Female student in lab
B-BIOMED

Biomedical Sciences

Bachelor degree

Combine biology with medicine for a career at the cutting-edge of health science and innovation.

Course outline
  • ATAR

    ATAR

    Minimum ATAR 70
  • Qualification
    Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
  • Duration

    Duration

    3 years full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    600
  • CRICOS

    CRICOS

    102738J
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth
Course outline

Select your preferred campus:

2024

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

2025

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

2026

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

2027

Semester 1

On campus

Course outline
Biomedical Sciences

Overview

Overview

In this course, you will explore different areas of biology related to human health and disease. It is a flexible course in which you can tailor your studies to your preferred career path – from vaccine development to formulating new pharmaceuticals.

In your first year, you will complete foundation studies in human biology, genetics, cell biology, microbiology and immunology. You'll also study relevant areas of biostatistics, chemistry and scientific communication.

You'll then choose one or two majors, as well as specialisations and optional units. All options combine theory with practical sessions in advanced laboratories, where you'll work on real-world scenarios that will prepare you for your future career.

 

Majors and specialisations

You can choose to study one or two majors from Human Biomedicine, Molecular Genetics or Pharmacology.

If you select only one major, you can also study a specialisation in Human Pathology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Microbiology, Human Genetics or Pharmacology. Or, you may instead choose a specialisation from another discipline, such as Corporate Governance or Digital and Social Media.

Human Biomedicine

Biomedicine is the application of biological and physiological principles to clinical practice. In this major, you will learn applied human anatomy, physiology and neuroscience, with laboratory experience using cadaveric specimens and physiology equipment.

If you also study the Human Pathology specialisation, you can extend your studies into clinical pathophysiology and neurophysiology, which will prepare you for a career as a clinical physiologist.

Molecular Genetics

Molecular genetics is a rapidly advancing discipline. In this major, you will learn about genetics and genomics, and how universal principles and advances in this area can  improve health outcomes.

Learning theory alongside practical laboratory training, you'll study molecular biology, human genetic disease, bioinformatics and genetic engineering.

You'll also be introduced to advanced technology for molecular and genetic analyses, and develop skills in critical thinking and scientific communication.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology explores the effects of drugs on living organisms, and is the foundation for a career in drug discovery and development.

In this major, you will gain a strong understanding of drug action against microorganisms and pharmacological management of health conditions. You’ll undertake computer-based simulations and laboratory work covering molecular, cellular and physiological responses; and modern drug analysis techniques.

You’ll also learn about the dose–response relationship, toxicity, and drug metabolism and elimination; drug design and development; and how genetic variation between populations influences drug response.

Optional units

You can study optional units to further explore your career interests in areas such as reproductive technologies, bioinformatics, forensics and psychology.

What jobs can the Biomedical Sciences course lead to?

Careers

  • Clinical, research or life scientist
  • Clinical, research or laboratory technician / assistant
  • Physiologist
  • Anatomist
  • Forensic scientist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Molecular geneticist

Industries

  • Clinical health
  • Clinical / medical research
  • Biotechnology
  • Pharmaceutics
  • Health policy
  • Biomedical infrastructure
  • Education

What you'll learn

  • apply skills, concepts, and principles of scientific investigation in the biomedical sciences
  • propose innovative, evidence-based solutions to contemporary problems in the biomedical sciences
  • effectively access and communicate biomedical science concepts using a variety of media
  • maintain intellectual curiosity and knowledge to contribute to the global scientific community
  • demonstrate cultural competency through scientific practice that considers cultural diversity and ways of working that are respectful and responsible
  • demonstrate initiative, leadership, and ethical practice when working independently and collaboratively, to a standard expected by industry and the community

Why study Biomedical Sciences at Curtin?

Specialist pathways

You can tailor your degree with specialisations in Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Pathology, Genetics and Genomics, and Pharmacology, and optional units in reproductive technologies, bioinformatics, forensics and psychology. 

Specialist pathways

You’ll have the freedom to explore different areas of biology relating to human health and disease, to suit your interests. 

Broad career options

Majors are available in high growth areas such as human biomedicine, molecular genetics and pharmacology.

Helen Ou

I have enjoyed learning about biochemistry, human structure and function, and disease. I particularly enjoy the hands-on practical component in Curtin’s laboratories, where we work with specialised equipment such as spectrophotometers and scientific microscopes. It helps me gain a better understanding of the theory. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone interested in human health.

Helen Ou

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 70

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Applications ATAR.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Chemistry ATAR and Human Biology ATAR or Biology ATAR.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • UniReady

    If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.

  • Certificate IV + English Competency

    The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency.

  • Indigenous applicant

    If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn’t met Curtin’s minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    WE and either V or Q Applicants with relevant TAFE qualifications are encouraged to contact the School to discuss entry qualification and any Credit for Recognised Learning.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    WE and either V or Q Applicants with relevant TAFE qualifications are encouraged to contact the School to discuss entry qualification and any Credit for Recognised Learning.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    WE and either V or Q Applicants with relevant TAFE qualifications are encouraged to contact the School to discuss entry qualification and any Credit for Recognised Learning.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

To switch into this course, you need to have:

  1. Completed at least 100 credit points
  2. A Course Weighted Average (CWA) of 50% or higher
  3. An academic status of Good Standing
  4. Met ATAR Mathematics Applications prerequisite (or equivalent)

UniReady

  1. Successful completion of the UniReady Enabling Program
  2. Met ATAR Mathematics Applications prerequisite (or equivalent)

Prerequisite Information

The ATAR Mathematics Applications prerequisite can be met with one of the following Curtin units:
MATH0014 Mathematics for Science
MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics
MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus
MATH1015 Linear Algebra 

Higher education course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to those who are switching courses from another higher education course provider. 

In addition, you need to have:  

  1. Met ATAR Mathematics Applications or unit/s assessed as comparable to Mathematics Applications ATAR

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and scholarships

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2024 Fee year:

$8,900*

Commonwealth supported

Commonwealth supported

2025 Fee year:

$9,300*

Commonwealth supported

Commonwealth supported

Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.

*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 200 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.

This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website

To be eligible for the Commonwealth supported fee:

  • Australian citizens must complete some of their course of study while residing in Australia.
  • Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens must be residing in Australia for the entire course.

For further information on eligibility please refer to the Australian Government Study Assist website.

If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag

2024

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

2025

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

2026

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

2027

Semester 1
  • On campus

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now
  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: B-BIOMED
  • CRICOS code: 102738J
  • Last updated on: 12 December 2024

Got a question? We’re here to help.

Call 1300 222 888 Send us an email Ask us a question Book an appointment

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Specialisations

Bachelor of Commerce Specialisations

Bachelor of Innovation Specialisations

Learn more about Commerce

Apply for Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences