Bachelor of Biomedical Science

3 years full-time or 6 years part-time

Learning and teaching

Classes are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, online reading, workshop, practical and laboratory sessions. These are primarily in English.

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

Program structure

You'll be able to choose electives to suit your interests. All areas provide a strong foundation for progression into research and other health-related careers.

Year 1

You'll cover chemistry, human biology, cell biology, genetics, microbiology and immunology, statistics, histology, etc.

Year 2

You'll study biochemistry, human physiology, cell biology and anatomy. Depending on your area of specialisation, you may choose electives in microbiology or pathology.

Year 3

You have a choice of studying molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, anatomy or advanced physiology. You'll also undertake a short research project or work experience placement.

Honours

An Honours year in Biomedical Science is available.

The following program structure(s) is an example of what students are currently studying in this program.

During third year you'll gain experience in a university research laboratory or a professional organisation. With associated coursework, this runs for 120 hours. You'll work in research and analytical laboratories in universities, hospitals and industry.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Graduates can work in:

• research in universities, hospitals and biomedical research institutes
• medical and pharmaceutical research
• public and private diagnostic centres
• therapeutic research laboratories
• applied health areas like health promotion and administration.

You're also eligible for postgraduate entry into medicine, veterinary science, physiotherapy, dentistry and other health sciences.

You can also go on to postgraduate studies in biomedical science in universities and research institutes.

Professional recognition and accreditation

Depending on courses chosen in your final year and meeting specific criteria, you will be eligible for membership to the following societies:

• Ausbiotech
• Australasian Society for Human Biology (ASHB)
• Australian and New Zealand Society for Cell and Developmental Biology (ANZSCDB)
• Australian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB)
• Australian Physiological Society (AuPS)
• Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR)
• Australian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
• Genetics Society of Australia (GSA)
• Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA)
• Mutagenesis and Experimental Pathology Society of Australia (MEPSA).

You must meet the University entry requirements for this type of program.

Program entry requirements

Prerequisites

Current Year 12 prerequisite units 3 and 4 - Chemistry and one of Mathematics (any) or Physics, and a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English.

Selection tasks

Form: Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online.

1. Check program entry requirements and confirm you're eligible.

2. Check and complete the selection tasks (if applicable) by the relevant closing date - these tasks are listed in the program entry requirements.

3. Check the table below for how to apply.

4. Apply using the appropriate method by the closing date.

Application method

Equity access

If circumstances have interrupted or disadvantaged your access to education, RMIT offers equity access schemes that allow selection officers to give applicants extra consideration, which may improve your prospects of studying at RMIT.

Tuition fees vary according to program and are adjusted annually.

In a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) your tuition fee is shared between you and the Commonwealth Government - if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Fee assistance

As a Commonwealth supported student, you may be able to either:

• pay all or part of your student contribution up front and receive a 10% discount, or
• defer your tuition fees through the HECS-HELP loan scheme.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds. Learn more about RMIT Scholarships.

Other fees

You'll need to buy protective clothing and safety glasses for use in laboratory classes, textbooks, notes and manuals.

In addition to tuition fees you will also pay the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF). You may be able to defer the fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme.

There may be other additional expenses and administrative fees associated with your studies.

Depending on the stream, graduates of the Associate Degree in Applied Science with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or greater are guaranteed entry into the second year (equivalent to 120 credit points) of this program. Graduates with a GPA of less than 2.0 can still apply and may be eligible for exemptions if successful in gaining a place.

Graduates of the following programs may also be eligible for exemptions of up to 1 year:

• Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Biotechnology)
• Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology Testing).

Learn more about pathways or if you are eligible for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.

Medical Sciences

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