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.
- 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.
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) 84 units
COR109 Developmental and Family Counselling
LFS100 Health, Society and Culture
LFS112 Community Development and Social Action
LFS122 Indigenous Australia and the State
MLS101 Understanding Cultural Diversity
SCI105 Introduction to Psychology A
SCI110 Counselling for the Human Services Professional
Developing and Graduate courses (11) 132 units
BIM263 Social Research
BIM331 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory
LFS201 Counselling Theory and Practice
LFS202 Group Work
LFS251 Ethics and Professional Practice
LFS252 Developmental and Family Counselling
LFS261 Perspectives in Mental Health
LFS303 Counselling Interventions: Experiential Practices
PLUS select 3 courses (36 units) from the following list, of which 2 courses (24 units) must be 300 coded:
BIM202 Clinic Preparation
BIM203 Clinic 1
BIM303 Clinic 2
BIM341 Clinic 3
BIM371 Counselling Children and Young People
CHM202 Counselling and Addictions
CHM311 Communication and Thought
LFS262 Cell Biology
MBT301 Human Physiology
MBT352 Human Anatomy
MBT353 Foundations in Medical Science
MBT361 Chemistry
MLS210 Science Research Methods
MLS211 Introduction to Pharmacology
NUT212 Immunology
NUT232 Systemic Physiology I
PUB361 Systemic Physiology II
SCI202 Biochemistry
SCI302 Molecular Biology
SPX201 Microbiology
SPX211 Pathophysiology
SPX301 Genes in Health and Disease
SRP301 Blood Banking and Transfusion Sciences
SRP321 (24 units)
WPL310 Introduction to Clinical Trial Coordination
WPL320 (24 units)
Elective courses (6) 72 units
Select 6 elective courses (72 units) (3 courses (36 units) 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) 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 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 Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Register your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)
- Students who have completed the Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science at USC will be eligible to receive 2 years credit transfer (16 courses) towards the Bachelor of Biomedical Science at USC and will only be required to complete an additional 8 courses (24 courses in total). 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.
- Concurrent study with the Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science is not permitted.