Course Overview

About This Course

Find the human body fascinating? In ACU's Bachelor of Biomedical Science you learn about the cause, nature, progression and consequences of diseases, understand how they are diagnosed, and explore research aimed at their prevention and treatment. You gain laboratory experience in chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, genetics, microbiology and immunology, through units such as Human Biology, Cell Biology and Laboratory Skills, Biochemistry, Pathophysiology, Microbiology and Immunology, Neuroscience, Human Genetics and Biostatistics. The degree runs to 240 credit points, and you can complete it with electives, a minor in pharmacology, or a major in physiological pharmacology that examines the cardiovascular, nervous, renal and gastrointestinal systems, how drugs exert their effects, how new drugs are developed and the protocols that ensure drug safety. Tutorial, lab and workshop classes are normally capped at 24 students, and most units involve three to five hours of classes a week. Work integrated learning is built in: you complete 60 hours of community engagement, volunteering with a public sector or non-profit organisation supporting people experiencing socially determined health issues, and up to 105 hours of industry immersion during third year. Past students have been placed at medical research centres and labs including the Tom Mandel Islet Transplant Program and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and pharmaceutical companies such as Bayer, working with equipment such as PET scanners and microtomes and carrying out histology and sample preparation. There are also opportunities to study the Core Curriculum abroad in Rome, Beijing, New York or Leeds, and an honours year is available to meritorious students.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

1200 Mair St, Ballarat, VIC 3350

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

AUD $10,898

Duration

3 years full-time or equivalent part-time

Intakes

Semester 1 intake: Beginning March 2027 (Applications open August 2026) | Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not offered this intake

Study Mode

Full-time or part-time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students

An applicant must comply with ACU's Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level, or equivalent:
- New South Wales: Prerequisites - nil. Assumed knowledge - English (Standard) (Band 3) or English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) (Band 4), plus one of Mathematics (any), Biology, Chemistry or Physics (Band 2 for all)
- Queensland: Prerequisites - nil. Assumed knowledge - English (Units 3 & 4, C), plus one of General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics (Units 3 & 4, C for all)
- Victoria: Prerequisites - Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL; and Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in one of Mathematics (any), Biology, Chemistry or Physics
Indicative ATAR: 58.50 (Brisbane), 58.50 (Melbourne), 58.50 (North Sydney).
English language requirements: an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in all bands, or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
Applicants who have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above are assigned a new selection rank reflecting their study level, duration and grade point average; prior study or relevant work experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in the course may earn credit or recognition of prior learning, which can shorten the time to complete.
ACU also assesses applicants on prior VET study, and on work and life experience.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

International students

International applicants must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy and meet the English Language Proficiency requirements defined in that policy. The year 12 level prerequisites are the same as those listed for domestic applicants, or their equivalent.
English language requirements: an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in all bands, or an equivalent acceptable test score as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

The course prepares graduates for work as:
• Research scientists
• Pharmaceutical scientists
• Clinical trial coordinators
• Clinical trials researchers
• Scientific journalists and writers
• Technical officers or laboratory assistants

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

AIMS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units59 units

BIOL125

Human Biology 1

BIOL126

Human Biology 2

BIOL130

Cell biology and laboratory skills

BIOL235

Pharmacology

BIOL313

Human Genetics

BIOL333

Exploring Problems and Ethical Issues in Human Health

BMSC102

Numerical Reasoning

BMSC110

Communicating Ideas in Science

BMSC202

Biostatistics

BMSC210

Neuroscience

BMSC207

Microbiology and Immunology

BMSC208

Research Design and Ethics

BMSC209

Pathophysiology

BMSC314

Career Skills for Biomedical Scientists

CHEM105

Foundations of Chemistry

CHEM106

Physical and Organic Chemistry

CHEM204

Biochemistry

HLSC301

Community Engagement

BIOL130

Cell biology and laboratory skills

BIOL313

Human Genetics

BIOL333

Exploring Problems and Ethical Issues in Human Health

BMSC102

Numerical Reasoning

BMSC110

Communicating Ideas in Science

BMSC202

Biostatistics

BMSC207

Microbiology and Immunology

BMSC208

Research Design and Ethics

BMSC210

Neuroscience

BMSC314

Career Skills for Biomedical Scientists

CHEM105

Foundations of Chemistry

CHEM106

Physical and Organic Chemistry

CHEM204

Biochemistry

HLSC301

Community Engagement

PHCC102

Being Human

PHCC104

Ethics and the Good Life

PHCC106

Making Sense: Practical Reasoning for Life and Career

THCC100

Revolutionary Values: Christianity in History

THCC101

People Matter: Catholic Social Thought

TPCC100

Life and Meaning: Imagining Ourselves through Art and Cinema

PHCC201

The Origins of the Sciences and Contemporary Challenges

THCC200

Justice in the World: Catholic Social Ethics in Global Perspective

THCC202

Sacred Land: Australian Indigenous Spiritualities and Catholic Thought

TPCC201

Ecology and Justice

TPCC202

Conflict, Violence and Peace-making

ANAT100

Anatomical Foundations of Exercise Science

ANAT101

Physiotherapy Anatomy 1

ANAT102

Physiotherapy Anatomy 2

BIOL234

Nutritional Physiology

BIOL336

Applied pharmacology

BMSC303

Drug Development

BMSC304

Drug Regulation

BMSC306

Advanced Physiology

BMSC309

Advanced Cardiovascular Physiology

BMSC315

Professional Practice for Biomedical Scientists

CHEM206

Advanced Metabolic Biochemistry

NUTR101

Introduction to Nutrition

NUTR202

Lifespan Nutrition

PHYS109

Introductory Physics

PHRM

Pharmacology

PHPM

Physiological Pharmacology

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Bachelor of Biomedical Science take to complete?

The Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Australian Catholic University has a duration of 156 weeks as registered on the CRICOS registry.

Does the Bachelor of Biomedical Science include a work placement component?

Yes. ACU states students complete 60 hours of community engagement and up to 105 hours of industry immersion, with the industry immersion undertaken during third year.

What is the estimated total cost of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science for international students?

The estimated total course cost for international students is AU$100,080 in tuition fees, with no additional non-tuition fees listed, bringing the total estimated cost to AU$100,080.

At which campuses can I study the Bachelor of Biomedical Science?

The Bachelor of Biomedical Science is available at three Australian Catholic University campuses: North Sydney (NSW), Brisbane (QLD), and Melbourne (VIC).

Is the Bachelor of Biomedical Science eligible for Post-Study Work Rights?

The course may be eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights if it meets criteria including being in 'Registered' status, having a duration of 92 weeks or greater (this course is 156 weeks), being a Skills Level 1 qualification (bachelor degree), and having its narrow Field of Education align with the Skills Level 1 priority list. Eligibility is reviewed yearly; contact ESOS-PolicyTeam@education.gov.au for more information.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $82,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $82,000 to $100,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $100,000 to $130,000 per year

Career Paths

Medical Laboratory ScientistResearch ScientistBiomedical ScientistClinical Research AssociatePathology Technician / Scientist

Key Skills

Laboratory techniques including microscopy, cell culture, and PCRAnalysis and interpretation of medical and diagnostic laboratory dataResearch design, experimental methodology, and scientific reportingCritical thinking and evidence-based problem-solvingUnderstanding of human anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology

Full Course Overview

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