Bachelor of Biomedical Research (Honours)

University of South Australia

About

This honours degree is for students who have successfully completed a relevant bachelor degree in areas including pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, nutrition and food sciences, natural sciences, laboratory medicine or medical science.

You will develop and extend your research skills and specialist knowledge in the areas of biomedical, pharmaceutical, biological and chemical sciences.

As part of this degree you will complete an advanced research project, which you will present at the end of your studies.

This project will demonstrate your ability to collate data, prepare a thesis, reference, publish and present.

This practical experience will expand your knowledge and prepare you for a career in research or further studies, such as a PhD.

Our Honours Research Book contains more information on potential supervisors and their research interests and activities.

Structure

Course name Area and cat no Units Reference Rules
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Honours Biomedical Research A BIOL 4015 18 Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Honours Biomedical Research B BIOL 4014 18

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Candidates for admission must have successfully completed a recognised bachelor degree in biomedical, pharmaceutical, nutrition or natural sciences or equivalent qualification, with at least a credit average.

Additional Entry Requirements Applicants must contact the Program Director by email at CHS-Research@unisa.edu.au, within 10 working days of submitting an application to SATAC to discuss program requirements and possible supervisors and research projects.

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Learning outcomes

You will have the opportunity to work closely with researchers and will contribute to the development of knowledge in your area of specialisation. You will gain transferable skills such as research training, reporting, communication and presentation skills, data analysis and high-level project management skills.

During the first six months you will explore research methodologies and develop the skills required to prepare research hypotheses and proposals. You will also gain an awareness of ethical research.

During the final six months you will be required to analyse, understand and contextualise your research results. You will then prepare a written thesis and present your findings during a research seminar.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

Our strong links with several internationally-renowned research groups, as well as the UniSA Cancer Research Institute and Centre for Cancer Biology means you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced industry professionals and award-winning researchers and academics. This is a great opportunity for you to build important relationships and networks, which may be vital to your career progression after graduation.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Your career

Graduates are highly qualified to embark on a career in research.

You may gain employment in:

  • university laboratories, hospital laboratories or research institutes as a laboratory research assistant or technician
  • quality control and production for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies
  • specialised roles in the pharmaceutical and laboratory supplies sector.

You may also decide to continue your education with a Doctor of Philosophy or Masters by Research degree.

Applying to study with us:

  • check you meet the full entry requirements for this program
  • go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
  • you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

You will have access to:

  • on-campus laboratories
  • facilities used by several internationally-renowned research groups, the UniSA Cancer Research Institute and Centre for Cancer Biology

Institution