Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Townsville: February
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
4 years full-time
or part-time equivalent
Entry Requirements
ATAR 65.40
English (Units 3/4,C). Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4,C), Chemistry (Units 3/4,C)
Recommended Knowledge
One of Biology, Health, Physical Education or Physics (Units 3/4,C)
QTAC Codes
- 316121
Course detail
Modern medical practice and advancement relies on the work of medical laboratory scientists. Discover how medical and clinical research supports increased capacity for diagnosis, development of new treatments and improved pathology investigation. Be equipped to work at the forefront of healthcare research and make a difference to communities in tropical, rural, remote and Indigenous contexts.
In the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours), you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the relationship between microbiological, haematological and chemical testing in disease diagnosis across clinical and healthcare settings. You’ll explore many fields of medical science including microbiology, histology, molecular biology, haematology and transfusion science. Learn how to become a leader in healthcare contexts as you develop laboratory management, quality assurance and vital communication skills.
Your medical laboratory science studies equip you with both extensive theoretical and medical knowledge as well as practical research and laboratory-oriented abilities. Develop hands-on skills and master advanced diagnostic and research techniques through training in JCU’s world-class research centres such as the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine.
Put your theory into practice with placement opportunities in public hospitals and private laboratories in urban, rural and remote areas. Prepare for work in the real-world as you gain clinical and research training through working alongside expert professionals. You’ll discover firsthand the difference that medical laboratory science makes to individual patients and healthcare settings.
You will be qualified to work anywhere in Australia as this degree is fully accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).
Additional information
About JCU's Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
Make a difference in the field of medicine, working on the cutting-edge of treatment developments and early disease diagnosis. Prepare yourself for a rewarding career at the forefront of healthcare research with a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) from JCU.
Prepared for Anything
Be ready today for tomorrow with a world-class education and a degree accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists. Become eligible for the best jobs nationwide when you join AIMS, earning professional membership upon graduation. Prepare your CV for the workforce through practical placements in private laboratories, public hospitals and research settings both on and off the campus.
Gain mastery of the most advanced research techniques at JCU's world-class research centres, like the Centre for Molecular Therapeutics and the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine. Diversify your skills as you learn from some of the finest medical research minds, contributing to research that makes a difference in the lives of remote and rural populations.
A Medical Technologist School With A Solid Foundation for Success
Experience has no substitute, and it begins with a strong foundation in theory delivered in small class sizes by caring lecturers committed to student success. Gain a comprehensive understanding of how haematology, chemical testing, and microbiology interact in real-world settings.
Be ready to work in a range of areas with your comprehensive theoretical studies in histology, molecular biology and transfusion science and experience working in teams or as an individual. Prepare for work in the real world through authentic clinically relevant training by working professionals in your final year and placement in hospital and private medical laboratories in both urban and rural and remote settings. Develop your leadership skills with a strong understanding of laboratory management, quality assurance and through practical experience in communicating to a range of audiences
Study Medical Laboratory Science and Make a Difference
Take meaningful steps to improve the future of the world and study medical laboratory science in various cultural contexts. Make a difference to vulnerable communities as you develop expertise in tropical, remote, and rural medical research and see firsthand how pathology investigation can improve the lives of Indigenous communities.
Inspire positive change through your understanding of the challenges facing Australians' health and Australia's health care systems. Learn practical skills as you study under future-focused working medical students, researchers and network with fellow students, researchers, and industry professionals. Prepare for a career with global significance through a better understanding of tropical microbes, immunobiology and epidemiological studies and genetics and genomes.
A Rewarding Career
Find solutions to complex problems with a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) from JCU. Move beyond the foundational courses and learn specialised concepts of Clinical Biochemistry and histopathological techniques. Build your skills through clinical placements in the areas that interest you and then leverage those skills into a career at the forefront of diagnostic pathology.
Prepare yourself to innovate through laboratory research. Develop better interventions in private and public hospitals, or impact the health of the community as an advisor to government agencies. Build on the foundation of your medical technologist school degree with further education to enter academia and teach the next generation of scientists and researchers.
Change the Future by Studying Medical Laboratory Science
Master the advanced techniques you need to become a leading medical scientist. Build confidence in your skills through a strong theoretical foundation and practical experience, and open your future to a world of career opportunities with JCU.
Hide additional information
Consult the handbook for immunisation and certificate requirements and further information.
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 Medical Laboratory Science (Honours).
Honours
The Honours component of this degree is embedded into the course and involves a multi-disciplinary final year studying the professional clinical subjects (Haematology, Microbiology, Histology and Clinical Biochemistry) at an advanced (AQF8) level, with the opportunity to practice these skills while on placement. This ensures a smooth transition into the workplace as a medical laboratory scientist.
JCU Medical Laboratory Science graduates are at the forefront of rapidly advancing scientific work in diagnostic pathology particularly in regional and remote areas. Graduates are adept at providing advanced diagnostic capacity to support health care in these regions.
Graduates pursue careers in public and private hospitals, laboratories, clinics and government agencies. They seize opportunities across Australia and internationally.
As this degree is accredited with AIMS, you can become a Certified Medical Scientists (CMLS) and work in hospital and private diagnostic pathology laboratories. You may also find employment as a medical laboratory scientist in a variety of settings.
You may also choose to continue on with further coursework or higher degree research by study. You may choose to continue on with further coursework or higher degree research by study with the Master of Public Health.
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: 69.15
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) 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 | 85.42 | 91.6 |
Lowest | 73.85 | 80.1 |
Notes:
<5 – indicates less than 5 OP/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 | 70309 |
Course type | Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF Level 8) |
Professional accreditation status | This course is accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS). Graduates will be eligible to apply for professional membership with the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists. |
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. Students also need to take note that in accordance with the National Registration Board’s requirement, they must hold a valid IELTS (academic module) minimum score of 7.0 in all components within 2 years prior to applying for registration. |
| 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 | 96 credit points as per course structure |
Course learning outcomes | The Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) graduate 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 Medical Laboratory Science (Honours). |
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 and Physiology 1
CH1001:03 Chemistry: A Central Science
Teaching Period 2:
BM1003:03 Biomedicine in the Tropics
BM1004:03 Anatomy and Physiology 2
CH1002:03 Chemistry: Principles and Applications
HS1401:03 Health and Health Care in Australia
Level 2
Teaching Period 1:
HS2402:03 Health Professional Research 1
MI2011:03 Microbial Diversity
BC2013:03 Principles of Biochemistry
PP2101:03 Medical Physiology 1
Teaching Period 2:
BC2023:03 Molecular Genetics
PP2150:03 Introduction to Pharmacology or BC2024:03 Principles of Molecular Cell Biology
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
MI3061:03 Advanced Immunobiology
PP3151:03 General Pathobiology
Teaching Period 2:
MI3051:03 Mechanisms of Infectious Diseases
ML3102:03 Laboratory Management and Quality Assurance
PP3251:03 Systemic Pathophysiology and Therapeutics
Plus
Select 3 credit points of specified level 3 subjects:
AT3001:03 Advanced Anatomy by Dissection
BC3201:03 Bioengineering
BM3000:03 Advanced Projects in Biomedicine
MI3071:03 Molecular Analysis of Tropical Microbes
Level 4
Teaching Period 1:
ML5305:03 Advanced Immunohaematology
ML5307:03 Advanced Haematology 1
ML5308:03 Advanced Haematology 2
ML5303:03 Advanced Clinical Placement 1
Teaching Period 2:
ML5301:03 Advanced Clinical Biochemistry 1
ML5302:03 Advanced Clinical Biochemistry 2
ML5304:03 Advanced Clinical Placement 2
ML5309:03 Advanced Histology and Cytology Techniques
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Townsville |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
Maximum time to complete | 9 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 1 years |
Progression
Course progression requisites | Nil |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | Clinical placement/professional practice: This course includes prescribed professional or clinical placements. Students may be required to undertake such placements away from the campus at which they are enrolled, at their own expense (Note: health professional courses generally involve extensive professional or clinical placements). Further information about placements can be found at Coursework Enrolment Procedure. |
Special assessment requirements | Refer to Review of a Student’s Suitability to Continue a Course Involving Placement policy. |
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 | 63 credit points |
Currency | Credit will be granted only for studies completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course. |
Expiry | Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 21 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed the course of study prescribed for the degree. |
Other restrictions | A maximum of 18 credit points of credit may be granted at level 3 or 4. |
Award Details
Award title | BACHELOR OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE (HONOURS) |
Approved abbreviation | BMedLabSc(Hons) |
Inclusion of majors on testamur | Not applicable - this course does not have majors |
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. Students who exit the course prior to completion, and have successfully completed 72 credit points of appropriate subjects, may be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Physiology and Pharmacology). |
Course articulation | Not applicable |
Special awards | Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure |
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.
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
Blake Hughes
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
I first started Medical Laboratory Science with a keen interest in the broad range of subjects offered. This interest only increased when I stepped into the lab. The instruments and facilities available at JCU match those of a real medical laboratory, this helped me go into my placements with confidence and experience.
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Alumni
Jeremy Naughton
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
The lecturers, tutors and student mentors were nothing short of amazing; I honestly could not have graduated without their support. Not only did they deliver the material, they went above and beyond; emailing me to see how I was travelling with the degree and taking the time to sit with me one on one if required.
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Lecturer
Associate Professor Donna Rudd
Course Coordinator, Medical Sciences
Our focus within Biomedicine at JCU is developing a scientific health workforce for the region and remote areas. We train multidisciplinary scientists capable of working independently to provide a comprehensive service and support.
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Employer
Michael Wilhelm
Group Laboratory Manager, Pathology Queensland
The JCU MLS graduates are one of the most highly sought after Medical Scientists for employment in Diagnostic Pathology Services. We have many JCU scientists working for Pathology Queensland over a wide range of roles, ranging from entry level to operations manager.