Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Course information for - 2024 entry

Offered at 3 locations

Duration
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
084789G
IELTS
6.5 overall score (with a minimum score of 6.0 in all bands)
Fees (first year)*
$26080
Start dates
February 2025, February 2026

Overview

Find the human body fascinating? Study a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at ACU and you’ll learn about the cause, nature, progression, and consequences of diseases, understand how they are diagnosed, and explore research aimed at their prevention and treatment. You'll also gain laboratory experience in areas such as chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, genetics, microbiology and immunology. You will have the opportunity to complete a major in physiological pharmacology or a minor in pharmacology by enrolling in this degree.

Professional experience

You will be required to complete 60 hours of community engagement and up to 105 hours of industry immersion.

Work placement

In biomedical science there are opportunities throughout the third year of the program to undergo up to 105 hours of industry immersion to develop knowledge and skills related to biomedical science careers.

Your workplace learning will require you to address an issue or problem of a biomedical or related nature over the course of your immersion experience. The problem will be defined in consultation with your Unit Coordinator and the industry contact, and you will undertake exploratory work to find a solution or answer to address the issue.

Previously, students have experienced placements in medical research centres and labs, such as Tom Mandel Islet Transplant Program and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and pharmaceutical companies, such as Bayer.

During placements, students have been involved in a variety of tasks such as managing and operating sensitive scientific equipment (e.g. PET scanners and microtome), they have conducted histology techniques on various types of tissues, sample preparation and embedding. Students have honed their communication skills for the purpose of scientific writing and consumer medical information.

Visit the faculty’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) webpage to view opportunities in biomedical science.

Community engagement

Community engagement gives you the opportunity to work within society to enhance the dignity and wellbeing of people and the community. You will volunteer at a selected public sector or non-profit organisation supporting disadvantaged individuals and families experiencing socially determined health issues.

Careers

The course prepares graduates for work as:

  • research scientists
  • pharmaceutical scientists
  • clinical trial coordinators
  • clinical trials researchers
  • scientific journalists and writers
  • technical officers or laboratory assistants


 Graduates have pursued careers in:

  • pharmaceutical and medical technology industries
  • health regulation
  • health education
  • patient advocacy
  • consumer health program development
  • hospitals and public health
  • science communication
  • academic research
  • medical marketing and sales

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

No Major or Minor - Commencing Semester 1

  • Specified Units List ABIOL123Cells and Tissues - the Fabric of Life10 cp
  • Specified Units List ABIOL125Human Biology 110 cp
  • Specified Units List ACHEM105Foundations of Chemistry10 cp
  • Specified Units List ABMSC102Numerical Reasoning10 cp
  • Specified Units List ABMSC110Communicating Ideas in Science10 cp
  • Specified Units List ABIOL126Human Biology 2

    (Pre: BIOL125)

    10 cp
  • Specified Units List ACHEM106Physical and Organic Chemistry

    (Pre: CHEM125)

    10 cp
  • Specified Units List ABMSC100Introductory Biostatistics10 cp

All units are delivered in campus attendance mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Physiological Pharmacology Major - Commencing Semester 1

All units are delivered in campus attendance mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Pharmacology Minor - Commencing Semester 1

All units are delivered in campus attendance mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Transition from Diploma in Biomedical Science - Commencing Semester 1

Year 1 shows the Course Map as completed as part of the Diploma in Biomedical Science.

All units are delivered in campus attendance mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map. 

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Additional course information

Classes

Class sizes: Your class size will depend on the unit you are studying and if that unit is taught across different degrees. The tutorial, lab and workshop class sizes are normally capped at 24 students. When content delivered needs to be monitored more closely, a teaching assistant will be present in the classroom.

Contact hours: Most units will require you to attend three to five hours of classes in the form of a lecture, tutorial, lab or workshop on campus.

Some of these (e.g. lectures) may be online, and you will be required to watch, read and listen to materials provided as an alternative to attending face-to-face classes.

Therefore, if you are a full-time student taking four units in a semester, that will add up to 4 x units by 5 hours (maximum) = 20 hours required on campus or engaging in content. You will also need to set aside dedicated time each week for study and preparation of assessment tasks.

Sample Assessments

Each unit has three assessments per semester. Assessment tasks include video presentations, group work, hands-on practical tasks, online quizzes, and online or in-class written assignments.

If the unit has a final exam, it is counted as part of the three assessments. Assessments have different weighting percentages towards your overall mark. A single assessment cannot be worth more than 50 per cent of your assessment total. The format of assessments is different for every unit and will be explained by your lecturer prior to the due date.

Overseas study available

The Faculty of Health Sciences has partners all over the world and continues to grow the international experience offerings in biomedical science.

There are opportunities to study the Core Curriculum abroad in Rome, Beijing, New York, or Leeds.

Read more about these opportunities

Entry requirements

View transparency admission information

International applicants

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

English language requirements

Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum score of 6.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (see English Language Proficiency).

Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.

Learn more about adjustment factors

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Pathways into course for international applicants

If you don’t currently meet the direct entry requirements for admission to your chosen program, don’t worry. Our range of pathway programs can help you build the language proficiency, academic skills and confidence you need to succeed.

Find out more about English language programs

Find out more about the ACU Foundation Studies program

Find out more about Diploma pathways

Further study

An honours year is available to meritorious students, with a grade point average of 5.5, who meet the admission requirements for the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours).

High-performing students will have the opportunity to gain a position on the facilitated interview pathway to the University of Notre Dame’s Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Sydney (T&Cs apply*).

*An ACU student must: (1) present a GPA greater than or equal to 6.0 over the entire program, (2) sit the GAMSAT test and achieve an overall GAMSAT score greater than or equal to 55, (3) complete the Casper situational judgement test, and (4) be ranked by Notre Dame in the top 5 of ACU's Biomedical Science applicants applying for the MD program who have not otherwise been offered an interview. An offer of interview does not guarantee an offer of entry into the program.

Further, this offer is exclusive to those students who have applied for the MD program through the Graduate Entry Medical School Admissions System (GEMSAS) and listed the Notre Dame School of Medicine, Sydney as their first preference.

Read about our postgraduate programs

Fees

Course costs

  • Unit fee: $3260
  • Average first year fee: $26080
  • Estimate total cost: $78240

The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.

Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.

Explore your options

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.

Search our scholarships

How to apply

International applicants

Brisbane

Apply through QTAC

QTAC code 115941

Direct application

Apply now

Information on the application procedure

International students undertaking an Australian Year 12 qualification should apply through the relevant tertiary admissions centre.

Deferment

Yes. See Defer your offer.

Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.

Staff Profile

Associate Professor Pre de Silva

Associate Professor, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences

Associate Professor Pre De Silva lectures in chemistry at our North Sydney Campus. She obtained her PhD from the University of Aberdeen (UK). Before joining ACU, she worked as a lecturer at the University of Ruhuna (Sri Lanka), as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Lancaster (UK), and then as a research scientist in the Manufacturing and Materials Division at CSIRO. Dr De Silva has extensive research experience in wider areas of chemistry, including novel biomaterials for bio-medical applications, utilisation of industrial wastes in the development of eco-friendly, low-carbon binders and carbon dioxide mineral sequestration.

Dr Santha James

Senior Lecturer, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences

Dr Santha James joined ACU with a rich multicultural experience of learning, teaching, curriculum development and research from institutions in India, Lesotho, South Africa and Australia. She is one of the founding members of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science programme and the combined degrees with Laws, Business and Applied Public Health. She led the course development and implementation as the National Course Coordinator for Biomedical Science from 2015 to 2019 and continues her contributions to teaching and curriculum development as Senior Lecturer in cell biology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and genetics. She believes in inspiring students through her continuing love of learning and research. Santha was awarded an ACU Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning for engaging students from diverse backgrounds in the science curriculum and inspiring them for critical thinking and lifelong learning through passionate and scholarly teaching. She continues to seek new knowledge regarding teaching and learning through her research into student learning styles and students’ acquisition of science concepts at ACU.

Testimonial

Ashley

“I have always had an interest in science and medicine. The Bachelor of Biomedical Science at ACU allowed me to study the subjects I enjoy, and there’s a wide range of career options for graduates. The small class sizes at ACU meant I got individual feedback and support from my lecturers. I got the most out of my time spent in class.”

Ashley
Biomedical science graduate
 

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