Health Sciences student, female, looking through microscope
B-LABMED

Laboratory Medicine

Bachelor degree

Gain the knowledge and skills to launch your career as a professional medical laboratory scientist.

Course outline
  • ATAR

    ATAR

    Minimum ATAR 70
  • Qualification
    Bachelor of Science (Laboratory Medicine)
  • Duration

    Duration

    4 years full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    800
  • CRICOS

    CRICOS

    064464E
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth
Course outline

Select your preferred campus:

2024

Semester 1

On campus

2025

Semester 1

On campus

2026

Semester 1

On campus

Course outline
Laboratory Medicine

Outline

Outline

In this course, you will learn about the pathology of disease – its origin, nature
and course – and diagnosis.

In your first year, you’ll study interprofessional course units with students from other disciplines. In your second year, you’ll learn the cellular and tissue aspects of pathology
and the various disciplines of laboratory medicine.

In your third and fourth years, you’ll focus on three of these disciplines: anatomical pathology, haematology and transfusion science, clinical biochemistry, immunology, medical microbiology.

You’ll also gain extensive practical experience in Curtin’s purpose-built Physical Containment Level 2 Laboratory. Here, you’ll process and analyse clinical samples, identify microbes and report results as done by a professional laboratory.

You’ll further develop your practical skills during a 24-week placement in a diagnostic pathology laboratory.

What jobs can the Laboratory Medicine course lead to?

Careers

  • Medical scientist

Industries

  • Community health
  • Education
  • Health technology
  • Healthcare
  • Research and development

What you'll learn

  • apply general and discipline specified knowledge to the performance of laboratory medicine
  • the application of knowledge critically and ethically in the laboratory medicine setting
  • obtain and critically appraise information from a range of resources applicable to the practice of medical science
  • communicate effectively specialised knowledge relevant to laboratory medicine
  • the selection and effective use of appropriate technologies to generate valid data
  • recognition of the need for on-going learning in the Medical Science profession
  • an awareness of global differences in disease patterns and diagnostic medicine
  • recognition of cultural difference and its impact on Medical Science
  • recognition of the necessity for probity and ethical behaviour and a professional approach to medical science

Why study Laboratory Medicine

Work experience

You’ll develop your practical skills in a 24-week professional placement in a diagnostic pathology laboratory.

Specialist pathways

You can choose to focus on three of the following industry areas: anatomical pathology; clinical biochemistry; haematology and transfusion science; immunology; and medical microbiology.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists.

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)

    There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Chemistry ATAR and/or Mathematics Applications ATAR and/or Human Biology ATAR or Biology ATAR recommended. 

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)

    Written English and either MC Verbal or Quantitative

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.

Other requirements and notes for this course

Applications to the Bachelor of Science (Laboratory Medicine) outside of the standard intake, Semester 1, are available to students who have completed units in the preceding semester(s). These non-standard intakes allow students to enter the course after the first semester of the degree. 

 

To apply for this course in semester two, in addition to the course switcher requirements, you need to have completed the first semester units (HUMB1000, BIOL1004, CHEM1007, MEDI1000).

 

To apply to Semester 2 please submit an application for Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) with your application so it may be determined if you have completed the units required to enter this degree outside of the standard intake.

 

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Applicants for this course should refer to the Faculty website for more information on Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening and Clearance.

Ranking and Selection Process

Entry to this course is competitive, with limited places available. For applicants who apply direct to Curtin, offers will be made in the following distinct rounds. Please submit your application and documentation as soon as possible.

  • Round 1: 28 June 2024
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 23 June 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 2: 30 August 2024
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 25 August 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 3: 31 October 2024
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 26 October 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 4: 3 December 2024
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 29 November 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.

School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates
A limited number of at-school offers may be available to School leaver applicants with outstanding results.

Please note:

  • Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.
  • Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
  • Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
  • Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
  • Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
  • In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right not to proceed with subsequent offer rounds.

 

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

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Written English and either MC Verbal or Quantitative

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 70

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Chemistry ATAR and/or Mathematics Applications ATAR and/or Human Biology ATAR or Biology ATAR recommended. 

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

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

Other requirements and notes for this course

Applications to the Bachelor of Science (Laboratory Medicine) outside of the standard intake, Semester 1, are available to students who have completed units in the preceding semester(s). These non-standard intakes allow students to enter the course after the first semester of the degree. 

 

To apply for this course in semester two, in addition to the course switcher requirements, you need to have completed the first semester units (HUMB1000, BIOL1004, CHEM1007, MEDI1000).

 

To apply to Semester 2 please submit an application for Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) with your application so it may be determined if you have completed the units required to enter this degree outside of the standard intake.

 

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Applicants for this course should refer to the Faculty website for more information on Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening and Clearance.

Ranking and Selection Process

Entry to this course is competitive, with limited places available. For applicants who apply direct to Curtin, offers will be made in the following distinct rounds. Please submit your application and documentation as soon as possible.

  • Round 1: 28 June 2024
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 23 June 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 2: 30 August 2024
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 25 August 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 3: 31 October 2024
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 26 October 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 4: 3 December 2024
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 29 November 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.

School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates
A limited number of at-school offers may be available to School leaver applicants with outstanding results.

Please note:

  • Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.
  • Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
  • Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
  • Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
  • Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
  • In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right not to proceed with subsequent offer rounds.

 

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

  • TAFE entry

    Applicants with relevant TAFE qualifications are encouraged to contact the School to discuss entry qualification and any credit for recognised learning. 

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Written English and either MC Verbal or Quantitative

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 70

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Chemistry ATAR and/or Mathematics Applications ATAR and/or Human Biology ATAR or Biology ATAR recommended. 

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

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

Other requirements and notes for this course

Applications to the Bachelor of Science (Laboratory Medicine) outside of the standard intake, Semester 1, are available to students who have completed units in the preceding semester(s). These non-standard intakes allow students to enter the course after the first semester of the degree. 

 

To apply for this course in semester two, in addition to the course switcher requirements, you need to have completed the first semester units (HUMB1000, BIOL1004, CHEM1007, MEDI1000).

 

To apply to Semester 2 please submit an application for Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) with your application so it may be determined if you have completed the units required to enter this degree outside of the standard intake.

 

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Applicants for this course should refer to the Faculty website for more information on Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening and Clearance.

Ranking and Selection Process

Entry to this course is competitive, with limited places available. For applicants who apply direct to Curtin, offers will be made in the following distinct rounds. Please submit your application and documentation as soon as possible.

  • Round 1: 28 June 2024
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 23 June 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 2: 30 August 2024
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 25 August 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 3: 31 October 2024
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 26 October 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 4: 3 December 2024
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 29 November 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.

School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates
A limited number of at-school offers may be available to School leaver applicants with outstanding results.

Please note:

  • Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.
  • Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
  • Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
  • Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
  • Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
  • In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right not to proceed with subsequent offer rounds.

 

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 75 credit points within one semester with a Semester Weighted Average (SWA) of 60% 
    OR
    Completed 150 credit points within one year with a Course Weighted Average (CWA) of 60% 
  2. An academic status of 'Good Standing'

Higher education course switcher criteria

Switching into this course from another higher education course provider is only available in Semester one. 

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply.

Please check our general admission criteria.   

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 70

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Chemistry ATAR and/or Mathematics Applications ATAR and/or Human Biology ATAR or Biology ATAR recommended. 

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

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

Other requirements and notes for this course

Applications to the Bachelor of Science (Laboratory Medicine) outside of the standard intake, Semester 1, are available to students who have completed units in the preceding semester(s). These non-standard intakes allow students to enter the course after the first semester of the degree. 

 

To apply for this course in semester two, in addition to the course switcher requirements, you need to have completed the first semester units (HUMB1000, BIOL1004, CHEM1007, MEDI1000).

 

To apply to Semester 2 please submit an application for Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) with your application so it may be determined if you have completed the units required to enter this degree outside of the standard intake.

 

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Applicants for this course should refer to the Faculty website for more information on Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening and Clearance.

Ranking and Selection Process

Entry to this course is competitive, with limited places available. For applicants who apply direct to Curtin, offers will be made in the following distinct rounds. Please submit your application and documentation as soon as possible.

  • Round 1: 28 June 2024
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 23 June 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 2: 30 August 2024
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 25 August 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 3: 31 October 2024
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 26 October 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.
  • Round 4: 3 December 2024
    • Eligible applicants who applied prior to 29 November 2024 will be ranked and assessed for offer.

School leaver applicants to refer to TISC – important dates
A limited number of at-school offers may be available to School leaver applicants with outstanding results.

Please note:

  • Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.
  • Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.
  • Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.
  • Applicants with outstanding results will only be considered for an offer upon submission of the results.
  • Eligible applicants will remain in the ranking pool until the conclusion of all offer rounds.
  • In the event the course reaches capacity the University reserves the right not to proceed with subsequent offer rounds.

 

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

2024 Fee year:

$8,900*

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

2025

Semester 1
  • On campus

2026

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

Frequently asked questions

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  • 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-LABMED
  • CRICOS code: 064464E
  • Last updated on: 6 October 2024

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