Sciences

Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science)

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Duration

    3 years full-time or part-time equiv.
  • Start Dates

    February and July
  • Location

    North Terrace Campus

About Degree

Drive progress at the molecular level

Do you have an interest in medical biology and human health? Are you keen to discover more about human disease, from its cause and diagnosis through to novel treatments and cures?

Biomedical scientists are vitally important. They advance world-changing discoveries to improve the health and quality of people’s lives.

The University of APSB is ranked in the top 100 in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine and best in South Australia^. 

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) gives you the knowledge and skills to access an emerging global sector. You will:

  • learn the skills to drive the future of healthcare, from vaccine discovery to disease prevention
  • gain real-world practical insights from industry lecturers and placements
  • study how the body works and what happens when it fails
  • explore how to stop deadly outbreaks of disease and create life-saving vaccinations
  • build a vast knowledge base from simple molecules to whole organisms
  • learn directly from active world-class biomedical researchers and educators.

 Areas of specialisation include: 

  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics
  • Microbiology and Immunology

Where could it take you?

You could be running a laboratory, performing cutting-edge cancer research or modifying genes for vaccines. You might design drugs for the pharmaceutical industry. Perhaps you’ll work directly with patients after completing a degree in postgraduate medicine or allied health.


Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.


Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Admissions information

    SATAC Code314091
    2022 CSP ATAR75.5
    2022 CSP IB27
    Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR75
    Guaranteed Entry Score - IB26
    DefermentYes - 2 year
    IntakeFebruary and July*
    *Students commencing in July may have a slightly limited selection of courses.
    PrerequisitesSACE Stage 2: Chemistry plus one of Physics, Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods , Biology, Geology, Scientific Studies, Agriculture and Horticulture, Agricultural and Horticultural Science, Nutrition. IB: Chemistry (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) and one other Science subject (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL) . MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods.
    Assumed KnowledgeSACE Stage 2: Mathematical Methods and Physics IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL), Physics.
    Selection Criteria
    Recent Secondary EducationApplicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Higher Education StudyYou must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You are ranked on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Work and life experienceTo be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Other Entry Pathways


    2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR
    (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
    Lowest ATAR to receive an offer63.25
    Median ATAR to receive an offer92.075
    Highest ATAR to receive an offer99.65
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
    Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer75.5
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offer95.825
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer99.95
    Minimum eligibility score65
    Additional criteria consideredSelection rank only
    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    <5N/A
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    2653.1%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5N/A
    International students1734.7%
    All students49100.0%


    International applicants

    CRICOS023455A
    IntakeFebruary and July. *Students commencing in July may have a slightly limited selection of courses.
    Australian Year 12SACE Stage 2: Chemistry plus one of Physics, Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods , Biology, Geology, Scientific Studies, Agriculture and Horticulture, Agricultural and Horticultural Science, Nutrition. IB: Chemistry (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) and one other Science subject (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL) . MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods.
    International QualificationsChemistry and one other subject chosen from Mathematics, Physics, Biology or Geology.
    Assumed KnowledgeMathematics and Physics an advantage
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 6.5Reading 6Listening 6Speaking 6Writing 6





    TOEFLOverall 79Reading 13Listening 13Speaking 18Writing 21





    PearsonOverall 58Reading 50Listening 50Speaking 50Writing 50





    C1 AdvancedOverall 176Reading 169Listening 169Speaking 169Writing 169





    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Secondary School QualificationsAustralia – Selection Rank (International)75
    International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma26
    Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma70%
    Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation70%
    Canada – Alberta High School Diploma78%
    China – Gaokao65%
    Germany – Abitur3.40
    GCE A Levels8
    Hong Kong – HKDSE18
    India – ISC & CBSE70%
    India - Indian State Board Examinations80%
    Indonesia – SMA380%
    Kenya – Certificate of Secondary EducationB+
    Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate74%
    Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi2.78
    Malaysia – UEC20
    South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma320
    Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels9
    Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma68%
    Thailand – Certificate of Secondary Education3.4
    USA – SAT1130
    USA – Advanced Placement (AP)7
    Vietnam – Upper Secondary School8.00
    The University of APSB College Foundation Program74%
    Eynesbury Foundation Program360
    ANU College Foundation Studies66%
    Monash College Foundation Year MUFY70%
    Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne)72%
    UNSW Foundation Year7.00
    UQ College Foundation Studies Program4.20
    Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)6.70
    UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP)57%
    Non–Go8 Foundation Score74%
    Other QualificationsStudents who don't meet the academic requirements or who have other qualifications from the South Pacific Islands, Japan, Korea, Philippines or Taiwan may be eligible to apply for a Pre-University Pathway to prepare for or gain entry into the University's undergraduate academic programs. For additional information see Pathway Programs
    Tertiary QualificationsYou must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You are ranked on the basis of your best GPA.
    How to Apply
    Application information for international students
    Important application deadlines for international students

    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    <5N/A
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    2653.1%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5N/A
    International students1734.7%
    All students49100.0%


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $7,855

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


    International applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units)International student place: $45,500

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


Careers

Career Readiness

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.


As a graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and experience for a career in biomedical research, in hospital laboratories, research institutes, universities or private companies.

It is common for graduates to continue their research training by enrolling in a Master of Philosophy or Honours program. Many graduates have successfully used this program as a pathway towards further study in graduate entry medicine or allied health programs.

Graduates of this program are likely to be found as scientists in:

  • clinical or research laboratories
  • biomedical, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

The University of APSB Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of APSB Graduate Attributes.

  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Industry Placement

Depending on their major, students may conduct some or all of their practical work through placement in a professional research laboratory in third year.

Potential careers

Biomedical Scientist, Biotechnology, Diagnostic Technician, Public Health Scientist, Toxicologist, Microbiologist, Physiologist, Immunologist, Biochemist, Bioinformatics, Environmental Biologist, Environmental Chemist, Environmental Scientist, Laboratory Manager, Molecular Biology, Neuroscientist, Plant Biotechnologist, Research Scientist, Science Communicators, Pharmacologist, Life Scientist, Medical Scientist, ...


Degree Structure

Students will start from a broad base in their first year that includes biology and chemistry. In their second year students begin to specialise with a focus on biochemistry, genetics, microbiology and immunology. Students choose two majors in their third year with at least one in biochemistry, genetics or microbiology and immunology. By the end of their studies students will have acquired broad knowledge of biomedical science and an in depth grounding in at least one core biomedical science discipline with a substantial research focus.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science)

Areas of Specialisation

  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics
  • Microbiology & Immunology

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan
Year1S1BIOLOGY 1101  Biology I: Molecules, Genes and Cells

CHEM 1100  Chemistry IA
Or
CHEM 1101  Foundations of Chemistry IA
Approved Level I Elective 1 x 3 unitsApproved Level I Elective 1 x 3 units
S2BIOLOGY 1201  Biology I: Human Perspectives

CHEM 1200  Chemistry IB
Or
CHEM 1201  Foundations of Chemistry IB
Approved Level I Elective 1 x 3 units 
which may include BIOLOGY 1202  Biology I: Organisms
Approved Level I Elective 1 x 3 units
Year2S1BIOMED 2510  Biomedical Science IIA
(3 units)
For a major in Biochemistry*
BIOCHEM 2500  Biochemistry II: Molecular
and Cell Biology (3 units)
Or
Approved Level II Elective 1 x 3 units
For a major in Genetics*
GENETICS 2510  Genetics IIA:
Foundation of Genetics (3 units)
Or
Approved Level II Elective 1 x 3 units
For a major in Microbiology & Immunology*
MICRO 2500  Microbiology II
(3 units)
Or
Approved Level II Elective 1 x 3 units
S2BIOMED 2520  Biomedical Science IIB(3 units)For a major in Biochemistry*
BIOCHEM 2501  Biochemistry II: Metabolism (3 units)
Or
Approved Level II Elective 1 x 3 units
For a major in Genetics*
GENETICS 2520  Genetics IIB:
Function & Diversity of Genomes
(3 units)
Or
Approved Level II Elective 1 x 3 units
For a major in Microbiology & Immunology*
MICRO 2501  Immunology and Virology II (3 units)
Or
Approved Level II Elective 1 x 3 units
Year3S1For a major in Biochemistry
BIOCHEM 3230  Molecular and Structural Biology III (Biomedical Science) (6 units)

Or

For a major in Genetics
GENETICS 3111  Genes, Genomes and Molecular Evolution III (6 units)

Or

For a major in Microbiology & Immunology
MICRO 3102  Infection and Immunity IIIA (Biomedical Science) (6 units)

Additional Level III Courses (which may include a major) in the disciplines of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Genetics or Microbiology & Immunology from the Bachelor of Science

S2For a major in Biochemistry
BIOCHEM 3235  Cancer, Stem Cells & Developmental Biology III
(Biomedical Science) (6 units)

Or

For a major in Genetics
GENETICS 3212  Gene Expression and Human and Developmental Genetics (Biomedical Science) III (6 units)

Or

For a major in Microbiology & Immunology
MICRO 3202  Infection and Immunity IIIB
(Biomedical Science) (6 units)
Additional Level III Courses (which may include a major) in the disciplines of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Genetics or Microbiology & Immunology from the Bachelor of Science

*At least 12 units selected from these courses must be presented. These courses will be selected to provide pathway/s towards major/s at Level III.

Assessment

Exams, written and oral assignments and investigative projects; includes both individual and group participation.


RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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