Bachelor of Biomedical Science

2018 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2018 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]

Year	2018 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Course Map	2018 course map If you started your course before 2018, please refer to the plan your study page or contact a Student Adviser.
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Cloud Campus	No
Duration	3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code	085577M Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Deakin course code	S323
Approval status	This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Biomedical Science at Deakin covers the science underpinning medical applications, from basic biology to specific disease processes to provide you with a thorough understanding of human biology and health, with an emphasis on causes, diagnosis and treatment of disease at the molecular, cellular and system levels.

The Bachelor of Biomedical Science is a flexible and topical program, and our multidisciplinary approach enables you to learn about your chosen field of study from both scientific and health perspectives.

Throughout the course you’ll gain relevant and wide-ranging practical experience in the laboratory to ensure you graduate with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required across a diverse range of careers.

You also have the opportunity to participate in a global science placement overseas and to apply for an Industry-Based Learning placement. Placement opportunities enable you to apply knowledge gained in your course, experience workplace culture and practices, explore career options, and develop a professional network before you graduate.

Units in the course may include assessment hurdle requirements.

Indicative student 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.

Career opportunities

As a graduate of Deakin's Bachelor of Biomedical Science you will be able to enter a vast range of health-related industries including medical research, genetic engineering, the pharmaceutical industry, pharmaceutical/medical sales and 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 (which will complement your scientific training and broaden your career opportunities).

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.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Develop foundational knowledge of chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology to demonstrate broad and coherent understanding of molecular, cellular and physiological aspects of human biology and disease. Use scientific process of experimentation from conception of an idea to testing of hypotheses and interpretation of scientific information, and apply procedures in order to explore, experiment and expand knowledge in familiar and unfamiliar situations. Critically evaluate current and historical scientific literature, generate original ideas, and effectively apply theoretical knowledge to the conception of new ideas, interpretation of biomedical information and professional practice.
Communication	Apply well-developed communication skills to illustrate ideas and conceptions clearly and coherently using a variety of tools and techniques that engage scientific and non-scientific audiences. Articulate scientific information in a structured form to describe scientific problems, formulate hypotheses, analyse evidence in order to support or oppose the interpretations of findings and conclusions, in light of the evidence from scientific studies.
Digital literacy	Locate, analyse and interpret information to differentiate established facts from new evidence using scientific tools in a digital world to formulate an opinion. Evaluate information using evidence from a range of reliable sources to establish scientific knowledge, recognise ambiguity and disseminate information.
Critical thinking	Use abstract, analytical and logical reasoning to critically evaluate scientific arguments and approaches. Apply critical reasoning in a variety of situations to scope, interpret and structure investigations to develop an in-depth knowledge for professional biomedical practice.
Problem solving	Identify scientific problems and use structured approaches and experimental strategies to formulate and propose solutions by taking into account relevant discipline and contextual factors. Use judgement to convince scientific and non-scientific audience, in the use of strategies to generate solutions to real world problems.
Self-management	Evaluate own knowledge and skills using frameworks of reflection and take responsibility for learning and performance. Work responsibly and safely in scientific and professional environments to enrich the ideas of others by sharing learning experiences.
Teamwork	Work effectively as a team member, assuming various roles and utilising effective teamwork skills in order to achieve goals.
Global citizenship	Apply ethical practice in professional situations to demonstrate responsibility as practitioners when working with people from diverse cultures and communities. Identify and prioritise local, national and global issues and concerns and contribute towards solving real world problems from the context of biomedical science.

Approved by Faculty Board 27 July 2017

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, students must attain 24 credit points. Most units (think of units as ‘subjects’) are equal to 1 credit point. So that means in order to gain 24 credit points, you’ll need to study 24 units (AKA ‘subjects’) over your entire degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.

The course comprises a total of 24 credit points, which must include the following:

15 credit points of core units (which includes a compulsory professional practice unit at level 3);
At least one 6 credit point approved major sequence from the list below;
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 Introduction to Work Placements (0 credit-point compulsory unit);
Level 1 – up to 10 credit points;
Level 3 - at least 6 credit points (at least 4 must be Science course grouped).

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.

Major sequences

Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.

Students must complete one of the following major sequences:

Course structure

Core

You must complete all units below:

Level 1 - Trimester 1

STP050

Unit description is currently unavailable (0 credit points)

SLE010

Unit description is currently unavailable (0 credit points)

SLE115

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE111

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE133

Unit description is currently unavailable ^

plus one elective/major unit

Level 1 - Trimester 2

SLE155

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE132

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE123

Unit description is currently unavailable

plus one elective/major unit

^Note: Students who have completed Year 12 Chemistry or equivalent may choose to replace SLE133 Chemistry in Our World with an elective unit.

Level 2 - Trimester 1

SLE212

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE251

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE234

Unit description is currently unavailable

plus one elective/major unit

Level 2 - Trimester 2

STP010

Unit description is currently unavailable (0 credit points)

SLE254

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE221

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE206

Unit description is currently unavailable +

plus one elective/major unit

+ SLE206 is offered in Trimester 2 at Burwood (Melbourne) and Trimester 3 at Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Level 3 - Trimester 1

SLE323

Unit description is currently unavailable

plus three elective/major units

Level 3 - Trimester 2

SLE334

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE346

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE390

Unit description is currently unavailable #

plus one elective/major unit

# Must have successfully completed STP010 Introduction to Work Placements (0 credit point unit)

Course structure

Electives

Select from a range of electives offered across many courses. In some cases you may even be able to choose elective units from a completely different discipline area (subject to meeting unit requirements).

Work experience

You’ll gain practical experience by completing a two week 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. deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil.

Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

Details of major sequences

Medical Genomics

Campus

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000076

Overview

The Medical Genomics major will examine core genomics areas, including medical and human genomics, comparative genomics, microbial and forensic genomics, biotechnology (drug discovery) and phylogenomics. In addition, students will gain a sound understanding of associated methodologies including Next Generation Sequencing, high throughput genotyping, metagenomics, small RNA and transcriptome analysis and will acquire quantitative and bioinformatics skills required for genomics research and big data analysis.

Units

HMM102

Unit description is currently unavailable

HSH205

Unit description is currently unavailable

HMM202

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE340

Unit description is currently unavailable *

SLE321

Unit description is currently unavailable ~

SLE339

Unit description is currently unavailable ~

~ Available at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus from 2020

* Available at the Melbourne Burwood Campus from 2020

Details of major sequences

Medical Biotechnology

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-H000032

Overview

Medical Biotechnology uses cells and cell materials to produce pharmaceutical and diagnostic products that help treat and prevent human diseases. This major provides students with a sound understanding of the core sciences underpinning biotechnology for medical advancement.

Units

HMM101

Unit description is currently unavailable

HMM102

Unit description is currently unavailable

HMM201

Unit description is currently unavailable

HMM202

Unit description is currently unavailable

HMM302

Unit description is currently unavailable

HMM305

Unit description is currently unavailable

Details of major sequences

Pharmaceutical Science

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000082

Overview

This major is recommended to students who have a strong interest in chemistry, in particular the chemistry of life, drug action, drug design and drug discovery.

Units

SLE210

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE214

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE318

Unit description is currently unavailable

HMM301

Unit description is currently unavailable

HMM304

Unit description is currently unavailable

Select one unit from the following:

SLE222

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE235

Unit description is currently unavailable

Details of major sequences

Environmental Health

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000059

Overview

With a focus on healthy environments and healthy people, this major is recommended for students interested in working in public health policy, environmental health and related areas.

Units

HBS107

Unit description is currently unavailable

HSN101

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE234

Unit description is currently unavailable *

HSH205

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE312

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE342

Unit description is currently unavailable

* Prerequisite unit applies (SLE111 Cells and Genes - core to the course)

Details of major sequences

Molecular Life Sciences

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne)

Unit set code

MJ-S000071

Overview

This major will enable students to acquire an advanced understanding of chemical, physiological and genetic processes that determine health and disease at the molecular level. In addition, technical skills relevant for biomedical research will be obtained.

Units

SLE211

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE222

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE321

Unit description is currently unavailable ~

SLE339

Unit description is currently unavailable ~

HMM301

Unit description is currently unavailable

SLE312

Unit description is currently unavailable

~ Available at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus from 2020

Details of major sequences

Infection and Immunity

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000058

Overview

The Infection and Immunity Major will explore development and disease at a cellular level, investigate key concepts of immunity and blood cells, and introduce the world of genomics and proteomics. Students will also gain a sound understanding of the key concepts and techniques underpinning clinically-relevant microorganisms and their control.

Units

HMM103

Unit description is currently unavailable

HMM104

Unit description is currently unavailable

HMM202

Unit description is currently unavailable

HSH205

Unit description is currently unavailable

HMM303

Unit description is currently unavailable

HMM304

Unit description is currently unavailable

Other course information

Course duration - additional information

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

Other learning experiences

To broaden your experience of the world, you will have an opportunity to participate in overseas placements and study tours as an elective option in your course.