Student in lab coat with microscope

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July

  • Duration

    3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
    3.5 years min for students commencing in July

  • Location

    Gold Coast
    3.5 years min for students commencing in July

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

  • Course abbreviation

    BBioMedSc

  • Course code

    3007312

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

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

International snapshot

  • Start Date

    March

  • Duration

    3 years full-time
    3.5 years min for students commencing in July

  • Location

    Gold Coast

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

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

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.

Student with flowers

"I always love to learn new things and studying biomedical science, I learn something new every day. It’s exciting to learn about the human body, how it works and how disease functions."

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

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 (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Critically evaluate scientific investigations, and safely and accurately generate, analyse, interpret and present data in the biomedical science disciplines.

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

GA2: Creativity

Adapt to unpredictable and complex problems through critical reasoning and problem-solving skills in biomedical science, individually and in collaboration.

GA3: Ethical practice

Demonstrate the highest standard of scientific and academic integrity, ethical conduct, and legal requirements across the biomedical science professions.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate professional standard knowledge, skills, competencies and attributes in all disciplines of the biomedical sciences in conjunction with safe and efficient contemporary practice.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Develop life-long learning and professional development skills by self-directed, independent learning and reflective practice within biomedical science.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Communicate in verbal and written forms effectively and professionally in the context of biomedical science.

GA7: Cultural competence

Demonstrate respect for social and cultural diversity and the identities of people in all professional settings.

The course includes 140 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.

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.

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold CoastTerm  1$25,000 ($3,125 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.

Career Outcomes

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.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

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

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

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

Course requirements

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

  • 22 core units (264 credit points); and
  • 2 option units (24 credit points).

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 and 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 and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Other things to consider

As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.

There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.

Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.

SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.

Learn more

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more

The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.

Learn more


Course structure

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.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

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

First Year

HLTH1004The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
Term1,3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3
Term1,3
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Lismore
Term1
Term1
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
12
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.
CHEM1001Chemistry
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
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 (Terms 2 and 4) or the National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour (Term 2 only). Please refer to http://scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables.
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
Summer Term
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesHBIO1001 - Human Anatomy AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I; OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL1006Introduction to Medical Science
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Enrolment informationThis unit contains laboratory activities that require 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. Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
STAT2001Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
Term1,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,4
Term1,4
Gold Coast
Term1,4
Term1,4
Lismore
Term1,4
Term1,4
Online
Term1,4
Term1,4
Pre-requisites36 credit points
BIOL2007Biochemistry
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Pre-requisitesHBIO1008 - Human Physiology II OR HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology

Second Year

CHEM2002Organic Chemistry
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisitesCHEM1002 - Chemistry for Health Sciences OR CHEM1001 - Chemistry
Enrolment informationOnline students must attend a three-day residential at the Gold Coast Campus. Further details, including dates, will be advised via the Blackboard site.
MICR2001Microbiology
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisitesBIOL1006 - Introduction to Medical Science AND BIOL2007 - Biochemistry; OR BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules
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.
HBIO2005Human Pathophysiology
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesHBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND; either HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy OR HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy OR PHTY1002 - Foundational Physiotherapy Practice
BIOL2002Molecular Genetics
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
N/A
Pre-requisitesBIOL1006 - Introduction to Medical Science AND BIOL2007 - Biochemistry; OR BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules
Enrolment informationOnline, Lismore and Gold Coast students must attend a three-day residential at the Gold Coast Campus. Further details, including dates, will be advised via the Blackboard site.
BIOL2012Introductory Histopathology and Cytopathology
Summer Term
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Pre-requisitesBIOL1006 - Introduction to Medical Science AND HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology
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.
BIOL2008Haematology I
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesBIOL2002 - Molecular Genetics AND HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology
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.
BIOL2006Clinical Biochemistry
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesBIOL1006 - Introduction to Medical Science AND BIOL2007 - Biochemistry AND HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology
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
12 Note 1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Pre-requisitesHave completed 168 credit points in 3007312 - Bachelor of Biomedical Science OR 3007322 - Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science including: BIOL2008 - Haematology I OR BIOL2004 - Haematology;
Co-requisitesBIOL2006 - Clinical Biochemistry
Enrolment informationThis unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.

Third Year

PBHL2001Epidemiology
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites48 credit points in any SCU unit
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7, which will require attendance online. Details will be provided closer to the time.
PHAR2001Introductory Pharmacology
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Lismore
Term3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Pre-requisitesBe admitted to 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry); OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
MEDC2001Immunology
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites BIOL1006 - Introduction to Medical Science AND HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND; either HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy OR HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy
Enrolment informationThis 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
1 unit from: (Option Units)
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
NUTR2001Nutritional Medicine
NATM2001Botanical Medicine
HLTH4001Literature Review
HLTH4005Research Design
STAT1002Scientific Data Management and Analysis
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Lismore
Term3
Term3
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
1 unit from: (Option Units)
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
NUTR2001Nutritional Medicine
NATM2001Botanical Medicine
HLTH4001Literature Review
HLTH4005Research Design
MICR2002Clinical Microbiology
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
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
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4


Note 1:

This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL). Please refer to the unit details for more information.

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
HLTH1004The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
CHEM1001Chemistry
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL1006Introduction to Medical Science
STAT2001Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
BIOL2007Biochemistry
MICR2001Microbiology
BIOL2002Molecular Genetics
HBIO2005Human Pathophysiology
BIOL2008Haematology I
BIOL2012Introductory Histopathology and Cytopathology
BIOL2006Clinical Biochemistry
BIOL3002Professional Experience in the Biomedical Setting Note 1
PHAR2001Introductory Pharmacology
PBHL2001Epidemiology
MEDC2001Immunology
STAT1002Scientific Data Management and Analysis
CHEM2002Organic Chemistry
MICR2002Clinical Microbiology
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Select the Nutrition OR Research units as your option units

Nutrition units

NUTR2001Nutritional Medicine
NATM2001Botanical Medicine

Research units

HLTH4001Literature Review
HLTH4005Research Design

Why Health at SCU

One of the best clinical lab facilities in Australia

Health Clinics on-campus provide safe and supervised environments for practicums

5-star health ratings

We are 5-star rated in psychology, nursing and health services and support

(GUG 2023)

Graduates in very high demand

Health graduates in very high demand as Health Care and Social Assistance is Australia's largest and fastest growing industry

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

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Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

Early offer

If you're a current year 12 student you can register for our Early Offer program. You may be eligible to receive an early offer based on your School Principal's recommendation.

Apply now for your early offer

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International students studying in Australia

Gold Coast

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway