as this unit is covered in the first Major study. Students are able to select a unit from within any of the Minors offered in this course, in consultation with the Course Coordinator and according to unit pre-requisites.
Course structure and units
First Year Core Units
-
- Unit code
- HBM1002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HHH1001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- RBM1100
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- RBM1200
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- RBM1518
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- RBM1528
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- RCS1601
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- RCS1602
- Credits
- 12
Majors
-
- Unit code
- HMAHPH
-
- Unit code
- HMAMCB
Minors
-
- Unit code
- HMIHPH
-
- Unit code
- HMIMCB
-
- Unit code
- HMIAPP
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.
Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.
You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.
Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.
Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.
Find out more about the VU Block Model.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Critically review biological determinants of health, well-being and disease and explain how they manifest in both local and global contexts; | ||
| 2. | Critically analyse and interrogate primary literature in biomedical science and map the principles of scientific research and experimental design including the use of statistical methods relevant to biomedical science; | ||
| 3. | Apply and adapt a broad and coherent knowledge base in physiology, anatomy, molecular cell biology and applied research to analyse complex problems in health and disease; | ||
| 4. | Evaluate current advances in medical interventions/therapeutics to investigate and propose solutions to contemporary, emerging and future-oriented issues in Biomedical Science; | ||
| 5. | Critically apply biomedical science based theoretical knowledge to practical situations in state of the art laboratory learning environments, and industry settings; | ||
| 6. | Conceptually map key ethical and professional components within the domain of Biomedical Science; | ||
| 7. | Effectively and analytically communicate complex ideas in Biomedical science in both written and oral formats to both professional and lay audiences including supervisors, peers, research teams, community and industry partners. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Entry requirements
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
PLUS:
A study score of 20 of one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Health and Human Development, any Mathematics or Physical Education.
OR:
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
PLUS:
IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score or 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).
OR:
Completion of a Foundation course or equivalent.
Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Pathways from other institutions
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
The Gordon, Australia
You will be credited for up to 36 credit points of study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
We are currently accepting international applications, and we welcome you to apply for this course.
Click 'apply' to begin, and we will guide you through the application process.
If you have questions, please get in touch:
- Phone: +61 3 9199 1164
- Email: [email protected]
- Online: enquiry form
Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students. Fees are accurate at the time of viewing and will be subject to annual increases. Some courses require students to purchase equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above – check your Letter of Offer for an estimate on non-tuition-fee-related expenses.
VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.
