Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences - Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine

The Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences – Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine combines biomedical science and professional laboratory medicine training in a unique joint qualification completed in less than four years of full-time study.

Designed for students interested in health, disease, diagnostics and medical science, this innovative degree prepares you for a career as a medical laboratory scientist while providing the flexibility to pursue a range of future study and career pathways.

You'll develop a comprehensive understanding of human biology, pathology and disease processes while learning how laboratory science contributes to patient diagnosis, treatment and healthcare decision-making.

Your studies begin with a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and microbiology before progressing into specialised laboratory medicine training.

Along the way, you'll gain practical skills, research experience and exposure to real-world healthcare challenges affecting regional, tropical and global communities.

One of the key advantages of this degree is its flexibility. Students may complete the full program and graduate as a workforce-ready medical laboratory scientist or choose to exit after completing two years and two trimesters of full-time study with a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences.

This provides a pathway into postgraduate study in medicine, research, medical imaging, allied health and other health-related professions.

At JCU, you'll learn from internationally recognised researchers and industry experts working in areas including infectious diseases, tropical health, immunology, pathology and biomedical science.

Their research-led teaching ensures you graduate with contemporary knowledge and skills relevant to today's healthcare workforce.

Practical Experiences and Work-Integrated Learning

Practical learning is embedded throughout the degree from your first year of study.

More than 80 per cent of core subjects include hands-on laboratory training, allowing you to develop technical skills and confidence across disciplines including anatomy, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, physiology, histology and haematology.

As you progress through the course, you'll build expertise in laboratory techniques, scientific analysis, quality assurance and professional practice.

You'll also have opportunities to participate in research-focused learning, developing skills in experimental design, data analysis and scientific communication.

Students completing the full degree undertake 16 weeks of professional placement in accredited diagnostic and pathology laboratories across North Queensland and Australia.

These placements provide invaluable real-world experience, exposure to contemporary laboratory technologies and the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in clinical environments.

Many students establish industry connections through placement experiences, with placements frequently leading to employment opportunities after graduation.

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 - Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine.

Majors

Choose from three different majors, each designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to specialise in key biomedical fields, and all incorporating advances in informatics and data science. All majors are offered on campus at JCU Townsville.

Physiology and Pharmacology

Develop an advanced understanding of how the body's systems function and interact. Explore the physiological mechanisms that maintain health and investigate how drugs influence biological processes, disease prevention and treatment, equipping you to excel in numerous pharmacology roles.

Microbiology and Immunology

Study infectious diseases, host-pathogen interactions and immune responses. Learn how microorganisms affect human health while exploring contemporary diagnostic techniques used in laboratory medicine and disease management. Gain skills and knowledge in the theories of epidemiology, molecular genetics, microbiology and advanced immunobiology. Extend your knowledge by understanding and analysing the theories of infectious diseases and tropical microbes.

Molecular and Cell Biology

Study biology at the molecular and cellular level as you explore the origins of specific diseases and disorders. Develop knowledge and skills in the fields of cell biology, genetics, immunology and bioengineering. Discover emerging biotechnologies and gain insight into the scientific advances shaping the future of healthcare and biomedical research.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences – Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine are equipped with the knowledge, practical skills and professional experience needed to work across a wide range of healthcare, diagnostic and research settings.

As a medical laboratory scientist, you'll play a critical role in diagnosing disease, monitoring treatment, supporting clinical decision-making and improving patient outcomes.

Graduates are trained across multiple pathology disciplines and exceed the minimum requirements of the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS), preparing them to work as multi-skilled laboratory professionals in metropolitan, regional and rural healthcare settings.

This broad skill set is particularly valuable in regional and rural healthcare settings, where versatile laboratory professionals are in high demand.

Graduates can pursue careers in:

• Medical laboratory science
• Hospital and diagnostic pathology laboratories
• Medical and biomedical research
• Public health laboratories
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
• Clinical measurement and diagnostic services

Students who choose to exit early with a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences are well positioned to pursue further study and career pathways in medicine, medical research, medical imaging, clinical sciences, allied health, public health, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

For students interested in discovery and innovation, this flexible degree offers strong pathways into honours, master's and doctoral research programs.

Through exposure to research projects, advanced laboratory techniques and active research environments, graduates are well positioned to contribute to future advances in healthcare, biotechnology, tropical health and disease prevention.

Whether your goal is to work in a diagnostic laboratory, pursue medical research, enter a postgraduate health program or contribute to solving some of the world's most pressing health challenges, this degree provides the knowledge, practical experience and career flexibility to help you get there.

2027 Handbook is coming soon

A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.

Learn more about fees and financial support

JCU Prep provides a pathway into this course. Enrolling in this flexible program will enable you to meet entry requirements including subject pre-requisites and ATARs. Introductory academic subjects are also available to prepare you for tertiary study.

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.