Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Biomedical scientists study how the body works, investigate how disease or injury interferes with normal function, and develop new treatment strategies that help restore function.

Skilled in using a variety of cutting-edge technologies, biomedical scientists have been responsible for major health advances including the development of vaccines, antibiotics and stem cell therapies.

Domestic Students

International Students

Your Course

Year 1

You will undertake units covering chemistry, physics, anatomy, pathology and cell biology, providing a solid knowledge base for the topics covered later in the course. With QUT's practical approach to teaching, you will not only learn the theory, but gain a wealth of practical experience in state-of-the-art laboratories. You will also gain an introduction to the essential communication skills required for a career in the health and medical professions.

Year 2

You will have the option of choosing a major and two minors from five key biomedical scientific disciplines to align with your own career goals: anatomical sciences, cell and molecular biology, human biochemistry, human physiology and infectious diseases. You will have the opportunity to complement your studies by choosing a university wide set from a discipline outside of biomedical science, such as behavioural science, public health, human rights, entrepreneurship, mathematical sciences, international business or study a language. A minor is also available in Clinical Physiology which includes a 400 hour Clinical Physiology internship in which you will be placed in a hospital with professional clinical physiologists who will provide training in physiological instrumentation and measurement, recording, interpretation and reporting of clinical data. You will also have opportunities to gain real world experience as part of your course in Work Integrated Learning placements in biomedical research institutes and laboratories in the science industry.

Year 3

In the real world, the design and completion of successful research and/or business projects demand that individuals gather information, solve problems, work effectively as a part of a team and analyse and communicate results in a critical manner. Therefore each major in this course will culminate in a capstone unit which will require you to apply the knowledge and skills developed through your course. Capstone projects include human anatomical dissection, contemporary laboratory based research projects in biochemistry, physiology and cell and molecular biology, and diagnosis, characterisation and development of appropriate responses to an infectious disease outbreak scenario.

Course Design

The Bachelor of Biomedical Science comprises first-year studies in chemistry, physics, anatomy, pathology and cell biology, providing a solid knowledge base for the topics covered later in the course.  Units in the second and third years combine advanced studies with theoretical, practical, and problem-solving skills. Several units in the area of humanities and applied health are an integral part of the course.

The Bachelor of Biomedical Science provides the necessary knowledge and skills to enter a career in biomedical research, with integration of research design and implementation, scientific writing and communication and practical laboratory skills embedded through each year of the course.

Furthermore students will be well prepared to sit GAMSAT which is designed to evaluate mastery and use of concepts in basic science as well as the acquisition of more general skills in problem solving, critical thinking and writing. The Bachelor of Biomedical Science provides a solid grounding in GAMSAT testing areas: reasoning in humanities and social sciences, written communication, reasoning in biological and physical sciences (including chemistry, biology and physics).

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:

• Biology (Units 3 & 4, C)
• 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 93.00 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)

Our graduates are employed locally, nationally and overseas and work for research institutes, universities, hospitals and biotechnology companies. There are increasing opportunities in consultancy, science journalism and companies involved in the development and marketing of new diagnostic and treatment products. This course also provides a solid grounding for you to pursue postgraduate study in medicine and other health disciplines.

Graduates who complete the clinical physiology minor as part of their studies may also work as a sleep scientist, neuroscientist, respiratory scientist or cardiac scientist.

This course also provides a solid grounding for students wishing to pursue postgraduate study in medicine and allied health. Postgraduate study provides graduates with the opportunity to pursue leadership and management roles in biomedical science, and the knowledge and skills to operate their own research lab and create new products.

Professional recognition(DOM,INT)

Depending on the units selected in final year, graduates will be eligible for membership into one or more of the following organisations: Australian Society for Medical Research, Australian and New Zealand Society for Cell and Developmental Biology, Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Australian Association of Clinical Biochemists, Australian Society for Microbiology, Australian Neuroscience Society, The Endocrine Society of Australia, Society of Reproductive Biology, Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists, Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, and Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society.

Possible careers

• Biochemist
• Biomedical Laboratory Officer
• Biomedical Science Researcher
• Biotechnology Scientist
• Cardiac and Vascular Scientist
• Health Researcher
• Laboratory Assistant
• Laboratory Technician
• Medical Equipment Sales
• Medicine (after further study)
• Neurophysiologist
• Reproductive Technician
• Respiratory Scientist
• Scientist
• Sleep Scientist