Objectives
Deakin's Bachelor of Biomedical Science concerns the molecular and cellular basis of normal human biology and disease processes. The course is a vibrant, relevant and topical program and is delivered through a partnership between the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Faculty of Health, Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences. This multidisciplinary approach enables you to learn about your chosen fields of study from both scientific and health perspectives. You can study major sequences in areas of Health Science, Nutrition and Exercise Science, Cell and Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. See below for which major sequences are offered at which campus. The course comprises core areas of study in a broad range of topics including Cells, Genes and Diversity, Biochemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemical Metabolism, Molecular Basis of Disease and Medical Microbiology and Immunology. You will also complete a professional practice unit involving an experiential learning component and have the option to apply for an Industry Based Learning placement which will allow you to apply and consolidate knowledge gained in your course, experience workplace culture and workplaces practices, explore career options and develop a professional network.
Course description
Fees and charges
Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)
EFTSL is the standard annual full time load. Eight credit points is the standard full time load for one year of study.
Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
A Commonwealth supported place is one for which the university receives some government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute only part of the cost of their course. To be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place you must be an Australian citizen, or a New Zealand citizen or holder of a permanent visa who will be residing in Australia for the duration of your unit/s of study. All Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and holders of a permanent visa will receive a Student Learning Entitlement (SLE). The SLE entitles a student to the equivalent of 7 years of full time study in a Commonwealth supported place.
* The "indicative annual course fee" cited has been provided as a guide only. It has been calculated on the basis of a typical enrolment of a student undertaking the course in 2009, and reflects the cost involved in undertaking a full-time quota of units within the specified discipline.
The actual fees charged by Deakin University will depend upon the discipline from which each individual unit is chosen, and may vary from the indicative course fee cited, particularly if units are chosen from a number of disciplines.
Please note that the fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and service.
Deakin assumes no responsibility for persons relying on "indicative course fees" to calculate the total future cost of their course.
Career opportunities
As a graduate of Deakin's Bachelor of Biomedical Science you will be able to enter a vast range of health-related industries including medical research, genetic engineering, the pharmaceutical industry, pharmaceutical/medical sales and 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 (which will compliment your scientific training and broaden your career opportunities).
Course rules
All students in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science must complete a core structure of 16 units including a professional practice unit. Students can specialise by undertaking a major in Health Science; Nutrition and Exercise Science; Cell and Molecular Biology; or Biotechnology; or can undertake up to 8 credit points of general studies. Depending on their major, students select a professional practice unit involving an experiential learning component in a health practice; in a biomedical/medical laboratory; the biotechnology industry; or an approved alternative.
All students are required to complete at least one wholly online unit.
Major sequences
Health Science (B, G) Nutrition and Exercise Science (B, G)
Cell and Molecular Biology (B) Biotechnology (G)
Course structure
Year 1
Trimester 1
SBB111 Cells, Genes and Diversity
HBS109 Human Structure and Function
SBC131 Principles of Chemistry
Level 1 course-grouped unit^
SBS010 Laboratory Safety Induction Program *
* SBS010 is a compulsory 0-credit point unit.
Trimester 2
SBB110 Human Heredity
SBB141 Introduction to Biomedical Science
SBC152 Chemistry of Life
Level 1 course-grouped unit^
Year 2
Semester 1
SBB211 Principles of Physiology
SBB212 Biochemistry
plus two elective units
Trimester 2
SBB221 Anatomy and Physiology
SBB222 Biochemical Metabolism
plus two elective units
Year 3
Trimester 1
SBB346 Molecular Basis of Disease
Plus two/three elective units#
Trimester 2
SBB390 Professional Practice in Bioscience
SBB334 Medical Microbiology and Immunology
Plus one/two elective units#
Wholly Online Unit
Choose one of:
SBC312 Toxicology
HBS300 Ethics: Frameworks and Decisions
SBB351 Physiology of Disease
# Number of electives undertaken is dependant upon the semester in which the wholly online unit is underatken.
^ Level 1 course-grouped units
Choose units from the following:
SEP101 Physics 1A
SEP122 Physics for the Life Sciences
HSE102 Functional Human Anatomy
HBS108 Health Information and Data
HBS107 Understanding Health
HBS110 Health Behaviour
Admission requirements - general
Deakin University offers admission to undergraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicant's previous academic record.
For more information on the Deakin Admissions Policy visit The Guide.
Admission requirements - specific
Applicants should have successfully completed VCE or equivalent. Refer to the VTAC Guide for the latest pre-requisite information www.vtac.edu.au
Those aged 21 or over on 1 January and who do not hold VCE or equivalent should apply under Alternative Admission. This category is open to those who do not satisfy normal entrance requirements, but can demonstrate relevant work or life experience.
Advanced standing - general
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Advanced Standing System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Advanced standing - specific
The Faculty may give credit towards the Bachelor of Biomedical Science for previous tertiary study and other approved forms of post-secondary study or experience. This previous study need not have led to a complete qualification; for example, a student may be given credit after completing the first year of a course at another institution. All applications for advanced standing must be made initially to the Selection/Enrolment Officer who will advise students of the necessary procedures at enrolment day.
All applications are considered on merit and usually no credit will be given for subjects/courses/units completed more than seven years prior to the request. For the Bachelor of Biomedical Science the maximum advanced standing that can be granted is 16 credit points. This may include up to 8 credits for non-science studies.
How to apply
Applications for on and off campus study must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre (VTAC). For more information refer to VTAC (external site).
