Overview

Biomedical science combines the fields of biology and medicine in order to focus on the health of humans. A biomedical science degree opens up career opportunities in biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, research centres, product development and technology, as well as a variety of postgraduate pathways within the health sector. Biomedical … For more content click the Read More button below. Very high achieving students can apply for the Bachelor of Biomedical Science scholars program. Biomedical Science scholars complete the same academic program as other students but also have access to a range of development opportunities.Whether or not you join the scholars program, this course is your invitation to join one of the largest and most successful medical research hubs in Australia and the world. Our multidisciplinary approach, presence in major hospitals and links to international researchers is making a difference to people's lives worldwide. As a graduate, you may find work in the hospital and medical sector, including in medical diagnostic laboratories, in secondary and tertiary teaching, in media and communications, and in the government sector in such areas as health promotion and health economics. You will also have access to our Professional Development Program and may apply for a short term industry placement through our Work Integrated Learning unit, BME2032 Biomedical industry based learning. If you are interested in the medicine program at Monash, undertaking the Bachelor of Biomedical Science will provide the best pathway option with at least 50 places being reserved in the course for Monash biomedical science graduates (as of 2018).

Mode and location

On campus

Double degrees

The Bachelor of Biomedical Science can be taken in combination with the following courses:

  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Science (the biomedical science and genetics majors are not available within the Bachelor of Science component)


This will lead to the award of two degrees - your biomedical science degree and the degree awarded by the partner course. You should refer to the course entry for the partner course in your double degree for the requirements of the other degree.

Learning outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework and Monash Graduate Attributes.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

Structure

The course provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of biomedical science, with five central themes: molecular and cellular biology, body systems, infection and immunity, disease and society, and diagnostic and research tools. These themes are interwoven in units throughout the course.

A. Molecular and cellular biology

Through these studies you will learn how the cell functions and replicates itself in health and disease, particularly considering the structure of the cell and its evolution, the function of cells, DNA, genes and proteins, and the regulation of metabolism.

B. Body systems

This theme addresses the principles of major body systems. You will learn how cells come together to form tissues and organs and how they work together in the body to provide it with its metabolic needs and remove waste products. You will study how structure follows function; homeostasis; the nutritional and gastro-intestinal system; the neural system and senses; endocrine, reproductive and renal systems; and cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

C. Infection and immunity

The focus of these studies is the functional immune system of multicellular organisms and the disease states that result from pathogen infection and from autoimmunity. You will learn about molecular genetics and recombinant DNA (both important tools for the study of microbial disease and immunity), inflammation and disease, infection and infection control.

D. Disease and society

In these studies you will learn about disease states that result from abnormal function in various body systems, including the cellular, genetic and molecular causes of the disease, with a focus on mechanisms of disease and patterns of disease and treatment. In studying the basis for human disease, you will also consider the societal and personal impacts of past, present and future diseases and the social, economic and environmental factors that are determinants of health.

E. Diagnostic and research tools

These studies address both the molecular and cellular tools, including specialist imaging techniques, that can be used to study and diagnose diseases.

F. Free elective study

This will enable you to broaden and deepen your knowledge of aspects of biomedical science, or to select units from across the University in which you are eligible to enrol.

The course progression maps provide guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study:

Requirements
144 credit points

Course requirements
Part A. Biomedical science studies 96 credit points
Part B. Free elective study 48 credit points

Progression to further studies

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science may provide a pathway to the one-year honours degree Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours), or the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine course at Monash.

Additional information

Other course costs

Course director(s)

Associate Professor Elizabeth Davis

Organisational contact information

1800 MONASH (1800 666 274) From outside Australia +61 3 9902 6011