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

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Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Understand how disease and infection 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.

Study location
  • Sippy Downs
Refer to the program footnotes
CRICOS code
066285C
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
Program length (full-time)
3 years
Semester tuition fee 2018
A$12,800
Estimated total tuition fee *
A$76,800
Footnotes
  • 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.
Study location QTAC code
  • Sunshine Coast 013051
Minimum selection threshold
OP - 16 Rank - 64
UniSC program code
SC355
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
Duration
3 years full time or equivalent part time
Recommended prior study
English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences, preferably Chemistry
Fee type 2018
  • What will I pay?
Total courses
24
Total units
288

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.

Post-admission requirements

Before undertaking Work Integrated Learning placement students must obtain a Blue Card (Working with Children Check). Additional requirements that will be required for placement include: QLD Health Orientation package, immunisations (hepatitis B, MMR, DTPA, varicella), and you may be required to obtain a current CPR Certificate.

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 Alternative Schooling Pedagogies
LFS100 Contexts of Disability and Differences
LFS112 Introduction to Management
LFS122 Accounting for Business
MLS101 Communication and Thought
SCI105 Business Analytics
SCI110 Introduction to Economics

Advanced courses (11)

BIM263 Introduction to Marketing
BIM331 Introduction to Informatics
LFS201 Business Law and Ethics
LFS202 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
LFS251 Communication and Thought
LFS252 Communication and Thought
LFS261 Cell Biology
LFS303 Human Physiology

PLUS select 3 courses from the following list, of which 2 courses (24 units) must be 300 coded:

BIM202 Human Anatomy
BIM203 Foundations in Medical Science
BIM303 Chemistry
BIM341 Science Research Methods
BIM371 Introduction to Pharmacology
CHM202 Immunology
CHM311 Systemic Physiology I
LFS262 Systemic Physiology II
MBT301 Biochemistry
MBT352 Molecular Biology
MBT353 Microbiology
MBT361 Pathophysiology
MLS210 Genes in Health and Disease
MLS211 Blood Banking and Transfusion Sciences
NUT212 Introduction to Clinical Trial Coordination
NUT232 Biochemical Pharmacology
PUB361 Clinical Embryology
SCI202 Organic Chemistry
SCI302 Medicinal Organic Chemistry
SPX201 Medical Microbiology
SPX211 Pharmaceutical and Food Microbiology
SPX301 Molecular Biotechnology
SRP301 Microbial Pathogenesis
SRP321 (24 units)
WPL310 Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
WPL320 (24 units)

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

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) and following the recommended study sequence
  • 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.