Bachelor of Biomedical Science | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Accessibility links

Non-production environment - edittest.usc.edu.au

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Gain a comprehensive understanding of how the human body works and what happens when diseases, infections and clinical disorders occur.

In this program you will:

  • Develop knowledge and skills for working in applied biomedical industries and medical research
  • Study foundations in medical science, cell biology/introduction to bioscience, chemistry, human physiology and anatomy, science research methods, and communication. Later develop in physiology, pathophysiology, biochemistry, microbiology, medical genetics, immunology and pharmacology
  • Have the opportunity to link with industry and develop a specific interest in biomedical science by undertaking clinical work placements and special research projects. Placements may be in areas such as hospitals, clinical trial centres, pharmaceutical companies and medical research institutes

Location

CRICOS code

066285C

Entry threshold

60.00 60.00 ATAR/Rank
ATAR/Rank

Duration

3 years 3 years Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2024 fees (A$)

A$9,866 - 2024 Fees CSP
CSP
A$29,000 Annual fee
Annual fee

QTAC code

013051 014051

Start

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2

Career opportunities

  • Biodiscovery
  • Biomedical research and education
  • Biotechnology and genetics
  • cardiac, respiratory and sleep diagnostics
  • Clinical embryology clinical trial coordination
  • Communicable disease control
  • Drug registration
  • International health
  • Medical microbiology
  • Medical sales and marketing
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Scientific writing and publication

Memberships

Graduates may be eligible to become members of:

  • Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists
  • Australian Physiological Society
  • Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Australian Society for Biotechnology
  • Australian Society for Immunology
  • Australian Society for Microbiology

Start
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
Total courses
24
Total units
288
Duration
3 years 3 years
CRICOS code
066285C
UniSC program code
SC355
Program coordinator
Program structure
Introductory courses (6) 72 units

HLT140 Think Health
LFS112 Human Physiology
LFS122 Human Anatomy
MLS101 Foundations in Medical Science
SCI105 Introductory Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods

Required course from a specified list

Select a total of 12 units from:

LFS100 Cell Biology
LFS103 Introductory Bioscience

Developing courses (6) 72 units

BIM202 Medical Genetics
BIM263 Introduction to Pharmacology
LFS203 Integrated Physiology
LFS251 Biochemistry
LFS252 Molecular Biology
LFS261 Microbiology

Graduate courses (2) 24 units

BIM331 Immunology
LFS303 Pathophysiology

Required course from a specified list

Select a total of 12 units from:

LFS304 Clinical placement I
SRP301 Special Research Project
BIM371 Clinical Embryology
BIM300 Advanced Professional Skills in Biomedical Science

Minor courses (4) 48 units

Select 1 Minor from: +

+ Students articulating from SC211 Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science to SC355 Bachelor of Biomedical Science MUST SELECT the Haematology minor.

Elective courses (4) 48 units

Select a total of 48 units from the undergraduate elective course options.

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.

Study sequences

This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.

Student profile

Explore the likely peer cohort in the student profile data

No admissions data available

In UniSC admitted new student{{ studentProfile.model.allStudents > 1 || studentProfile.model.allStudents[0] === '<' ? 's' : '' }} at the {{ studentProfile.getLocationByCode() }} campus
Applicant background No. of students % of all students

Notes
<5 - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than five students.

Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.

Entry requirements

For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.

Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.

Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.

If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.

English language requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).

Minimum entry threshold

Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.

Location ATAR/Rank
Sunshine Coast 60.00
Moreton Bay 60.00
Recommended prior study
English; General Maths, Maths Methods or Specialist Maths; at least one science subject (preferably Chemistry or Biology)
Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
  • Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses
  • If you have an interest in cellular processes that underpin medical and biomedical sciences, please enrol in LFS100 Cell Biology. If you are interested in a broad overview of sciences that are relevant to healthcare, please enrol in LFS103 Introductory Bioscience.
Program notes
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
  • The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
  • It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
  • As part of your UniSC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
  • Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
WIL notes
  • This program includes placements in settings that may require COVID-19 vaccination with limited placement in settings that do not require full vaccination.

    It is a Queensland Government requirement that students undertaking a placement within a clinical setting are fit tested annually for an approved respirator. Clinical settings include hospitals, residential aged care facilities, residential disability care facilities, prison health services, youth detention health services, community health care settings, and vaccination clinics). If the Fit Testing requirement applies to placement activity within your Program it will appear in your mandatory checks on Sonia Online. In accordance with Australian Standards, you must be clean shaven for your fit test. Facial hair that lies along the sealing surface of a tight-fitting respirator prevents an effective seal. Therefore, it is a requirement that there is no hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface in order to achieve a fit. At this stage, there is no exemption in Queensland to this requirement for religious or other reasons and USC is unable to waive this requirement.

  • For more information on mandatory requirements refer to Biomedical Science - Clinical Placement.
Inherent academic requirements

Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.

Refer to Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology), Biomedical Science, Medical Science - Inherent Academic Requirements

UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.

What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?

The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.

Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.

Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.

Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?

IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.

How does this affect you?

To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.

If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.

If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.

Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12

The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.

Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12

The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.

Prior study or work experience

If you:

  • have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
  • have a TAFE/VET qualification
  • have relevant work experience, or
  • have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)

You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.

Tertiary Preparation Pathway

If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.

If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.

It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.

Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)

You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.

High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.

CSP estimate
A$9,866 - 2024 Fees
Annual tuition fee (A$, 2024)
A$29,000

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.

If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.

Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

International fee-paying places

Annual tuition fees are based on 2024 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.

Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).

All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).

Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.

Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.

Need help with submitting your application?

UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.

Any questions? Contact us.

QTAC code

Location QTAC code
Sunshine Coast 013051
Moreton Bay 014051
Pathway to medicine, dentistry, medical imaging and pharmacy
Diverse range of electives
Undertake clinical work placements and special research projects

Student story

“UniSC gave me a fantastic foundation, with Biomedical Science preparing me for medical entry exams and interviews.”

Theo Mostert Graduate
Need advice on what to study or how to apply? 
Our Student Central team can help.

Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.

Back to top