Graduate Diploma of Biomedical Sciences
Graduate Diploma of Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical Sciences underpin human and veterinary medicine clinical practice. The field examines how the body and diseases work and investigates ways to restore health. Biomedical scientists have an understanding of medical biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, cell and molecular biology, anatomy, physiology, infectious diseases and neuroscience.
JCU’s Graduate Diploma of Biomedical Sciences is designed for graduates of science, biomedical science, veterinary science or related disciplines who want to specialise or upskill for a career in Biomedical research or in preparation for entry into a professional degree program such as Medical Laboratory Science or the Clinical Sciences.
Biomedicine at JCU is the only undergraduate program located in the tropics that is sufficiently innovative and multidisciplinary to provide students an employment edge in becoming biomedical scientists.
Part time available
Career opportunities
This course is for graduates of science, biomedical science, veterinary science or related disciplines who want to specialise in microbiology and immunology, physiology and pharmacology, molecular cell biology or medicinal chemistry and pharmacology. This is a flexible course allowing you to tailor your studies to suit your professional needs and interests.
There is a demand for Biomedical Scientists to:
- Conduct research
- Provide technical expertise with diagnostics, equipment or general laboratory support
- Sell equipment and supplies to laboratories
- Help determine health policies
- Help prepare future scientists by encouraging and developing a love of science in current students
Your career could see you working as a research assistant in university and hospital laboratories, biomedical research centres, the CSIRO, the Department of Primary Industries, or medical and pharmaceutical development companies. Honours and postgraduate studies in universities or research institutes could also be an option. Your work could include conducting research into cancer, stem cells, or viral diseases such as HIV-AIDS, the control of parasites, or drug research and development.
In addition, there is a demand for Biomedical Scientists to take up positions in:
- Diagnostic equipment and kit sales and marketing
- Health policy writing
- Health and scientific education
- Scientific writing and journalism
Course highlights
Studying for a Graduate Diploma of Biomedical Sciences at JCU is a wise choice. That's because you'll study with highly-awarded lecturers who care about your success, and who aim to ensure that you're job-ready when you graduate.
You'll study in laboratories where modern equipment mimics the technologies you'll find in the real world - and you'll learn techniques and skills that are valued by today's employers. You will have the option to major in your study interests giving you a high degree of flexibility and career choice.
- Purpose-built PC2 and PC3 microbiological teaching and research laboratories
- anatomy and biomedical science teaching and research laboratories, including housing for small, large and aquatic animals.
Course overview
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, pharmacology and anatomy with the aim of improving health outcomes for humans and animals tropical, rural and remote and indigenous communities.
This course is for graduates of science, biomedical science, veterinary science or related disciplines who want to specialise or up-skill in order to undertake further studies. This is a flexible course allowing you to tailor your studies to suit your professional needs and interests.
Important notice
You 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 your inability to obtain a placement in a Queensland Health facility and consequently may result in your inability to complete the requirements of the course as accredited by the relevant professional accrediting body. If you have not complied with the above requirement by the last day of the first teaching period of your studies, your enrolment will be terminated immediately.
How to apply
Complete an online application through our Online Application Portal.
Pathway into course
Consult the admission requirements section in the Handbook for prerequisites and pathways into this course.
Handbook
Graduate Diploma of Biomedical Sciences
Handbook year | 2020 |
Course code | 105106 |
Course type | Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8) |
Division | Division of Tropical Health and Medicine |
Award Requirements
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. |
Post admission | 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 | 24 credit points |
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 tropical, rural and remote and indigenous communities. Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Biomedical Sciences will be able to:
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Inherent Requirements
| Inherent Requirements | Inherent requirements are the fundamental abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to complete the learning outcomes of a course while preserving the academic integrity of the university’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes. Students and prospective students must be able to demonstrate that they have acquired or have the ability to acquire the inherent requirements for their degree. For more information refer to Inherent Requirements page. |
| Reasonable adjustments | Reasonable adjustments may be made to assist students manage additional circumstances impacting on their studies provided these do not change the academic integrity of a degree. Reasonable adjustments do not alter the need to be able to demonstrate the inherent requirements of the course. |
Course Structure
CORE SUBJECTS
BC5101:03 Advanced Genes, Genomes & Development
BC5201:03 Advanced Bioengineering
MI5021:03 Advanced Clinical Microbiology
MI5051:03 Mechanisms of Infectious Diseases
PP5101:03 Advanced and Integrated Physiology
PP5151:03 General Pathobiology
OPTIONS
Select 6 credit points (two subjects) from the list below. Variations may be approved after discussions with the Director of Research Training.
BC5102:03 Advanced Molecular Basis of Disease
BC5202:03 Advanced Laboratory Practice in Molecular and Cell Biology
MI5000:03 Clinical Epidemiology
MI5003:03 Diagnosis of Bacterial Diseases in Aquaculture
MI5031:03 Diagnosis of Viral Disease in Aquaculture
MI5061:03 Advanced Immunology
MI5071:03 Molecular Analysis and Epidemiology
PP5002:03 Literature Review
PP5005:03 Special Topics in Physiology
PP5055:03 Special Topics in Pharmacology
PP5201:03 Contemporary Research in Physiology
PP5251:03 Systemic Pathophysiology and Therapeutics
Campus
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
Townsville |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time |
Maximum time to complete | 4 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 1 year |
Progression
Course progression requisites | Nil |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | No |
Special assessment requirements | Nil |
Professional accreditation requirements | Nil |
Maximum allowed Pass Conceded (PC) grade | Nil |
Supplementary exam for final subject | Not applicable |
Credit
Eligibility | Students may apply for a credit transfer for previous tertiary study or informal and non-formal learning in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure. |
Maximum allowed | 12 credit points |
Currency | Credit will be granted only for subjects completed in the 6 years prior to the commencement of this course |
Expiry | Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 10 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed this course |
Other restrictions | Not applicable |
Award Details
Award title | GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES |
Approved abbreviation | GDipBiomedSc |
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 |
Course articulation | Students who complete this course are eligible for entry to the Master of Biomedical Sciences, and may be granted credit for relevant subjects completed under this course |
This website is intended as general guide. Prospective students should contact the university to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
