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B-BIOMED

Biomedical Sciences

Bachelor degree

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

See full course structure
  • ATAR
    Minimum ATAR 70
  • Qualification
    Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
  • Duration
    3 years full-time
  • Credit
    600
  • CRICOS
    102738J
  • Location
    Curtin Perth
See full course structure

Select your preferred campus:

2023

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On 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

See full course structure

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.

Biomedical Sciences

Outline

Outline

The Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences is a highly flexible degree that gives you the freedom to explore different areas of biology related to human health and disease. 

Whether you aspire to pursue a career as a clinical physiologist, develop vaccines for infectious diseases, advance cancer or Alzheimer’s research, explore gene sequencing or formulate new pharmaceuticals, this degree lets you tailor your studies to suit your preferred career path.

In the first year of this degree, you will complete foundation studies in areas of biomedical science such as human biology, genetics, cell biology, microbiology, and immunology, alongside complementary learning in chemistry, scientific communication and biostatistics.

In the second and third years, you will branch out into the areas of biomedical science that interest you most. Options open to you include majors in Human Biomedicine, Molecular Genetics, or Pharmacology; as well as specialisations and optional units.

All options combine theory with intensive hands-on, practical sessions in high-quality laboratory facilities, where you will work on real-world scenarios that prepare you for your future career. 

You may also undertake industry site visits to provide you with insight into your chosen career path when you graduate. 

Majors and specialisations

You can major in one or two of the following areas: Human Biomedicine, Molecular Genetics or Pharmacology.

If you select one major, you can combine your study with a specialisation in Human Pathology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Microbiology, Human Genetics or Pharmacology. You are also able to complete specialisations from other disciplines such as Corporate Governance or Digital and Social Media. The choice is yours!

Human Biomedicine

Biomedicine is the application of biological and physiological principles to clinical practice.

You will learn applied human anatomy, physiology and neuroscience, and gain valuable hands-on laboratory experience using cadaveric specimens and physiology equipment.

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

Molecular Genetics

Molecular genetics is a rapidly advancing and exciting discipline for the 21st century.
In this major, you will learn about genetics and genomics, and how universal principles and new advances in this area can be applied to improve health outcomes.

You will study molecular biology, human genetic disease, bioinformatics and genetic engineering, learning theory alongside practical laboratory training.

You will also be introduced to cutting-edge technology for molecular and genetic analyses and will develop your skills in critical thinking and scientific communication.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology explores the effects of drugs on living organisms and is the cornerstone for a career in drug discovery and development. It is particularly relevant with the increasing global challenge to develop new drugs against infectious agents.

This major gives you a good understanding of drug action against microorganisms through computer-based simulations and laboratory work covering molecular, cellular and physiological responses, and modern drug analysis techniques.

You will learn how drugs target specific receptors in tissues and explore the major biochemical pathways that are activated.

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

Additional units

These are optional areas of study that give you room to further explore your career interests in areas such as reproductive technologies, bioinformatics, forensics and psychology.

What jobs can the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences lead to?

Careers

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

Industries

  • Clinical Health Services
  • Basic and Clinical Research
  • Genetic testing
  • Biotechnology
  • Pharmaceutics
  • Forensics

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

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)

    Mathematics Applications ATAR.

  • 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

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

    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

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

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 Special Tertiary Admission 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

    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.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 70

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Applications ATAR.

  • 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.

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

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

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

    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.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 70

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Applications ATAR.

  • 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.

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

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

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 completed at least 100 credits with a Course Weighted Average (CWA) of 50% or higher, have an academic status of Good Standing, and have met the pre-requisite. Students who have not completed Mathematics Applications ATAR must complete Introductory Mathematics (MATH1013). 

Students in the UniReady enabling program must complete the program with a course weighted average (CWA) of 50% or higher and must complete MATH0014 Mathematics for Science. BIOL0001 Introduction to Health Sciences or CHEM0006 Chemistry Essentials are desirable units but not essential.

Higher education course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry applies to other higher education course switchers. For information on how to meet Curtin's minimum entry requirements, please see our admission criteria web page.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 70

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Applications ATAR.

  • 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.

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

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

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
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 charges

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2023 Fee year:

$8,300*

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

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

Important fee information

This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and do 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

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

2023

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On 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

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. Please view our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now