Biomedical science
Why study Biomedical science?
Biomedical science, the study of health and disease, plays an important role in modern medical care. Subjects covered in this course are similar to the pre-clinical components of a medical degree. The biomedical scientist requires an understanding of medical biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, cell and molecular biology, anatomy, physiology, infectious diseases and neuroscience. Students can gain skills in a range of biomedical techniques and the ability to understand, critically analyse and interpret scientific and biomedical data. Learn how to read and research scientific publications and also develop written skills to convey scientific and biomedical information.
Students have access to some of the best teaching and research facilities in the world with the construction of a new $94 million La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) building. LIMS focuses on training researchers to turn molecular science, biotechnology and nanotechnology research into medical solutions.
Career opportunities
Graduates work with hospital specialists, scientists and biotechnologists in solving problems associated with the molecular basis of human disorders and disease. Opportunities exist in medical research institutes, government and private sector laboratories, administration, education and postgraduate health professional programs.
Courses
Local students
2013
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Duration :
- 3 years full-time or up to 6 years part-time.
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Campus/ATAR:
- Melbourne 77.5
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Biomedical science is the study of the human body in health and disease; biomedical scientists perform and analyse many technical procedures to screen, maintain and improve our health, e.g. analysing metabolic disorders, performing blood typing or genetic tests, or identifying infectious micro-organisms. They can also do research in many different settings.
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.
Students can access the faculty's industry experience and student support programs.
Work has been completed on the $288-million Centre for AgriBioscience and construction is well advanced on the $94-million La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science. Once completed, these Centres will expand laboratory facilities as well as teaching and research opportunities for La Trobe's science students. - Prerequisite
- VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 30 in English (ESL), or 25 in each of any other English and Chemistry.
- Year 12 and non-year 12 extra requirements
- Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online 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.
For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page. - 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.
- Costs
- 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.
- How to apply
- Apply direct to the University for Semester 1 or Semester 2, 2013.
- Full course details
- Biomedical Science Melbourne
Want to know more?
Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.
Fees and scholarships
Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.
There is also a wide range of scholarships available for local students.
International students
2013
Bachelor of Biomedical Science (062549E)
- Duration :
- 3 years
- Semester starts :
- Semester 1 (March)
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 25 060
- Campus
- Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Biomedical science is the study of the human body in health and disease; biomedical scientists perform and analyse many technical procedures to screen, maintain and improve our health, e.g. analysing metabolic disorders, performing blood typing or genetic tests, or identifying infectious micro-organisms. They can also do research in many different settings.
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.
Students can access the faculty's industry experience and student support programs.
Work has been completed on the $288-million Centre for AgriBioscience and construction is well advanced on the $94-million La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science. Once completed, these Centres will expand laboratory facilities as well as teaching and research opportunities for La Trobe's science students. Melbourne - English Language Requirements
- IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no individual band score less than 6.0;
TOEFL Paper-based Test - a minimum overall score of 550 with a score of 5 or more in the Test of Written English;
TOEFL Internet-based Test - a minimum overall score of 60 with a minimum for SLR 18; W 22;
Satisfactory completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B (EFS5 UG minimum 60 per cent) which is available from La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 60 per cent final result in a course;
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted. Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English) for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): a minimum score of 57 with no communicative skill score less than 50.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a pass grade of C or higher;
or approved international equivalent. Melbourne - Academic entry requirements
- LTM Foundation Studies - 80
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - 77.5
International Baccalaureate - 27
GCE A Levels - 8
Hong Kong A Levels - 8
HKSE - 2x Level 5
Sri Lankan A Levels - BBC
STPM - 8
MICSS (UEC) - 4.5
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 75
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 4
Sweden Slutbetyg - VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 75
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.4
Indonesia (SMA) - 8
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 3.0
GAOKAO - see: the website.
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. Melbourne - Subject prerequisite
- A minimum grade of 65 per cent Year 12 Chemistry or equivalent. Units 3 and 4, a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English and a study score of 25 in Chemistry. Melbourne
- Additional costs
- 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. Melbourne
- Full course details
- Biomedical Science Melbourne
How to apply?
Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.
There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.
Biomedical science placements
The industry cadetship program allows you to gain paid workplace experience between semesters, giving you the chance to build on your skills and build your career. See cadetship program.
Overseas study opportunities
Gain valuable overseas experience by studying with one of our global exchange partners. La Trobe has partnerships with over 100 universities in more than 30 countries in Asia, Europe, and North and South America. See education abroad.
Student and graduate profiles
Students from our Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.
About the academic staff
You'll get to meet a large number of academic staff during your studies, from tutors through to lecturers and supervisors. You can view staff in Biomedical science or search all staff in the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering.


