Master of Biomedical Sciences

Information valid for students commencing in 2015.

Course code	75004
Version	2
Course type	Masters Degree (Coursework) (AQF Level 9)
Division	Tropical Health and Medicine

Award Requirements

Course Structure

Admission Requirements

Course pre-requisites	Completion of an AQF level 7 Bachelor Degree in a biomedical science or cognate science discipline; or equivalent.
Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements	Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.
Additional selection requirements	Nil
Post admission requirements	Hepatitis B immunisation: Students must provide evidence of being immune to hepatitis B within the first teaching period of their studies. A blood-borne viral disease may result in a student’s inability to obtain a placement in a Queensland Health facility and consequently may result in their inability to complete the requirements of the course as accredited by the relevant professional accrediting body. If a student has not complied with the above requirement by the last day of the first teaching period of their studies, their enrolment will be terminated immediately.

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

Credit points	36 credit points
Additional course rules	Nil
Additional completion requirements	Nil
Course learning outcomes	Biomedical Science examines how the body works and investigates ways to treat diseases using advanced tools and strategies. It covers the fields of biochemistry, microbiology, physiology and anatomy with the aim of improving health outcomes for humans and animals in tropical, rural and remote and indigenous communities. Graduates of the Masters of Biomedical Sciences will be able to: Apply and adapt advanced and integrated knowledge, including an understanding of recent developments, in the area of biomedicine and related professional competencies, behaviours and ethical frameworks Apply an integrated understanding of biomedical science and its application to improve human and animal health in rural, remote and indigenous community settings Analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in new situations or contexts with creativity and independence Demonstrate a high level of personal autonomy and accountability for their own future professional development through reflection on current skills, knowledge and attitudes in the biomedical science arena Interpret and justify scientific propositions, methodologies and conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences through high level written and oral communication and numeracy skills Plan and execute or critically evaluate a substantial body of novel research with a large degree of independence.

Course Structure

CORE SUBJECTS

BC5101:03 Genes, Genomes & Development

BC5201:03 Biotechnology

MI5021:03 Advanced Clinical Microbiology

MI5051:03 Mechanisms of Infectious Diseases

PP5101:03 Advanced and Integrated Physiology

PP5151:03 General Pathobiology

OPTIONS

Select 18 credit points from one of the option lists below. Variations may be approved after discussions with the Director of Research Training.

Option A: Biochemistry

BC5102:03 Advanced Cell Biology

BC5202:03 Special Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

BC5312:12 Research and Dissertation in Biochemistry

Option B: Microbiology and Immunology

MI5101:03 Microbiology and Immunology Dissertation Part 1 of 2

MI5102:03 Microbiology and Immunology Dissertation Part 2 of 2

MI5301:06 Independent Project 1 of 2

MI5302:06 Independent Project Part 2 of 2

Option C: Physiology and Pharmacology

MI5061:03 Advanced Immunology

PP5002:03 Literature Review

MI5101:03 Microbiology and Immunology Dissertation Part 1 of 2

MI5102:03 Microbiology and Immunology Dissertation Part 2 of 2

PP5201:03 Contemporary Research in Physiology

PP5251:03 Systemic Pathophysiology and Therapeutics

Campus

COURSE AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
Townsville

Candidature

Expected time to complete	18 months full-time or equivalent part-time
Maximum time to complete	6 years
Maximum leave of absence	2 years

Progression

Course progression requisites	Nil
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s)	No
Special assessment requirements	Nil
Accreditation requirements	Nil
Maximum allowed Pass Conceded (PC) grade	Nil
Supplementary exam for final subject	Not applicable

Advanced Standing

Eligibility	Students may apply for exemption for previous tertiary study where appropriate in accordance with the Advanced Standing and Articulation policy and associated procedures.
Maximum allowed	18 credit points, except where a student transfers from one JCU award to another, then advanced standing may be granted for more than two-thirds of the new award, where there is subject equivalence between the awards (eg up to 24 credit points for Graduate Diploma of Biomedical Sciences)
Currency	Advanced standing will be granted only for subjects completed in the 6 years prior to the commencement of this course
Expiry	Advanced standing gained for any subject shall be cancelled 12 years after the date of the examination upon which the advanced standing is based if, by then, the student has not completed this course
Other restrictions	Not applicable

Award Details

Award title	MASTER OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
Approved abbreviation	MBiomedSc
This is a joint degree	No
Inclusion of majors on testamur	Not applicable - this course does not have majors
Exit with lesser award	Students who exit the course prior to completion, and have completed 12 credit points of appropriate subjects, may be eligible for the award of Graduate Certificate of Biomedical Sciences, OR students who exit the course prior to completion, and have completed 24 credit points of appropriate subjects, may be eligible for the award of Graduate Diploma of Biomedical Sciences
Course articulation	Not applicable