Understand how disease, infection and clinical disorders affect the human body.
In this program, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how the human body works and what happens when diseases, infections and clinical disorders occur. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills for working in applied biomedical industries and medical research.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
In this program, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how the human body works and what happens when diseases, infections and clinical disorders occur. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills for working in applied biomedical industries and medical research.
In your first year of study, you’ll develop generic analytic and communication skills, providing a strong foundation for more specialised studies in biomedical science. You’ll study foundations in medical science, cell biology, chemistry, human physiology and anatomy, science research methods, and communication.
You’ll then develop skills and competencies in areas integral to the biomedical sciences including physiology, pathophysiology, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology and pharmacology.
You can also pursue your interests and hone your career opportunities by studying elective courses in clinical areas such as medical genetics, biochemical pharmacology, biotechnology, medical microbiology, clinical embryology, and clinical trials coordination.
This program gives you 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.
This program provides you with a strong base if you’d like to undertake postgraduate studies in professional areas such as medicine, dentistry, medical imaging and pharmacy.
High-achieving graduates of this program may enrol in a fourth-year research Honours degree, which can lead to postgraduate studies (eg. PhD) and to a career as a medical research scientist.
Career opportunities
Graduates are highly trained for employment in areas such as biomedical research and education; biodiscovery; 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; and scientific writing and publication.
Membership
Australian Society for Biotechnology; Australian Society for Immunology; Australian Society for Microbiology; Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists.
Program structure
Introductory courses (7)
COR109 Science Research Methods
LFS100 Research Foundations
LFS112 Human Pathophysiology
LFS122 Challenges to Mental Health
MLS101 Nursing Practicum 3
SCI105 Nursing Practicum 2
SCI110 Caring for Child, Youth and Family
Advanced courses (11)
BIM263 Health Law and Ethics
BIM331 Drug Therapy
LFS201 Health Alteration
LFS202 Palliative, Rehabilitation and Continuing Care
LFS251 Nursing Internship
LFS252 Nursing Practicum 4
LFS261 Acute Health Alteration
LFS303 Caring for the Older Client
PLUS select 3 courses from the following list, of which 2 courses (24 units) must be 300 coded:
BIM202 Life Crisis - Translating Theory Into Caring Practice
BIM203 The Child Client
BIM303 Communication and Thought
BIM341 Cell Biology
BIM371 Human Physiology
CHM202 Human Anatomy
CHM311 Foundations in Medical Science
LFS262 Chemistry
MBT301 Science Research Methods
MBT352 Introduction to Pharmacology
MBT353 Immunology
MBT361 Systemic Physiology I
MLS210 Systemic Physiology II
MLS211 Biochemistry
NUT212 Molecular Biology
NUT232 Microbiology
PUB361 Pathophysiology
SCI202 Genes in Health and Disease
SCI302 Blood Banking and Transfusion Sciences
SPX201 Introduction to Clinical Trial Coordination
SPX211 Biochemical Pharmacology
SPX301 Clinical Embryology
SRP301 Organic Chemistry
SRP321 Medicinal Organic Chemistry
WPL310 Medical Microbiology
WPL320 Pharmaceutical and Food Microbiology
Elective courses (6)
Select 6 elective courses (3 courses must be at 200 or 300 level) from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory (100 coded) courses
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- Most courses are valued at 12 units unless otherwise specified
- 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 USC 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 'Planning your study' page to manage your progression
- You may wish to use electives to complete an additional major or minor
- Register your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)
- Students who have completed the Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast will be eligible to receive 2 years credit transfer (16 courses) towards the Bachelor of Biomedical Science at USC. Students will be able to apply by direct application for entry into the Bachelor of Biomedical Science via USC Admissions upon completion of the Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science, or via QTAC if they have a break from studies of more than 24 months. Students commencing this pathway are able to commence in either Semester 1 or Semester 2. However, students commencing in Semester 2 will only be able to be part-time enrolled and it will therefore take longer to complete your Bachelor of Biomedical Science. Please select the relevant Recommended Study Sequence.