Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Townsville: February, July
Fees
$8,301.00+
+estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Duration
3 years full-time
or part-time equivalent
3.5 years full-time for mid-year entry
Entry Requirements
ATAR 65.4
English (Units 3/4,C), Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4,C), Chemistry (3/4,C)
Recommended Knowledge
One of Biology, Health, Physical Education or Physics
QTAC Codes
- 316071
Course detail
Explore the relationship between medicine and science with Biomedical Science. From molecular to whole-body systems, you’ll get an in-depth look at a vast array of topics within the fields of biology, chemistry, microbiology and more. JCU’s unique focus on Tropical health and disease management will ensure a hands-on, practical learning experience like no other.
This three-year degree will prepare you to work across a diverse range of healthcare professions. Use a degree in biomedical science as a starting point for a career in medicine, pharmacy, veterinary science, scientific research and more. Those passionate about remaining in the field may pursue interests within the medical or clinical sciences across pathology, cardiac, respiratory, infectious disease, sleep or renal physiology.
Learn the fundamentals of genomics and how genes work, microbiology-infectious disease, biochemistry, physiology and more. Develop skills in medical laboratory practice, including the areas of venepuncture, advanced microscopy, histology, molecular techniques and advanced instrumentation. You’ll benefit from the opportunity to develop your diagnostic skills and understand the development of a variety of emerging viral and bacterial diseases.
Progress your understanding as you move from basic principles to an advanced focus on genomic development and integrated physiology. Examine the functions of the human body in-depth and expand your communication and research skills to form a comprehensive skillset that form the basis for a wide range of career options.
Benefit from the expertise of passionate lecturers and industry experts as you develop valuable work skills in in state-of-the-art laboratories, hospitals, and medical centres, both on- and off-campus. The Medical Laboratory Science (MedLab) optional career route offers clear practical training for those interested in working in medical diagnostic laboratories.
This flexible degree will set you on a pathway to finding the area of healthcare you are truly committed to. A Bachelor of Biomedical Science can act as that key springboard into a medical-related career.
View the Handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences.
Majors
You can choose from three different Biomedical Sciences majors. All majors are studied at JCU's Townsville campus.
Molecular and Cell Biology
Study and apply the theories of modelling natural systems, quantitative methods in science, molecular genetics, and cell biology. Consolidate and extend your knowledge by studying the molecular basis of disease, bioengineering and bioinformatics.
Choose from specified elective subjects to further develop your interests, including the option of completing an advanced research project.
Microbiology and Immunology
Gain the skills and knowledge in the theories of epidemiology, molecular genetics, cell biology, and advanced immunobiology. Extend your knowledge by understanding and analysing the theories of infectious diseases and tropical microbes.
Choose from specified elective subjects to further develop your interests. Graduates majoring in microbiology can apply for membership of the Australian Society of Microbiology.
Physiology and Pharmacology
Advance your understanding of the theories of epidemiology, molecular genetics, cell biology and pathobiology, and choose from specified elective subjects.
Gain the knowledge and skills to understand and apply pathophysiology and therapeutics theory. In your third year, you will consolidate and extend your knowledge and skills by designing and completing a research project.
Honours
If you're a high-achieving student you may be offered the opportunity to study for a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Honours) degree. This consists of extra study and the development of a personal research project and thesis. An Honours degree is usually required for entry to research higher degrees.
Refer to the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Honours) Handbook to learn more. Complete an application through our Online Application Portal.
JCU Biomedical Sciences graduates are broadly-skilled scientists who have the flexibility to be employed in a variety of industries.
Graduates pursue careers in various areas including laboratory support in the medical or clinical sciences as pathology assistants, cardiac, respiratory, sleep or renal physiologists. Further study could take you into public health, health promotion, media, education, law, or research.
You could find employment as a research assistant, laboratory technician, scientific journalist, teacher, or patent lawyer. Additionally, go on to study the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Honours) to undertake a research career, a Graduate Diploma in Medical Science (Clinical Science) to work as a Clinical Scientist or choose to apply for graduate entry into medicine, veterinary science, physiotherapy, dentistry, or other health sciences.
Entry score threshold
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2022. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in June each year. Meeting the threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
ATAR/Selection Rank: 65.40
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences for Semester 1, 2022. The table includes offers deferred to Semester 1, 2022 which may have been assessed using the entry score threshold of an earlier year.
JCU Townsville
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 99.45 | 99.95 |
Median | 91.5 | 97.77 |
Lowest | 69.85 | 77.85 |
Notes:
<5 – indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers made.
* Refer to Adjustment Factors
Find out more about who you might study with by viewing this course’s student profile.
Adjustment factors
James Cook University applies bonus ranks under the Regional Preference Scheme and QTAC’s Educational Access Scheme (EAS). Learn more about JCU’s adjustment factors.
Handbook year | Information valid for students commencing in 2023 |
Course code | 116910 |
Course type | Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) |
Owner | Academy |
College | Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences |
Award Requirements
Admission Requirements
Course pre-requisites | English (Units 3/4,C), Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4,C), Chemistry (Units 3/4,C) Recommended: one of Biology, Health, Physical Education or Physics (Units 3/4,C) |
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 | Information published by JCU or otherwise made available to students when applying, may specify additional criteria to be considered in ranking applicants in order of merit if the number of applications exceeds a quota or other limit on the places made available for the course. Information provided by applicants during the application process and any other information obtained by JCU in the application process may be used by JCU to rank applicants in order of merit by reference to those additional criteria. |
Post-admission requirements | This course may have specific admission requirements such as immunisation, a Suitability to Work with Children card, a federal police check and/or other conditions that students must comply with. Students must complete all professional experience placement requirements by the prescribed deadlines and maintain currency of these requirements in order to stay admitted in the course.
You will find your course requirements here: |
Academic Requirements for Course Completion
Credit points | 72 credit points as per course structure |
Course learning outcomes | On successful completion of Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, graduates will be able to:
|
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements | Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences. |
Reasonable adjustments | All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure. |
Course Structure
CORE SUBJECTS
Level 1
Teaching Period 1
BM1000:03 Introductory Biochemistry and Microbiology
BM1001:03 Introduction to Biomedicine
BM1002:03 Anatomy: Principles and Systems
CH1001:03 Chemistry: A Central Science
Teaching Period 2
BM1004:03 Anatomy and Physiology 2
CH1002:03 Chemistry: Principles and Applications
Level 2
Teaching Period 1
BC2013:03 Principles of Biochemistry
MI2011:03 Microbial Diversity
PP2101:03 Medical Physiology I
Teaching Period 2
MI2021:03 Introductory Infectious Diseases and Immunobiology
PP2201:03 Medical Physiology 2
Level 3
Teaching Period 1
BC3101:03 Genes, Genomes and Development
MI3021:03 Clinical Microbiology
PP3101:03 Advanced and Integrated Physiology
PLUS
Select a major from Table A
TABLE A (Majors)
Type of major | Mandatory, Single |
Credit points in major | 30 credit points |
Major | Available at | Notes |
JCU Townsville | ||
JCU Townsville | ||
JCU Townsville |
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Townsville | Mid-year entry available (Please note students will complete the course in 3.5 years when starting mid-year) |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time |
Maximum time to complete | 7 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 1 year |
Progression
Course progression | Nil |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | No
|
Special assessment | Nil |
Professional accreditation | Nil |
Supplementary exam for | Not applicable |
Credit
Eligibility | Students may apply for credit transfer for previous tertiary study in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure |
Maximum allowed | 48 credit points |
Currency | Credit will be granted only for subjects completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course |
Expiry | Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 17 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 | A maximum of 9 credit points of credit may be granted at level 3 |
Award Details
Award title | BACHELOR OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES |
Approved abbreviation | BBiomedSc |
Inclusion of majors on | Any major may appear on the testamur |
Exit with lesser award | Students who have completed 24 credit points of their course award requirements, and withdraw from or fail to meet the requirements for progression in the later years, may be eligible for the award of Diploma of Tertiary Studies. Students who have completed 48 credit points of their professional course award requirements, and withdraw from or fail to meet the requirements for progression in the later years, may be eligible for the award of Associate Degree of Health Sciences. |
Course articulation | Not applicable |
Special awards | Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure |
Honours
Honours availability | Available as a separate graduate entry course |
Eligibility | Students must satisfy the College requirements relating to the standard of academic achievement necessary to proceed to the honours degree |
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD8,301.00
A Student Services and Amenities fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
An ATAR is the score required for entry into most undergraduate courses. If you are not a Year 12 school leaver or do not have an ATAR, you can be assigned an equivalent score. Scores are calculated from previous study that you might have completed, either secondary, tertiary or vocational, or previous paid employment experience.
JCU offers pathway courses to help you move into a degree. Pathway courses provide you with an individualised study plan and specialised support as you transition to university.
Contact us to find out more.
Successful applicants require Hepatitis B immunisation, current Queensland First Aid and CPR certificates before undertaking a placement. These requirements need to be completed by the end of your first semester/teaching period. Visit Professional Experience Placement for further information.
Note the course QTAC code for the location you've chosen. You'll need to enter it as part of your QTAC application.
Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.
ATAR score is indicative only. Entry scores will be finalised in the major offer round.
Real stories
-
Student
Mitchell Hearn
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
If you’re into science, if you’re into helping people, if you want to further research in microbiology and immunology, definitely get into biomedical science. It’s awesome.
-
Alumni
Jessica Scott
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
Undertaking a bachelor's in biomedical sciences was a worthwhile experience, to say the least! It is a degree that has fostered my curiosity and learning and provided extensive, complementary laboratory skills and techniques. The lecturers and supporting staff genuinely have your best interest at heart.
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Alumni
Rhys Gillman
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences graduate and Master of Philosophy Candidate
JCU was the obvious choice for my tertiary education, as it offered leading education in Biomedical Sciences, and is taught by real research scientists! Completing this course seamlessly led me to a postgraduate education under the same researchers who had taught and inspired me.
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International Student - India
Medha Chaturvedi
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
I have always dreamt of becoming a research scientist in microbiology, and this degree is the key to reach my goal. My main focus has always been microorganisms and I get to work in PC2 labs which involves the efficient handling of microorganisms. I’ve had the most amazing lecturers and peers, as well.
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Lecturer
Dr Hillary Vanderven
Immunology/Infectious Disease
What I love about the Bachelor of Biomedicine is that students get hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories from their very first year of study. Our students learn practical, broadly applicable skills, allowing them to transition into a variety of exciting research and health professions.