Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Course code K05

Boost your CV with a unique study experience
Study Biomedical Science in Perth and in the UK with ECU's and the University of Portsmouth's unique dual degree. Get two qualifications in only 4 years full-time and a fantastic international experience.
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About this Course
Biomedical science is a continually changing, dynamic field with long-term career prospects, including roles in management, research, education and specialised laboratory work.
Biomedical scientists focus on how cells, organs and systems function in the human body. Their work is an important element in our understanding and treatment of human diseases.
This course introduces a broad range of theory, including studies in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, biochemistry and biomedical ethics, while giving you extensive practical experience in cutting edge laboratories, located in our purpose-built $50m Science building.
As a Biomedical Science graduate, you can also continue on to specialise in one of these fields: medical science, medical microbiology, genetics, haematology, histopathology, anthropology, cytology, human biology, immunology, medicine, nutrition science, biochemistry, data science, clinical chemistry or evolutionary medicine.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code K05
Entry requirements
70 Indicative ATAR
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $8,750
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
---|---|---|
Joondalup | FT PT | FT PT |
Mount Lawley | ||
South West | ||
Online |
Timetable
This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
About this Course
Biomedical science is a continually changing, dynamic field with long-term career prospects, including roles in management, research, education and specialised laboratory work.
Biomedical scientists focus on how cells, organs and systems function in the human body. Their work is an important element in our understanding and treatment of human diseases.
This course introduces a broad range of theory, including studies in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, biochemistry and biomedical ethics, while giving you extensive practical experience in cutting edge laboratories, located in our purpose-built $50m Science building.
As a Biomedical Science graduate, you can also continue on to specialise in one of these fields: medical science, medical microbiology, genetics, haematology, histopathology, anthropology, cytology, human biology, immunology, medicine, nutrition science, biochemistry, data science, clinical chemistry or evolutionary medicine.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code K05
CRICOS code 059125M
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $41,750
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
---|---|---|
Joondalup | FT | FT |
Mount Lawley | ||
South West | ||
Online |
Timetable
This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
One or more of the majors in this course has admission requirements. Refer to the major for more information.
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
One or more of the majors in this course has admission requirements. Refer to the major for more information.
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup
Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup
Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup
Course Structure
Students are required to complete 16 core units and an 8 unit supplementary program consisting of: an 8-unit Major; or a 6-unit Minor plus 2 Elective units. Major, Minor and Elective choices should be discussed with the Course Coordinator before enrolling into units.
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
SCH1101 | Society, Culture, and Health | 15 |
MHS1101 | Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 15 |
SCH1133 | Human Genetics | 15 |
Select 1 unit from: | ||
MAT1114 ^ | Introductory Statistics | 15 |
SCC1123 ^ | Chemistry for the Life Sciences | 15 |
Note: Students with Chemistry ATAR of 50 or greater are advised to take MAT1114. Students with no Chemistry or Chemistry ATAR less than 50 must take additional Chemistry and enrol in SCC1123.
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
SCH1104 | Introduction to Pathophysiology | 15 |
SCC1226 | Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry | 15 |
MHS1102 | Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 15 |
SCH1132 | Human Evolution and Ecology | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
SCH2235 | Applied Microbiology | 15 |
SCH2232 | Medical Biochemistry | 15 |
Unit from Supplementary Program | Two (2) units from selected Major or Minor | 30 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
SCH2111 | Applied Physiology | 15 |
SCH2141 | Advanced Biomedical Techniques | 15 |
Unit from Supplementary Program | Two (2) unit from selected Major or Minor | 30 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
SCH3145 | Biomedical Ethics | 15 |
MMS3500 | Professional Practice In Biomedical Science | 15 |
Students will select two (2) units from: | ||
MMS3101 ^ | Evolutionary Perspectives on Health and Disease | 15 |
SCH3227 ^ | The Biology of Human Disease | 15 |
SCH3434 ^ | Human Reproduction, Development and Ageing | 15 |
SCH3244 ^ | Developmental Biology | 15 |
SCH3223 ^ | Medical Genetics | 15 |
MMS3115 ^ | Histopathology and Applied Histotechniques | 15 |
And | ||
Unit from Supplementary Program | Four (4) units from selected Major or Minor/Elective combination | 60 |
^ Core Option
K05|9
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookMajors you can study in this course
Course notes
Important course notes
-
MMS3500 Professional Practice in Biomedical Science - Students will complete a minimum of 100 hours of unpaid placement outside of the timetabled class activities.
-
MMS3500 Professional Practice in Biomedical Science: Students will complete a minimum of 100 hours of unpaid work placement.
In this final-year unit, students gain work experience that aligns with their chosen field of biomedical science specialisation, to broaden their industry networks and develop graduate capabilities. Students may undertake a range of supervised activities in clinical, laboratory, professional or simulated settings, to build familiarity with authentic workplace environments, apply critical thinking to assist decision-making and further develop discipline knowledge and capabilities.
Attendance requirements
Students will need to complete a minimum of 100 hours of unpaid placement outside of the timetabled class activities.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
Mandatory risk and health requirements must be met as part of this unit. A person may not be able to complete the unit if they do not meet the health and/or risk management requirements of the University and/or host external placements. Students are required to complete risk management protocols as part of this unit, as appropriate. Students may be required to submit certain reports to ECU including (but not limited to) a first aid certificate, a National Police Clearance, Working with Children Card, immunisation records and other certifications. The costs of clearances are borne by the student, and fees are set by the relevant agencies. These records must be satisfactory to the University, relevant host or regulatory authority.
A placement host may have vaccination and other requirements, including vaccination against Covid-19 unless you have a medical exemption. Please consider this requirement before enrolling in this Course and speak with the Course Coordinator if this raises any concerns. You may not be able to complete placement units if you are unable to meet the placement requirements, which may impact your ability to complete this course.
Professional practice rules
Students are expected to follow guidelines for ethical principles and professional behaviour, including confidentiality requirements of the University and relevant host.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical biomedical situations.
- Think critically to analyse, interpret and conceptualise complex biomedical problems.
- Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate discipline specific responses.
- Use digital technologies and literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
- Communicate disciplinary knowledge and values in professional and public contexts.
- Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competence.
- Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values.
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional practice.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup
Course Structure
Students are required to complete 16 core units and an 8 unit supplementary program consisting of: an 8-unit Major; or a 6-unit Minor plus 2 Elective units. Major, Minor and Elective choices should be discussed with the Course Coordinator before enrolling into units.
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
SCH1101 | Society, Culture, and Health | 15 |
MHS1101 | Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 15 |
SCH1133 | Human Genetics | 15 |
Select 1 unit from: | ||
MAT1114 ^ | Introductory Statistics | 15 |
SCC1123 ^ | Chemistry for the Life Sciences | 15 |
Note: Students with Chemistry ATAR of 50 or greater are advised to take MAT1114. Students with no Chemistry or Chemistry ATAR less than 50 must take additional Chemistry and enrol in SCC1123.
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
SCH1104 | Introduction to Pathophysiology | 15 |
SCC1226 | Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry | 15 |
MHS1102 | Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 15 |
SCH1132 | Human Evolution and Ecology | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
SCH2235 | Applied Microbiology | 15 |
SCH2232 | Medical Biochemistry | 15 |
Unit from Supplementary Program | Two (2) units from selected Major or Minor | 30 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
SCH2111 | Applied Physiology | 15 |
SCH2141 | Advanced Biomedical Techniques | 15 |
Unit from Supplementary Program | Two (2) unit from selected Major or Minor | 30 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
SCH3145 | Biomedical Ethics | 15 |
MMS3500 | Professional Practice In Biomedical Science | 15 |
Students will select two (2) units from: | ||
MMS3101 ^ | Evolutionary Perspectives on Health and Disease | 15 |
SCH3227 ^ | The Biology of Human Disease | 15 |
SCH3434 ^ | Human Reproduction, Development and Ageing | 15 |
SCH3244 ^ | Developmental Biology | 15 |
SCH3223 ^ | Medical Genetics | 15 |
MMS3115 ^ | Histopathology and Applied Histotechniques | 15 |
And | ||
Unit from Supplementary Program | Four (4) units from selected Major or Minor/Elective combination | 60 |
^ Core Option
K05|9
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookMajors you can study in this course
Course notes
Important course notes
-
MMS3500 Professional Practice in Biomedical Science - Students will complete a minimum of 100 hours of unpaid placement outside of the timetabled class activities.
-
MMS3500 Professional Practice in Biomedical Science: Students will complete a minimum of 100 hours of unpaid work placement.
In this final-year unit, students gain work experience that aligns with their chosen field of biomedical science specialisation, to broaden their industry networks and develop graduate capabilities. Students may undertake a range of supervised activities in clinical, laboratory, professional or simulated settings, to build familiarity with authentic workplace environments, apply critical thinking to assist decision-making and further develop discipline knowledge and capabilities.
Attendance requirements
Students will need to complete a minimum of 100 hours of unpaid placement outside of the timetabled class activities.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
Mandatory risk and health requirements must be met as part of this unit. A person may not be able to complete the unit if they do not meet the health and/or risk management requirements of the University and/or host external placements. Students are required to complete risk management protocols as part of this unit, as appropriate. Students may be required to submit certain reports to ECU including (but not limited to) a first aid certificate, a National Police Clearance, Working with Children Card, immunisation records and other certifications. The costs of clearances are borne by the student, and fees are set by the relevant agencies. These records must be satisfactory to the University, relevant host or regulatory authority.
A placement host may have vaccination and other requirements, including vaccination against Covid-19 unless you have a medical exemption. Please consider this requirement before enrolling in this Course and speak with the Course Coordinator if this raises any concerns. You may not be able to complete placement units if you are unable to meet the placement requirements, which may impact your ability to complete this course.
Professional practice rules
Students are expected to follow guidelines for ethical principles and professional behaviour, including confidentiality requirements of the University and relevant host.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical biomedical situations.
- Think critically to analyse, interpret and conceptualise complex biomedical problems.
- Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate discipline specific responses.
- Use digital technologies and literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
- Communicate disciplinary knowledge and values in professional and public contexts.
- Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competence.
- Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values.
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional practice.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $8,750 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Biomedical science is a continually changing, dynamic profession with long-term career prospects, including management, research, education, the health industry, and specialised laboratory work.
Possible future job titles
Audiology, Biochemistry Technician, Haematology Technician, Histology Technician, Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Scientist, Medical Researcher, Research Officer, Nutritionist
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $41,750 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Biomedical science is a continually changing, dynamic profession with long-term career prospects, including management, research, education, the health industry, and specialised laboratory work.
Possible future job titles
Audiology, Biochemistry Technician, Haematology Technician, Histology Technician, Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Scientist, Medical Researcher, Research Officer, Nutritionist
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
Creative thinkers start here
Explore your options
Explore your options through the following media
Creative thinkers start here
Explore your options
Explore your options through the following media
Student stories
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Do you have any questions about the Bachelor of Biomedical Science?
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.