Biomedical Science

If you enjoy science and its practical application, particularly in health care or related research, a degree in the Biomedical Sciences could be for you. You will study life processes to gain an understanding of how the human body works. You learn methods for diagnosing, analysing and treating disease together with a range of techniques used to unravel the complexity of the body.

Our program in the Biomedical Sciences provides an excellent foundation in biomedical sciences including a Bachelor degree which can lead to the opportunity for further study in a Graduate Diploma or coursework Master or research Master degree or, alternatively, you will have opportunity to complete a research Honours year leading to enrolment for a PhD. You will be taught by experts in the biomedical sciences and gain the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and investigate human biology and health.

You are able to include a variety of elective units which will give you a greater in-depth knowledge of one area of the biomedical sciences or strengthen your knowledge in other areas of science. The core program consists of units covering biology, anatomy, biochemistry, introductory chemistry, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, pharmacology, and physiology.

I wanted to study microbiology and/or botany but was working full time in Wollongong. UNE allowed me to study a double major in microbiology and botany by distance, while I worked. The intensive schools and assignments ensured I also got the hands-on experience I needed. I naturally progressed to complete my honours and then begin my PhD on-campus at UNE.

Dane Lyddiard - PhD in Human Biology

Why Study Biomedical Science at UNE?

Biomedical Science is a continually changing, dynamic profession with long-term career prospects including management, research, education and specialised laboratory work. Consequently it is important that students are taught by staff who are active in the field and can keep our courses up-to-date.

Our programs provide a multi-disciplinary education in the biomedical sciences in order to lead to graduate employment in biomedical research fields, and to postgraduate studies in the medical sciences, or graduate entry to medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy and other allied health professions. The course is about understanding the molecular and physiological mechanisms that underpin the human body and on understanding how diseases are manifested within the human body.

These courses have an emphasis on practical skills where you will get hands on experience as well as a good grounding in the theory. UNE has state of the art teaching laboratories and equipment such as clinical analysers, mass spectrometers, confocal microscope, and digital data recording equipment.

Biomedical Sciences - Relevant Study Areas

The following areas of study contribute to the Biomedical Sciences programs of study:

Courses

Undergraduate:

Bachelor of Biomedical Science
This course provides an integrated approach to examining contemporary issues in health and disease. You will gain an underpinning theoretical knowledge as well as practical laboratory experience in a range of discipline areas including anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, microbiology and molecular and cellular biology.

Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry/Biotechnology)
Bachelor of Science (Genetics)
Bachelor of Science (Microbiology)
Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience)
Bachelor of Science (Physiology)

These majors can be completed as single majors or as part of a double major combined with another major, for example Genetics and Biochemistry/Biotechnology or Physiology and Microbiology or Neuroscience and Psychology.

Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching)
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Science)

Bachelor of Scientific Studies
The course will provide you with basic skills and knowledge in a range of disciplines in science, including the Biomedical Sciences, through a coherent program of study. As a graduate you will have a broad scientific background to assist with future employment or to pursue further study.

Diploma in Science
The Diploma is designed to provide you with basic skills and knowledge in a range of disciplines in science through a coherent program of study.  As a graduate you will have a broad scientific background appropriate for further study or to assist with future employment in a range of areas requiring a knowledge of the basic sciences.

Postgraduate:

The Master degree includes three pathways:  Research, Clinical Experience and General with a core of units which, depending on the pathway you complete, cover similar topics to those available in the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma with the opportunity to complete a major research project requiring the submission of a thesis.

Graduate Certificate in Science (Biochemistry)
Graduate Diploma in Science (Biochemistry)
Master of Science Studies (Biochemistry)

You will be able to include a broad range of topics in both the Graduate Certificate and the Graduate Diploma such as medical and clinical biotechnology, plant physiology and anatomy, biological and organic chemistry, microbiology and drug technologies and new drug therapies with the opportunity to complete a small research project in the Graduate Diploma.

In the Master degree, the Biochemistry major covers similar topics to those available in the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma with the opportunity to complete a major research project requiring the submission of a thesis

Graduate Certificate in Science (Biomedical Science)
Graduate Diploma in Science (Biomedical Science)
Master of Scientific Studies (Biomedical Science)

The Biomedical Science major in both the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma covers topics such as clinical biochemistry and cell biology; drug technologies and new drug therapies; immunology and haematology; human physiology; and clinical microbiology and virology among others.   In the Graduate Diploma Yyou will also have the opportunity to complete a small research project.

The Biomedical Science major in the Master degrees covers similar topics to those available in the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma with the opportunity to complete a major research project requiring the submission of a thesis.

Graduate Certificate in Science (Genetics)
Graduate Diploma in Science (Genetics)
Master of Scientific Studies (Genetics)

For both the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma, the Genetics major includes topics such as genetic evaluation and breeding program design, genomic analysis and bioinformatics, biotechnology and advanced molecular biology, molecular ecology and forensic chemistry among others with the Graduate Diploma providing an opportunity for you to complete a small research project.

In the Master degree, the Genetics major covers similar topics to those available in the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma with the opportunity to complete a major research project requiring the submission of a thesis.

Graduate Diploma in Science (Health)

In the Health major, you will have the opportunity to study in a range of areas such as clinical microbiology and virology, immunology and haematology, human physiology plus human nutrition, neurobiology and neuroanatomy.  You will also have the opportunity to complete a small research project.

Graduate Certificate in Science (Neuroscience)
Graduate Diploma in Science (Neuroscience)
Master of Neuroscience

The Neuroscience major in the Graduate Certificate and the Graduate Diploma provides an opportunity for you to study topics such as neurobiology of developmental, cognitive and affective disorders; clinical neuroscience; understanding and changing human behaviour; human development; and clinical and neurobiological issues in disability management among others with the Graduate Diploma also providing the opportunity to complete a small research project.

The Master degree includes three pathways:  Research, Clinical Experience and General with a core of units which, depending on the pathway you complete, cover similar topics to those available in the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma with the opportunity to complete a major research project requiring the submission of a thesis.

Postgraduate by Research
Master of Science
Doctor of Philosophy

Careers

As a graduate from one of our programs in the Biomedical Sciences you will find a rewarding career as a medical scientist in hospitals, pathology and biotechnology laboratories; clinical physiologist in hospitals and in marketing for scientific supply and pharmaceutical companies.  If you are interested in a research career you may obtain employment in medical science research laboratories or, on completion of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science or one of the Biomedical Science majors in the Bachelor of Science, progress to further studies such as a Graduate Certificate or Diploma or a coursework Master.  Alternatively, you may wish to pursue Honours, a research Master degree or PhD within areas of Biomedical Sciences Research. A degree in the Biomedical Sciences provides you with the knowledge and information to seek entry into postgraduate medicine, pharmacy and other allied health programs such as physiotherapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications and background do I need to be able to enrol for one of the postgraduate courses in Science/Scientific Studies?

The basic qualification is an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification plus you must be able to demonstrate you have the minimum assumed knowledge required, as specified in the individual Admission Requirements for each course, for the major you intend completing.

If your formal admission qualifications do not clearly demonstrate you have this knowledge, you may include a cover letter with their application describing how you have achieved the minimum assumed knowledge.

Can I go onto further study in Science/Scientific Studies?

  • On completion of either the Graduate Certificate or the Graduate Diploma in Science you will be eligible to enrol for the Master of Scientific Studies
  • On completion of the Master degree, including the thesis, you will be eligible to apply for admission to candidature for a research Master degree or a PhD.

Will I have to re-locate to Armidale complete a course Science/Scientific Studies?

All of our postgraduate Science/Scientific Studies courses are offered both on-campus or online on a full-time or part-time basis.

What are the benefit of studying on campus?

Many UNE students choose to study on campus to take advantage of the location, the unique residential accommodation options and the teaching, research and sporting facilities.

Studying on campus in Armidale gives you the traditional university experience, with the added benefit of small class sizes and great access to lecturers. Academic staff are passionate about what they teach and keen to see you succeed.

How does online study work?

UNE is at the forefront of online learning.

You will access your materials via our Student Portal myUNE. Teaching material including study timetables, details of assessments, topic notes, readings, podcasts, discussion spaces and links to online resources are located on our Learning Management System, myLearn. Your lecturer will interact with you via myLearn and is also available by email or phone.

You are able to purchase textbooks through the UNE Life Shop.

You are also able to access the facilities and services of Dixson Library.

How long does it take to complete a course in Science/Scientific Studies?

  • for the Graduate Certificate you will have a maximum of two years
  • if you wish to complete the Graduate Diploma you will have a maximum four years
  • the Master permits you a maximum of six years

How much will it cost?

All Science/Scientific Studies courses are available on a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) basis (please note:  quotas do apply) or a Full-Fee basis.  Go to Tuition Fees for further details.

How do I apply?

Go to How to apply and follow the instructions.

I’ve completed study at another university – can I get advanced standing (credit) for that?

If you have completed study at another tertiary institution you are able to apply for Advanced Standing (please note:  this is a separate process to applying to enrol for the course).

When I’m actually enrolling for a course how do I select which units I should be completing for my major?  How do I plan my study?

All units approved for your major are listed in the Program of Study for your course.

For the Master degree, you will normally complete the Core Units (the Research/Capstone Experience units) at the end of your study period.  Your coursework studies will inform your decision on the particular area of the Biomedical Sciences you wish to concentrate on when completing these units.

It is strongly recommended that you follow the Course Plans provided for your course.  These have been developed taking into account unit pre-requisite, co-requisite and timetabling requirements and are located below the Program of Study.

Who can I contact for further information and advice on admission requirements, programs of study and course plans?

If you interested in furthering your career in Science/Scientific Studies, or are keen to start a career in these areas, the Course Coordinator is more than happy to discuss your options and help you choose the program which most suits your needs and background.

Contacts

For further information on study in the Biomedical Sciences please contact the Discipline Convenor.

For administrative and general enquiries: askUNE