Course overview

Develop an in-depth understanding of human biology with the Bachelor of Biomedical Science and graduate with the skills and experience to play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases at molecular, cellular and systems levels. Expertise in biology and the science behind disease puts you in a position to make a real difference. Explore early diagnosis, disease progression and prognosis, and the role of pharmaceutical science in the treatment of disease and improved health.

You can customise your degree by choosing from a broad range of specialisations, enabling you to learn more about what you love and become an expert in your field of interest. Graduate ready for your future career through wide-ranging practical experiences. You will get hands-on training in our world-class laboratories, testing your findings in real-life biomedical settings and gain industry experience with 80 to 160 hours of work placement.

Want to make a real difference in people’s lives?

The flexibility of Deakin’s Bachelor of Biomedical Science gives you the freedom to pursue a rewarding career in health, medicine or science. You will build your fundamental knowledge of human biology and health and focus on one of six specialisations:

• environmental health
• infection and immunity
• medical biotechnology
• medical genomics
• molecular life sciences
• pharmaceutical science

Your chosen specialisation, along with three elective units and work placement experiences, enables you to tailor your degree to your unique passions and career aspirations., you will learn more about the biomedical science topics that matter to you, get more out of your qualification and enhance your employability once you graduate.

Everything you learn through this course is supported by practical and authentic experiences. Take the theory you learn in the classroom and apply it in our laboratory. Then take your observations from the lab and test them in real-life biomedicine settings through work placement opportunities.

You will obtain crucial industry experience through 80 to 160 hours of work placement. Not only will you be getting hands-on with the latest tools and facilities, you will also develop valuable professional networks and experience firsthand what it’s like to be a biomedical scientist.

The next generation of biomedical scientists need more than just technical prowess to adapt to an evolving industry. That’s why we’ve introduced career education to the curriculum. You will cover topics relating to career readiness and develop transferable soft skills, such as communication, critical thinking, problem solving, digital literacy and teamwork – everything you need to become a highly sought-after graduate and valued employee.

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, students must attain 24 credit points, which must include the following:

• Fifteen (15) core units (15 credit points), which includes a compulsory professional practice unit at level 3;
• At least one six (6) credit point approved major sequence from the list below;
• Three (3) credit points of elective units;
• Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
• Completion of SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit);
• Completion of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit);
• Level 1 – up to 10 credit points;
• Level 3 - at least 6 credit points.

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Additional course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Participation requirements

You may be required to complete units in Trimester 3 depending on your chosen major or campus. Please refer to the Handbook for unit offering patterns.

Work experience

You’ll gain practical experience by completing a minimum 80 hour (maximum of 160 hours) placement at a course-related host organisation to provide you with opportunities for workplace visits, field trips, industry learning and to establish valuable networks – giving you better insight into your possible career outcomes.

You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a discipline-specific industry placement as part of your course.

Recognition of prior learning

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit for prior learning.
Your Recognition of Prior Learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

Career outcomes

Graduates can confidently enter a range of health-related areas including:

• medical research
• genetic engineering
• the pharmaceutical industry
• pharmaceutical/medical sales
• laboratory technology.

You can also advance to honours or postgraduate studies, either in more specialised areas of biomedical science (which will enhance your professional development as a scientist), or in other disciplines including medicine (which will complement your scientific training and broaden your career opportunities).