Bachelor of Biomedical Science

2023 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2023 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]

Year	2023 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Course Map	The course map for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2023. The course map for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2023. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Online	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

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.

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

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).

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.

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, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our 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 June 2019

Course rules

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.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

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

Academic Integrity (0 credit points)

SLE010

Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)

STP010

Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)

SLE115

Essential Skills in Science

SLE111

Cells and Genes

SLE133

Chemistry in Our World

plus one elective/major unit (one credit point)

Level 1 - Trimester 2

SLE155

Chemistry for the Professional Sciences ^

SLE132

Biology: Form and Function

SLE123

Physics for the Life Sciences

plus one elective/major unit (one credit point)

^Assumed knowledge: SLE133 Chemistry in our World or high achievement in VCE Chemistry 3 and 4 (or equivalent).

Molecular science is integral to modern biomedical science. For this reason, knowledge of chemistry, biochemistry and other fundamental sciences is important for all students in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science course.

Students with a background of high achievement in VCE Chemistry 3 and 4 (or equivalent) may choose to replace SLE133 Chemistry in Our World with an elective unit.

Level 2 - Trimester 1

SLE212

Biochemistry

SLE251

Research Methods and Data Analysis #

SLE234

Microbiology

plus one elective/major unit (one credit point)

Level 2 - Trimester 2

SLE254

Genetics and Genomics

SLE221

Systems Physiology

plus two elective/major units (two credit points)

Level 3 - Trimester 1

SLE323

Advanced Topics in Biomedical Science

plus three elective/major units (three credit points)

Level 3 - Trimester 2

SLE334

Medical Microbiology and Immunology

SLE357

Advanced Cell Biology ^

SLE301

Professional Practice #

plus one elective/major unit (one credit point)

# Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit). SLE301 Professional Practice has replaced SLE390 Professional Practice in Bioscience from 2023.

^ SLE357 Advanced Cell Biology (offered from 2024) has replaced SLE206 Cell Biology.

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).

It is important to note that some elective units may include compulsory placement, study tours, work-based training or collaborative research training arrangements.

Recommended elective units:

ASS101

Peoples of the World

HBS109

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

HBS110

Health Psychology (Behaviour Change)

HMM203

Human Anatomy

HPS111

Introduction to Psychology: Human Behaviour

HPS121

Introduction to Psychology: Individual and Social Development

HPS203

Cognitive Psychology

HPS310

Biological Psychology (Brain and Behaviour)

HSE102

Functional Human Anatomy

HSN211

Nutritional Physiology

SIT190

Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs

SIT199

Applied Algebra and Statistics

SLE103

Ecology and the Environment

SLE209

Science and Society

SLE224

Animal Behaviour

SLE225

Global Environmental Placement

SLE314

Research Project

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. deakin.edu.au/sebe/wil.

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

Molecular Life Sciences

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000071

Overview

Molecular Life Sciences aim to understand and describe the biology of life at the level of atoms and molecules in the context of cells, tissues and entire organisms. It is based on the chemistry of life and the physical laws that govern it. Throughout this major you will study topics including biochemistry, microbiology, physiology and genetics. Fundamental research in Molecular Life Sciences underpins all efforts to develop new drugs and treatments. This major will enable you 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. This major prepares graduates for a successful career in basic and applied research, future employment in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries, and the wider health care sector.

Units

HMM105

Applied Ethics

SLE211

Principles of Physiology

SLE222

Biochemical Metabolism

SLE339

Human Genetics and Genomics

HMM301

Principles of Pharmacology

SLE312

Toxicology

Pharmaceutical Science

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000082

Overview

Pharmaceutical Science aims at developing new medicines for the treatment of disease. This major covers topics including the chemistry, biology and technology of medicines and is ideally suited for students who have a strong interest in chemistry, drug action and discovery. You will learn how the chemistry of life determines the biology of cells, tissues and organisms, and explore the drug discovery process from the identification of suitable drug targets to the use of chemistry to isolate, design and apply molecules in the treatment of disease. Pharmaceutical Science underlies the business of a multi-billion dollar industry, which provides a huge range of employment opportunities. This major prepares graduates for a successful career in basic and applied research, future employment in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries, and the wider health care sector.

Units

SLE210

Chemistry the Enabling Science

SLE214

Organic Chemistry

SLE318

Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry

SLE312

Toxicology

HMM301

Principles of Pharmacology

HMM304

Therapeutic Development

Environmental Health

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-S000059

Overview

Environmental Health deals with many factors in our natural and built environment that affects human health. You will learn how microorganisms and toxic substances interact with biological systems and how this leads to clinical effects. Risks to healthy environments in urban, industrial, agricultural and/or natural settings will be evaluated using epidemiology, toxicology and statistics. You will also learn about risk assessment and risk management through policy, legislation, and integration of risk management with environmental management principles. This major is recommended for students interested in working in public health policy, environmental health and related areas.

Units

HBS107

Understanding Health

HSN101

Foundations of Food, Nutrition and Health

SLE234

Microbiology

HSH205

Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1

SLE312

Toxicology

SLE342

Risks to Healthy Environments

Plus one of the following units:

HBS107

Understanding Health *

SLE111

Cells and Genes *

*For students undertaking this major as part of H300 Bachelor of Health Sciences you must undertake SLE111 Cells and Genes as part of this major.

For students undertaking this major as part of S323 Bachelor of Biomedical Science you must undertake HBS107 Understanding Health as part of this major.

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 gain a sound understanding of the key concepts and techniques underpinning clinically-relevant microorganisms and their control, and through the use of epidemiology and biostatistics identify prevalent diseases in relationship to specific populations. You will also learn current laboratory techniques engaged in molecular diagnostics for the analytical identification of infectious pathogens to develop therapeutic applications.

Units

HMM103

Cell Technology

HMM204

Haematology and Immunology

HMM202

Molecular Diagnostics

HSH205

Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1

HMM303

Emerging Infectious Diseases and Their Control

HMM304

Therapeutic Development

Medical Biotechnology

Campuses

Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Unit set code

MJ-H000032

Overview

Medical Biotechnology uses living cells and cell materials to produce pharmaceutical and diagnostic products that help treat and prevent human diseases. This major provides you with a sound understanding of the core sciences underpinning biotechnology for medical advancement. You will be taken on a journey from the development of the first medical treatments through to regenerative medicine and cutting edge diagnostic and therapeutic deliver systems such as nanotechnology and the associated social and ethical issues surrounding their use. You will also learn the business of medical biotechnology including risk management, funding and regulatory frameworks relative to the Medical Biotechnology industry.

Units

HMM101

Introduction to Medical Biotechnology

HMM102

Principles of Gene and Genomic Technology

HMM201

Medical Nanotechnology

HMM202

Molecular Diagnostics

HMM302

Innovations in Medical Biotechnology

HMM305

Cell and Tissue Engineering

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. You will gain a sound understanding of associated methodologies including Next Generation Sequencing, high throughput genotyping, metagenomics, small RNA and transcriptome analysis. You will acquire quantitative and bioinformatics skills required for genomics research and big data analysis and will apply the bioinformatics concepts and methods, programs and pipelines required to support contemporary genomics research and big data analysis and interpretation. The impact of personalised medicine and ethical and social issues related to the use of genomics in the context of human health and diversity, biomedical research and biotechnology will also be discussed.

Units

HMM102

Principles of Gene and Genomic Technology

HMM105

Applied Ethics

HSH205

Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1

HMM202

Molecular Diagnostics

SLE340

Genomes and Bioinformatics

SLE339

Human Genetics and Genomics

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.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Contact Student Central

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.