Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science

Medical laboratory scientists perform tests on human and veterinary specimens including blood, bodily fluids, stool, urine, tissue biopsies and more.

They are skilled in interpreting and analysing these specimens to identify blood diseases, viruses and parasites, immunity disorders, evidence of toxins and poisons, genetic mutations, plus much more.

The results of these tests are used by health professionals to diagnose conditions and assist with clinical decisions including choice of treatment.

Domestic Students

International Students

Your course

Year 1

The course commences by developing a sound knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts that underpin medical laboratory science: cellular and molecular biosciences, anatomy, physiology mathematics, statistics, biophysics and chemistry. You will also be introduced to the local, national and global profession of medical laboratory science, and the Australian Healthcare System in the first of your professionally orientated units in the course.

Year 2

In your second year, you will explore more specialised concepts in pathology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, cytogenetic and molecular pathology, histopathological techniques, quantitative medical science, and quality assurance systems. In your practical classes, you will learn some of the latest techniques used in the clinical diagnostic pathology industry, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills to professional standards.

Year 3

The third year of the program allows you to further develop and refine your knowledge, understanding and practical skills to a more advanced level, and learn how they are applied in the clinical disciplines of molecular diagnostics, microbiology, chemical pathology, diagnostic endocrinology, histopathology, cytopathology, haematology and, transfusion and transplantation science.

Year 4

In your first semester, you will undertake a semester-long work integrated learning internship in a recognised laboratory. During that time you will also complete studies in health informatics and learn how this relates to day-to-day laboratory operations. In your final semester, you will complete an elective of your choice designed to complement your learning, e.g. pharmacology, marketing, management or research techniques. You will also prepare professional plans and identify graduate opportunities, as well as further your clinical discipline specific learning in the context of intercultural health and contemporary issues in medical science.

Course progressions are subject to University approval.

Assumed knowledge

Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:

• Chemistry (Units 3 & 4, C)
• English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)
• Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C)

Offer guarantee

If you achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 87.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

Advanced standing

If you have prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit). You can apply for advanced standing once you've been accepted to QUT. If you're in your first semester of study, you must apply for advanced standing within 10 days of receiving your offer.

Deferment

Adjustments to your selection rank

Any adjustments you receive to your selection rank (or OP equivalent) will be applied to this course.

Find out if you’re eligible for an adjustment to your selection rank

Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2019

The scores listed in the tables below reflect the offers that were made to recent school leavers. If you are not a school leaver, take a look at the entry thresholds box at the top of this page to see the lowest adjusted scores required overall to receive an offer.

You can find out more about your fellow students’ backgrounds with this course’s student profile.

Other admission options

If you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you may be eligible for admission through our Centralised Assessment Selection Process (CASP).

Careers and outcomes(DOM,INT)

Medical laboratory scientists work in the pathology industry, generally in hospitals or in public or private laboratories. Graduates are also employed in allied heath (e.g. assisted fertility clinics) and public health laboratories. Graduates of this course may choose a role in a multidisciplinary setting or can specialise in an area of particular interest, or complete postgraduate studies for a career in research.

Professional recognition(DOM,INT)

This course is accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists and graduates will have completed the academic and work placement requirements for admission as a full member.

Depending on your employment, you will be eligible to apply for membership of various professional organisations including the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists, Australian Society of Microbiology, Australian Society of Cytology, Human Genetics Society of Australasia, Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand, Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion, and Australian Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

Possible careers

• Biochemist
• Cytologist
• Hospital Scientist
• Medical Scientist
• Microbiologist
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Pathology Scientist
• Research Scientist