Australian residents
International students
ATAR:
Not required*
*Offers made in 2022. More about ATAR
Duration: 
3 years full time or longer for part time
Location: 
St Albans
Delivery mode: 
In person
Start date:
31 July 2023
Application due dates:
Direct applications are due on 23 July 2023 for our next intake which starts on 31 July 2023.
Apply

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.

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.

Need some advice?

Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.

Request a call back

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.

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.
From VU student to medical doctor

From VU student to medical doctor

After studying at VU, Sharlyne is reaching her dream of becoming a qualified doctor.

assets/arrow-long Created with Sketch.

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.

First Year Core Units

Majors

Minors

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.

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.

Fees & scholarships

Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Fee type definitions

The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.

Students who enrol in a:

In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Scholarships & assistance

Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.

We can help with fee assistance and advice.

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.

Admission criteria

The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)

  • Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
  • an Australian or overseas equivalent or
  • an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Importance of ATAR for this course

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

NA

ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria

Admission criteria

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.
PLUS:
A study score of 20 of one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Health and Human Development, any Mathematics or Physical Education.

Why is ATAR not applicable?

You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study

This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with higher education study

This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.

Admission criteria

Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of two units of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with work & life experience

This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.

Admission criteria

Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Health Sciences or similar.
OR:
Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
AND:
A study score of 20 of one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Health and Human Development, any Mathematics or Physical Education (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Selection criteria assistance

Let us know which qualifications you have studied and we will help you find the admission information that most applies to you.

Which of the following qualifications have you studied, or are currently studying?

Still not sure? Make an enquiry and one of our advisors can assist.

Student profile

Take a look at a student profile to get an overview of students who have previously enrolled in this course.

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.

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.

Foundations at VU JYAC

You will be guaranteed entry only.

International Foundations at VU (Extended) JQAH

You will be guaranteed entry only.

International Foundations at VU JQAG

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

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.

Diploma of Laboratory Technology

The Gordon, Australia

You will be credited for up to 36 credit points of study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

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.

Credit Calculator

Find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

CALCULATE YOUR CREDIT

How to apply

Available start dates:
  • 31 July 2023

Before you apply

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

  • Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
  • Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.

Find out more about applying for our courses.

Apply direct to VU

Direct applications are due on 23 July 2023 for our next intake which starts on 31 July 2023.

Apply direct to VU

Already a VU student?

If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.

After you apply

  • It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
  • Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered

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Get help

At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.