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Build your career in the medical and healthcare professions through this adaptable Biomedical degree. Develop a solid foundation in human physiology, anatomy, new and emerging diseases and cell-molecular biology. Benefit from hands-on, practical learning with clear clinically-relevant experience right from your first year. Graduates go on to excel within the field of Biomedicine, or successfully continue into further professional degrees, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy and the medical rehabilitation sciences.

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Townsville

Townsville: February

$37,960.00⁺

⁺estimated annual tuition fee for a full-time study load

Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Scholarships and financial aid available if eligible

3 years full-time

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

English language requirements

Band 2

If your native language is not English, you must meet the minimum English language requirements for this course.

View the international entry requirements for this course

013347K

What to expect

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.

Career Opportunities

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.

Handbook

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: https://www.jcu.edu.au/professional-experience-placement/preparation-checklists

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: Demonstrate integrated theoretical and technical knowledge and skills, with depth in the underlying concepts and principles across the range of biomedical science disciplines Critically review, analyse, synthesise and apply scientific evidence and process to a range of social and economic contexts Apply recognised methods and tools of biomedical science to the process of enquiry and discovery Communicate scientific information and philosophies clearly and coherently through well-developed English language and numeracy proficiency, to a range of audiences for a range of purposes using a variety of modes Demonstrate personal and social responsibility and accountability through an awareness of ethical frameworks, by working safely and responsibly in individual and team environments Critically reflect upon the socio-ecological impact of health issues in tropical, rural and remote and indigenous communities Reflect on current skills, knowledge and attitudes, in order to plan and implement ongoing personal and professional development needs

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
Microbiology and Immunology	JCU Townsville
Molecular and Cell Biology	JCU Townsville
Physiology and Pharmacology	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 requisites	Nil
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s)	No
Special assessment requirements	Nil
Professional accreditation requirements	Nil
Supplementary exam for final subject	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 testamur	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

Fees and scholarships

Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD37,960.00

Courses are charged per year of full-time study. International course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.

A Student Services and Amenities Fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.

Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Student Visa (except Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens). Costs depend on the length of study and the number of dependants accompanying the student. For more information see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.

Pathways to JCU

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.

How to apply

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.

Gather the documents you need to apply and submit an application via JCU's online application portal.

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.
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.
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.
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.