Bachelor of Biomedical Science

2023 course information for Domestic Students
2023 course information for International Students

updated 6:03 AM on Fri, 2 June

Domestic snapshot

International snapshot

IELTS
View full English language requirements
ATAR
70
Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

3.5 years min for students commencing in July

3 years full-time

3.5 years min for students commencing in July

Location
Gold Coast
Gold Coast
Start date
March, July
February
Course code
3007312
Course abbreviation
BBioMedSc
Credit points
288
Equivalent units
24
CRICOS
View in availability and fee details
Fees
Commonwealth supported
Fees
View in availability and fee details

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Course overview

Are you fascinated by how our bodies function, what keeps us healthy and what causes disease? Or maybe why are humans so different, yet also so much the same? The Bachelor of Biomedical Science embraces these questions as you explore the human body all the way to the cellular level.

You'll gain a scientific understanding of the structure and function of the human body and the interrelationships between health and disease. Together with foundational sciences, you will explore the intricacies of human health and examine the pathological basis of disease processes. You will develop skills in problem-solving, analysis and interpretation of medical and laboratory data, as well as practical skills in laboratory methods.

This course is taught in laboratories equipped with cutting edge analytical equipment and provides a solid base in biomedical science, from anatomy, immunology, neuroscience and microbiology to haematology and more. A substantial professional placement builds invaluable on-the-job experience.

Graduate opportunities include roles across scientific and health care environments. Graduates may also qualify for postgraduate degrees such as pharmacy and physiotherapy, or choose to pursue medicine or other careers.

Are you fascinated by how our bodies function, what keeps us healthy and what causes disease? Or maybe why are humans so different, yet also so much the same? The Bachelor of Biomedical Science embraces these questions as you explore the human body all the way to the cellular level.

You'll gain a scientific understanding of the structure and function of the human body and the interrelationships between health and disease. Together with foundational sciences, you will explore the intricacies of human health and examine the pathological basis of disease processes. You will develop skills in problem-solving, analysis and interpretation of medical and laboratory data, as well as practical skills in laboratory methods.

This course is taught in laboratories equipped with cutting edge analytical equipment and provides a solid base in biomedical science, from anatomy, immunology, neuroscience and microbiology to haematology and more. A substantial professional placement builds invaluable on-the-job experience.

Graduate opportunities include roles across scientific and health care environments. Graduates may also qualify for postgraduate degrees such as pharmacy and physiotherapy, or choose to pursue medicine or other careers.

Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.

Entry requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

An applicant who has completed a Certificate III qualification will not be admitted solely on the basis of this qualification.

CountryScore
Austria AMC3.4
Bangladesh HSC3.6
Canada High School OSSD50
Chile PSU6.4 overall 600-649
China Gao Kao449
Colombia CB (NAT)81, overall 300-349
Denmark USSLE6.2
France FB11
German Abitur3
Hong Kong HKDSE14
India CBSE (best 4)8.5 in external exam
India CISCE71
India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4)78 in academic
Indonesia SMA8.2
International Baccalaureate24
Japan USSLC4
Korea, Republic of, CSAT298
Malaysia ICSSUEC71
Malaysia STPM5 (3 A levels
Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate73
Nepal Proficiency Certificate82
Norway GPA1.5
Pakistan HSSC Humanities and Science streams77
Pakistan HSSC Pre-Eng and Pre-Med streams31
Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5)2.5 pass Eng & Math
Peru OCSE17
Phillipines NSAT89
Russia FCCSE4.3
Saudi Arabia MESSLC83
Singapore Cambridge GCE A Level 15.5
Spain SSSD8.2
Spain STBPU7.5
Sri Lanka GCE4.5
Sweden SSLC13
Taiwan GSAT54
Taiwan Senior High School Certificate87
Thailand CSE(Matayom 6) 1.9
Turkey HSD4
UK Board GCE A Levels13 (4 subjects)
USA SAT & ACTSAT 1410 ACT 20
Vietnam (in 4 subjects)7.5 academic

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.0
Listeningminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.5
Speakingminimum 5.5
Writingminimum 5.5

About the course

This course enables students to gain knowledge and understanding of human health and the connection between disease processes and scientific laboratory investigations. Core units cover biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, immunology, neuroscience, microbiology, haematology, genetics and research.

Domestic students

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3

3.5 years min for students commencing in July

International students

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold CoastTerm  1$29,360 ($3,670 per unit)0102161

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

How to apply

Where and when do you want to study?

Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.

Australian/Domestic students

Gold Coast
Term 3 July 2023

International students studying in Australia

Gold Coast
View domestic application details View international application details

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

Professional Experience Learning

This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement.   All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity & Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.


Course structure


Schedule of units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
HLTH1004The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
HLTH1006Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
PHYS1002Introductory Physics and Maths for Health Sciences
STAT2001Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
CHEM1001Chemistry
CHEM2002Organic Chemistry
PHAR2001Introductory Pharmacology
HBIO2005Human Pathophysiology
BIOL2007Biochemistry
STAT1002Scientific Data Management and Analysis
HBIO2006Histology and Embryology
BIOL2002Molecular Genetics
MICR2001Microbiology
PBHL2001Epidemiology
BIOL2008Haematology I
BIOL2005Bioinformatics
MEDC2001Immunology
BIOL2006Clinical Biochemistry
MICR2002Clinical Microbiology
BIOL3002Professional Experience in the Biomedical Setting
Select one unit from the undergraduate university-wide electives


Course progressions

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment

Browse uni-wide elective units by selecting Uni-wide elective in the advanced filter of the Unit search.

Browse shared majors and their units at Shared majors

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes

Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

HLTH1004The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
Term1,3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Lismore
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3
Term1,3
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Anti-requisitesCannot be taken if already completed or enrolling in SCIN1001 - Nature of Science.
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Term2,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,5
Term2,5
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2,5
Term2,5
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HLTH1006Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
Term2,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,5
Term2,5
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2,5
Term2,5
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesHBIO1001 - Human Anatomy AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I; OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
PHYS1002Introductory Physics and Maths for Health Sciences

Not currently available

Enrolment informationPrevious studies in HSC Mathematics would be an advantage in this unit.
STAT2001Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
Term1,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites36 credit points
CHEM1001Chemistry
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
Enrolment informationThere will be a 2-day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore Campus. Registration for your residential location and time preference may be necessary upon unit enrolment. Please check the Blackboard site for CHEM1001 for any latest information and updates.

Second Year

CHEM2002Organic Chemistry
Term1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisitesCHEM1002 - Chemistry for Health Sciences OR CHEM1001 - Chemistry
PHAR2001Introductory Pharmacology
Term1,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term1,5
Term1,5
Pre-requisitesBe admitted to 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
HBIO2005Human Pathophysiology
Term2
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesHBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND; either HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy OR HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy
BIOL2007Biochemistry
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Pre-requisitesHBIO1008 - Human Physiology II OR HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
STAT1002Scientific Data Management and Analysis
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Lismore
Term3
Term3
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
HBIO2006Histology and Embryology
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesHBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy OR HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy
BIOL2002Molecular Genetics
Term5
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term5
Term5
Pre-requisitesBIOL2007 - Biochemistry AND HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology OR; BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules
MICR2001Microbiology
Term5
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term5
Term5
Pre-requisitesBIOL2007 - Biochemistry
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.

Third Year

Elective Unit - select any University-wide Elective
PBHL2001Epidemiology
Term1
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites STAT2001 - Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners AND HLTH1004 - The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar OR EDUC1001 - Language and Learning in your Discipline
BIOL2008Haematology I
Term2
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesBIOL2002 - Molecular Genetics
Anti-requisitesBIOL2004 - Haematology
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has an assessment scheduled in Week 7. Details will be provided closer to the time. This unit contains laboratory activities that requires students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
BIOL2005Bioinformatics

Not currently available

Pre-requisitesBIOL2002 - Molecular Genetics
MEDC2001Immunology
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesBIOL2008 - Haematology I AND HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology
Enrolment informationThis unit contains laboratory activities that require students to meet mandatory vaccination compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the stipulated Laboratory Activity which may result in failure of the unit. As some vaccination protocols can take up to 5 months to complete, we encourage you to prepare now. Compliance requirements include SCU Vaccination requirements in accordance with state Health policies: NSW Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases; and QLD Health Vaccination Requirements. SCU has incorporated a combined NSW and QLD vaccination procedure as students may need to attend laboratory classes in both states. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
BIOL2006Clinical Biochemistry
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesBIOL2008 - Haematology I OR BIOL2004 - Haematology
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time. This unit contains laboratory activities that requires students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
MICR2002Clinical Microbiology
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesMICR2001 - Microbiology
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time. This unit contains laboratory activities that requires students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
BIOL3002Professional Experience in the Biomedical Setting
Dual Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Pre-requisitesHave completed 240 credit points in 3007312 - Bachelor of Biomedical Science including: BIOL2008 - Haematology I OR BIOL2004 - Haematology; AND BIOL2006 - Clinical Biochemistry
Enrolment informationThis unit contains professional experience learning/ laboratory activities that require students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the Professional Experience Learning and/or stipulated Laboratory Activity which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements Please note Full Covid-19 vaccination is a mandatory requirement associated with the placement element of this unit of study. This requirement has been stipulated by the placement providers. It is strongly recommended that only students who meet this requirement enrol in this unit.



Why choose SCU?

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Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020

Outstanding student support

5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies

Good Universities Guide 2021

Learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Course Learning Outcome

Exercise critical reasoning and problem solving skills in a biomedical context.

Critically evaluate scientific investigations, and accurately generate, analyse, interpret and present scientific work.

Apply evidence-based concepts to explain the biological, environmental and social determinants of human health and disease, and how these relate to both local and global major health issues.

Develop solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems in the biomedical sciences.

Demonstrate the highest standards of ethics in all areas of the biomedical sciences.

Demonstrate professional standard knowledge, skills, competencies and attributes in all disciplines of the biomedical sciences appropriate for safe and effective contemporary practice.

Apply and maintain independent, self-directed learning and reflective practice, in the biomedical sciences.

Communicate effectively and appropriately in the biomedical sciences.

Work efficiently, precisely and respectfully as part of a professional team.

Demonstrate an understanding of social and cultural diversity and respect for the identity of all people.


Assessment methods

A variety of assessment methods is used in this course including multiple choice examinations, short answer and essay examinations, case studies, tutorial and workshop presentations, debates, written assignments, simulations and clinical skills testing.

Teaching methods

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Our online study option is highly interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Career opportunities

Graduates find positions in biomedical, health, university and government research; hospital, veterinary and pathology laboratories and scientific sales; quality assurance, health departments and pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Graduates may also pursue postgraduate degrees such as pharmacy and physiotherapy, or choose to pursue medicine or other careers.

Professional placement

The course includes 90 hours of professional placement for students to gain workplace experience in health and research facilities, such as pathology labs or research labs.

Professional experience placements require students to fulfil certain pre-requisites prior to attending any placements. Prior to applying for this course, please consider the important information regarding these requirements.

Ask a question

Domestic future
students

Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.

International future
students

Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.

Current
students

Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.

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