Understand the human body
Learn how the human body works and what happens when diseases, infections and clinical disorders occur. In this program, you’ll build the knowledge and skills you need to work in applied biomedical industries and medical research, or to apply for postgraduate studies in medicine, dentistry or pharmacy.
- 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 2023 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.
Learn how the human body works and what happens when diseases, infections and clinical disorders occur. In this program, you’ll build the knowledge and skills you need to work in applied biomedical industries and medical research, or to apply for postgraduate studies in medicine, dentistry or pharmacy.
In this program you will:
- Study foundations in medical science, cell biology, chemistry, human physiology and anatomy
- Build practical skills through clinical placements in hospitals, clinical trial centres or medical research institutes
- Learn about science research methods and scientific communication
- Choose specialist electives in medical genetics, biotechnology, medical microbiology, clinical embryology, clinical trials coordination and more
Program requirements:
The Bachelor of Biomedical Science includes clinical placements. To be eligible to go on placement, you must:
- obtain a Blue Card (Working with Children Check)
- complete the Queensland Health Orientation package
- Provide evidence of immunisations (hepatitis B, MMR, DTPA, varicella)
- obtain a current CPR Certificate (if required)
Career opportunities:
- Biomedical scientist
- Biomedical researcher
- Clinical embryologist
- Clinical trial coordinator
- Biotechnologist
- Geneticist
- Medical microbiologist
- Disease control officer
- Medical sales or pharmaceutical marketer
- Scientific writer
- Cardiac, respiratory or sleep diagnostic technician.
Graduates are eligible to become members of:
- 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
- Australian Physiological Society
Program structure
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
COR109 Communication and Thought
LFS100 Cell Biology
LFS112 Human Physiology
LFS122 Human Anatomy
MLS101 Foundations in Medical Science
SCI105 Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods
Developing and Graduate courses (11) 132 units
BIM263 Introduction to Pharmacology
BIM331 Immunology
LFS201 Systemic Physiology I
LFS202 Systemic Physiology II
LFS251 Biochemistry
LFS252 Molecular Biology
LFS261 Microbiology
LFS303 Pathophysiology
PLUS select 3 courses (36 units) from the following list, of which 2 courses (24 units) must be 300 coded:
BIM202 Medical Genetics
BIM203 Blood Banking and Transfusion Sciences
BIM303 Introduction to Clinical Trial Coordination
BIM341 Biochemical Pharmacology
BIM371 Clinical Embryology
CHM202 Organic Chemistry
CHM311 Medicinal Organic Chemistry
LFS262 Medical Microbiology
MBT301 Pharmaceutical and Food Microbiology
MBT352 Molecular Biotechnology
MBT353 Microbial Pathogenesis
MBT361 Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
MLS210 Advanced Haematology
MLS211 Medical Biochemistry
NUT212 Principles of Nutrition
NUT232 Nutritional Biochemistry
PUB361 Epidemiology and Biostatistics
SCI202 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
SCI302 Analytical Sciences
SPX201 Functional Anatomy
SPX211 Exercise Physiology I
SPX301 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health
SRP301 Special Research Project
SRP321 (24 units)
WPL310 Workplace Learning I
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 the undergraduate elective course options.
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 level (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.
- 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 generally not permitted. However in some special circumstances applications for concurrent study may be considered on a case by case basis for students that have completed at least 144 units (12 courses) of the Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science. Please contact Student Central for application information.