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Home Study Undergraduate Bachelor of Science (Laboratory Medicine)
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Health Sciences student, female, looking through microscope
B-LABMED

Laboratory Medicine

Bachelor degree

An exciting course for aspiring professional medical scientists, focusing on pathology and diagnosing disease.

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Course outline
  • ATAR
    Minimum ATAR 70
  • Qualification
    Bachelor of Science (Laboratory Medicine)
  • Duration
    4 years full-time
  • Credit
    800
  • CRICOS
    064464E
  • Location
    Curtin Perth
  • Fieldwork
    See requirements
Course outline

Select your preferred campus:

2023

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

2024

Semester 1

On campus

2025

Semester 1

On campus

2026

Semester 1

On campus

Course outline
Laboratory Medicine

Outline

Outline

Laboratory medicine teaches you about pathology (the origin, nature and course of disease) and the diagnosis of disease.

Your first year is interprofessional and taken with other health sciences students. Your second year develops your knowledge of the cellular and tissue aspects of pathology, and the individual disciplines of laboratory medicine.

In your third and fourth years, you'll gain extensive field experience and focus on three of the following major disciplines: anatomical pathology, clinical biochemistry, haematology and transfusion science, immunology and medical microbiology.

You'll learn in Curtin's PC2 laboratory facility, where you can process and analyse clinical samples, identify microbes and report results in the same way as a real pathology laboratory.

You'll also develop your practical skills when you undertake a 24-week professional placement in a diagnostic pathology laboratory.

Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information. 

What jobs can the Laboratory Medicine lead to?

Careers

  • Medical scientist.

Industries

  • Community health
  • Education
  • Health technology
  • Manufacturing
  • Private and public hospitals
  • Research centres and laboratories.

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

Professionally accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical 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)

    There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • 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

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

    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

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

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

1. Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.

2. Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.

3. Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.

4. 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

    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)

    There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • 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

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

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

1. Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.

2. Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.

3. Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.

4. 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

    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)

    There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • 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

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

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

1. Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.

2. Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.

3. Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.

4. 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:

  • completed 75 credits within one semester, with a semester weighted average (SWA) of 60% or higher and an academic status of Good Standing; or
  • completed 150 credits within one year, with a course weighted average (CWA) of 60% or higher and an academic status of Good Standing.

Higher education course switcher criteria

This course has a semester one intake only. Please refer to the TISC website for more information.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 70

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • 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

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

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

1. Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and entire academic record.

2. Applicants must provide all required documents and be assessed as eligible to be included in the ranking for an offer.

3. Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites, does not guarantee selection.

4. 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.

FAQs

You might find your answer in our frequently asked questions.

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Visit us

You’ll find Curtin Connect in building 102 on the Perth campus.
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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.

Submit an enquiry CRL search

Essential requirements for admission (including fieldwork requirements)

Many of our courses require students to comply with additional essential requirements. Failure to comply with any of the essential requirements may potentially prevent the successful completion of the course and/or achieving professional registration.

Fieldwork requirements during the course

Please refer to the following statements on the fieldwork component of this course:

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

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag
Curtin Perth

2023

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

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. Please view our application deadlines page for further information.

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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.

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  • Curtin course code: B-LABMED
  • CRICOS code: 064464E
  • Last updated on: 2 October 2023