Biomedical Science
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Length
3 years full-time or up to 6 years part-time.
Campuses
Melbourne
Course description
Biomedical science is the scientific study of health and disease and plays an important role in modern medicine. This multidisciplinary course aims to prepare students for biomedical research, postgraduate studies in the medical sciences, or graduate entry into medicine. Students learn how diseases manifest themselves in the human body, and develop an understanding of the molecular basis of human disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, malaria, cancer, and infectious diseases. They also learn how to undertake and apply biomedical research.
La Trobe is developing some of the best research facilities in the world, through the development of the A$94 million La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, , currently under construction. Once completed, this Centre will expand laboratory facilities as well as teaching and research opportunities for La Trobe science students.
Course structure
The course begins with a foundation year of science focusing on biology and chemistry. In second year, students take core subjects in a range of relevant disciplines, followed by a specialised biomedical science subject in third year. Other second- and third-year studies include biochemistry and molecular biology, anatomy, human and molecular genetics, human physiology, microbiology, medical statistics, and principles of nutrition.
A seminar program throughout both semesters is an integral part of the course. Final-year students must attend at least two-thirds of the seminars.
Contact hours
24 hours a week (average) in first year
Subject details
Major areas of study
Biochemistry, biomedical science, biosciences, physiology, anatomy, microbiology, genetics, chemistry, medical research, medical science, molecular and cell biology, molecular and human genetics.
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Application
VTAC
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesAdditional costs (AUD)
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can buy these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property.
Middle Band
Successful completion of Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, or Physics facilitates an additional 1.5 aggregate points per study, to a maximum of 3 points.
Selection
ATAR 76.00 (2011)
Guaranteed Entry (Year 12 applicants only): applicants with an ATAR of 85 or above receive a first-round offer; those with lower ATARs are considered through normal selection processes.
Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 30 in English (ESL), or 25 in each of any other English and Chemistry.
Semester starts
Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
Career opportunities
Graduates are likely to find roles in biomedical research in pharmaceutical companies, research institutes, hospital departments and public service departments dealing with healthcare. Some graduates seek admission to postgraduate medicine and dentistry, for which a degree such as this is a prerequisite.