- Program summary
- Program overview
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Special features
- Teaching mode
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and articulation
- Program structure
- Program requirements and notes
- Enquiries
Program summary
QTAC code: 555598
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 3.5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2009: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places
Total units: 288 units (normally 24 courses) being 144 units (12 courses) completed at the University of the Sunshine Coast and 144 units advanced standing (equal to 12 courses) upon completion of the Diploma at the Southbank Institute of Technology (SBIT)
Recommended prior study: English, Maths and one or more of the sciences, preferably Chemistry
Commence: Semester 1
USC program code: SC3BA
CRICOS code: not available to international students on student visas
Program overview
The dual program, offered jointly by the University of the Sunshine Coast and the Southbank Institute of Technology (SBIT) is designed to develop the scientific knowledge and skills for employment in applied biomedical industries and biomedical research. The program also provides appropriate education for entry into postgraduate medical courses.
On successful completion of the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Biotechnology/Pathology) at SBIT, you will continue your studies in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science at USC.
The TAFE diploma is designed to develop the knowledge and practical skills you require to perform routine laboratory procedures in the biotechnology/research sector, while incorporating medical diagnostic testing used in the pathology industry.
The Bachelor of Biomedical Science provides you with an understanding of how the human body works and what happens when things go wrong, such as diseases, infections, and clinical disorders. The curriculum is designed to allow study in areas such as biotechnology, medical microbiology, immunology, nutrition, pharmacology, physiology and anatomy.
Please note that is full-time program commences only in Semester 1 each year. New students are not required to complete any USC courses until they complete their SBIT diploma.
Professional recognition
Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australian Society for Medical Research; Australian Society for Microbiology; Australian Society for Molecular Biology and Biochemistry; Australian Society for Biotechnology; Australasian Society for Immunology; Australian Physiological Society; and the Australian Society for Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists.
Career opportunities
Graduates may choose to enter a postgraduate medical course, or find employment in:
- biomedical research/diagnostics
- biosafety/biosecurity
- hospital/infectious disease control
- molecular biology/biotechnology
- waste management/water testing
- pharmaceutical research/development
- scientific technology marketing/equipment sales
Special features
- practical experience combined with theoretical underpinnings
- study two awards in three years
- provides a springboard to enrolment in postgraduate medical courses
Teaching mode
There are different teaching modes between the SBIT diploma modules and the University's Bachelor of Biomedical Science courses. Diploma modules are face-to-face teaching with performance based assessment. The University's Bachelor of Biomedical Science courses involve three or four hours of contact per course per week, generally in the mode of a one-hour lecture and two-hour tutorial. Students complete a further six or seven hours of self-directed learning per course per week. The self-directed learning consists of readings, research, assignments and other assessment items.
Program structure
Diploma of Laboratory Technology
SBIT Modules required for the Diploma of Laboratory Technology are undertaken at the SBIT campus. For information on the specific modules for this program refer to the student information provided by SBIT.Bachelor of Biomedical Science
12 required courses to be completed at USC:
LFS201 Systemic Physiology I
LFS202 Systemic Physiology II
LFS303 Pathophysiology
Plus
5 x BIM and/or MBT coded courses
Plus
4 x advanced elective courses from any faculty
Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program
As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider.
Program requirements and notes
- International students need to refer to the English language requirements.
- Refer to the Academic Rules.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
- Maximum of 4 WPL course equivalents (48 units) can be undertaken.
Enquiries
Southbank Institute of Technology (SBIT)
Tel: +61 7 3244 5000
Email: southbank.tafe@det.qld.gov.au
Refer to the www.southbank.edu.au
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au