Get hands on experience with lab work, fieldwork and industry placements
Turn your interest in human biology into broad career opportunities in a range of industries with La Trobe’s Bachelor of Biomedical Science.
- Build expertise across chemistry, bioscience, metabolic biochemistry, pharmacology, psychology and immunology.
- Customise your degree with a broad range of electives that align to careers in education, healthcare, media, research and more.
- Graduate with a thorough understanding of the unique systems of the human body.
- Take advantage of a STEM industry placement bursary of $2,500 when you complete a work-based learning subject as part of your studies.*
- Start your pathway into in-demand careers with credit towards postgraduate studies in fields such as physiotherapy, speech pathology, medicine or dentistry.
*You must be enrolled in an eligible STEM course and meet all eligibility requirements. View the application and eligibility requirements here.
Entry requirements and pathways
Recent school leavers
ATAR requirements (compulsory)
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Albury-Wodonga campus
61.05 2024 lowest selection rank (including adjustment factors)
based on the Final 2023 ATAR Profile
Bendigo campus
61.25 2024 lowest selection rank (including adjustment factors)
based on the Final 2023 ATAR Profile
*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students). Learn more about our processes
View the ATAR distribution report for the Bachelor of Biomedical Science [PDF, 216.1 KB].
Prerequisite
VCE: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
HSC: One of English Standard, English Advanced (Band 2), English as an Additional Language or Dialect (Band 3).
Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Selection criteria
Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.
Selection rank adjustments
Subject adjustments
VCE: A study score of 25 in Biology, Chemistry, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Physics equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
HSC: Applicants who successfully complete one of the following HSC or equivalent Year 12 subjects will have their selection rank increased by one point per study: Performance Band 3 in Mathematics General 2, Mathematics, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, Biology, Chemistry, Physics; any language other than English (Band 2). Overall, selection ranks can be increased by a maximum of five points.
Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
Aspire Programs
Our Aspire Early Entry Program provides you with an early conditional offer into your chosen course at La Trobe.
At La Trobe, there’s more than one way into uni. We have multiple streams to choose from so if you’ve given back to your community, achieved good results in Year 11 or taken extra university studies, you could take the stress out of Year 12 exams with an early conditional offer into your dream course.
Aspire Year 11 Conditional Entry
The Aspire Year 11 Conditional Entry program uses your performance in year 11 to secure you an early conditional offer into a range of courses at La Trobe. Once you have secured your place at La Trobe you can take advantage of our other Aspire pathways to unlock access to our most prestigious courses.
Get started
Aspire Early University Study
The Aspire Early University Study program rewards Year 12 students who’ve done additional studies at La Trobe with an early conditional offer into their dream course. The Early University Study stream has two options to help get your university goals back on track.
Credit for previous study (advanced standing)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed.
The University will designate courses where there is only admission into Year 1 of the course. In these cases, there is limited credit. See list of limited entry courses.
To check if this course is available for credit, please visit the Advanced standing webpage.
Pathways
A pathway is simply an alternative way for a student to get into their dream course - if direct entry isn't an option.
We've listed the 'pathway method and outcome' - which is how you can transfer into the area you want to study, assuming you meet the entry requirements (e.g. minimum WAM). You'll also find an estimate of how long it could take you to graduate, from the start of your pathway to the completion of your dream degree.
| Preferred course | Alternative pathway courses | Pathway method & outcome | Years to graduate including the Pathway course (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
Bachelor of Biomedical Science | Bachelor of Health Sciences | Apply for entry into preferred course | 4 years | Bachelor of Science | Apply for entry into preferred course | 4 years | Diploma of Rural Health | Complete Diploma and apply for �preferred course | 4 years |
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
What you'll study
Sample course structure
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Biomedical Science, students must complete a total of 360 credit points across 3 years.
Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 120 credit points from chosen Core
Year 2 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 60 credit points from chosen Core
- 30 credit points from chosen Electives
- 30 credit points from chosen Electives
Year 3 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 15 credit points from chosen Capstone
- 45 credit points from chosen Core
- 60 credit points from chosen Electives
Study options
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE | LTU0AIM | 1 | 0 |
| WOMINJEKA LA TROBE: INDIGENOUS CULTURAL LITERACY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION | ABS0WOM | 1 | 0 |
| CHEMISTRY 1A | CHE1C1A | 1 | 15 |
| CHEMISTRY 1B | CHE1C1B | 1 | 15 |
| FOUNDATIONS OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE | MED1BSF | 1 | 15 |
| HUMAN BIOSCIENCES A | HBS1HBA | 1 | 15 |
| HUMAN BIOSCIENCES B | HBS1HBB | 1 | 15 |
| INTRODUCTION TO BEHAVIOURAL NEUROSCIENCE 1B | PSY1BNB | 1 | 15 |
| MAKING SENSE OF DATA | STM1001 | 1 | 15 |
| MOLECULES, GENES AND CELLS | BIO1MGC | 1 | 15 |
| INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY | BCH2IBM | 2 | 15 |
| METABOLIC BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY | BCH2MBC | 2 | 15 |
| PHARMACOLOGY A | PHA2PGA | 2 | 15 |
| PHARMACOLOGY B | PHA2PGB | 2 | 15 |
| ADVANCED TOPICS IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE A | MED3ATA | 3 | 15 |
| ADVANCED TOPICS IN MEDICAL SCIENCES B | MED3ATB | 3 | 15 |
| HUMAN PATHOPHYSIOLOGY | HBS3001 | 3 | 15 |
A range of standalone elective subjects is available in this course. Some electives are recommended for your course, but you may also be able to choose from a range of University-wide electives or electives from other interest areas or disciplines. Note these electives may have their own prerequisites and other requirements. Please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook for the subjects available.
Capstone subjects are required subjects in your course or major that help you integrate and apply the knowledge and skills you gain to solve real world problems. Capstone subjects are often taken towards the end of your course.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY AND HAEMATOLOGY | BIO3CBH | 3 | 15 |
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Albury-Wodonga
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Bachelor of Biomedical Science course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Year 3
After completing 3 years of full-time study
You can exit with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Course intended learning outcomes
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical knowledge in biomedical science that enables scientific rigour in the conduct and evaluation of scientific practice
- Analyse, evaluate and apply scientific information from experiments, reports and peer-reviewed journals
- Communicate biomedical knowledge and ideas to others effectively and professionally in written and oral reports
- Apply biomedical knowledge, technical skills and professional judgement to develop evidence based solutions to complex biomedical, scientific and technical problems
- Undertake self-directed learning to maintain appropriate professional knowledge and skill in biomedical science
- Work independently and in teams to undertake professional projects and scientific tasks
Bachelor of Biomedical Science career opportunities
Studying biomedical science can provide you with career opportunities across a range of health-related areas. Depending on your interests you may find employment in:
- Biomedical, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
- Medical sales
- Education
- Media and communications
- Hospital and government departments
If you chose to pursue further study you may also find employment in areas including data science, allied health, research, echocardiography and health promotion. Providing you meet all entry requirements this degree can also lead you into postgraduate research and postgraduate studies in dentistry and medicine.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated course fees for domestic students
Estimated fees per year (2024):
Indicative based on 2023 fees
$9,324 (CSP) per 120 credit points.
Commonwealth supported places (CSP):
The estimated fees are indicative only. The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. In some cases, your course fees may be higher than the indicated fees because of the subjects you choose.
To get a more accurate estimation, you can use the fee calculator to calculate your course fees and study load (EFTSL: Equivalent full-time study load)
How your fees are calculated
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. This estimated cost is provided as a guide only – the actual cost will vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- the time it takes to do your course based on your study load (full-time/part-time)
- approved credit for prior learning
If part-time study is permitted, your annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of subjects taken per semester.
Fee help
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (the student contribution), is set each year by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual subjects, not the overall course.
Learn more about Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
HECS-Help Loan
HECS-HELP is the Australian Government’s Higher Education Loan Program. It enables you to borrow the amount of your student contribution and then pay that loan back once you are in the workforce and earning at a specified level. A HECS-HELP loan is not means tested.
HECS-HELP is available to eligible Australian citizens and permanent humanitarian visa holders who are enrolled in a CSP. As a CSP student, you may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which allows you to defer payment of up to 100% of your student contribution.
Please note that additional costs are incurred from Essential requirements and additional costs.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both current and future students. Find out what La Trobe scholarship opportunities might be available to you. View all available scholarships
Note: You must first have an offer to study at La Trobe before you are eligible to apply for a La Trobe scholarship.
Scholarships that may be available for this course
Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) Program
Albury-Wodonga Campus, Bendigo Campus, Melbourne Campus, City Campus, Mildura Campus, Shepparton Campus – Future undergraduates, 1st year undergraduates, Australian Citizen, Humanitarian Visa, New Zealand Citizen, Permanent Resident
Full time enrolment and proof of relocation will be confirmed before payment is made into the recipient's bank account.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
Before you apply
If you are applying for multiple courses you will need to apply through UAC or VTAC (Semester 1 only). If you are applying for one course, you may be able to apply direct.
Applying for a Bachelor's degree
Current Year 12 students living in Victoria
Applications now open
If you’re a Year 12 student from Victoria, you’ll lodge an application via the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Your application will then be assessed based on your Year 12 results when they’re released.
Current Year 12 students living in NSW
Find out how
If you’re a Year 12 student from New South Wales, you’ll lodge an application via UAC. Your application will then be assessed based on your Year 12 results when they’re released.
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Exercise Science
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Oral Health Science
3 years full-time; 2.5 years accelerated3 years full-time; 2.5 years accelerated
Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Paramedic Practice with Honours
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Bendigo
COURSE
Diploma of Rural Health
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent0.5 years full-time
Online
COURSE
Graduate Certificate of Rural Nursing Practice
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Bendigo, Online
COURSE
Graduate Diploma of Rural Nursing Practice
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Online
COURSE
Master of Exercise Physiology
1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent; 1 year accelerated1.5 years full-time; 1 year accelerated
Bendigo
COURSE
Master of Mental Health
1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent1.5 years full-time
Online
COURSE
Master of Mental Health Nursing
1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent1.5 years full-time
Online
COURSE
Diploma of Rural Health
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
Overview
Key facts
| Award | Bachelor of Biomedical Science |
|---|---|
| VTAC code | Biomedical Science: 2100111201 (CSP) Biomedical Science (First Nations Australian Entry): 2100113581 (CSP) |
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2023 start dates Semester 1 (March 2024), Semester 2 (July 2024) |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Available locations | Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Prerequisite | English (Please refer to admission requirements for details) |
| Fees |
Indicative based on 2023 fees Estimated cost per year if studying full time $9,324 (CSP) per 120 credit points.Actual fees may vary depending on subject choice; Learn more about Fees and scholarships. |
ATAR requirements
* based on the Final 2023 ATAR Profile
Albury-Wodonga campus
Lowest selection rank 61.05
Bendigo campus
Lowest selection rank 61.25
Estimate your ATAR
ATAR calculator*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students).
About the Bachelor of Biomedical Science
La Trobe's Bachelor of Biomedical Science is ideal for students interested in human biology and allows you to tailor the degree toward your career interests. Combining the fields of biology and medical science, you'll open doors to careers across high-demand sectors including education, healthcare, media and research.
In your first year, develop fundamental knowledge in areas across chemistry, bioscience and health, with an additional focus on psychology and how to work with individuals in health and human services settings.
In your second year, build on these foundations with advanced topics in biomedical sciences that underpin your knowledge across chemistry, metabolic biochemistry, pharmacology and the growing need for expertise in immunology.
In your third and final year, deepen your expertise across topics including applied immunology, cancer research, response to infectious disease, and cardiovascular and neurological systems. You can also choose to put your learning into practice with an elective placement. Previous students have undertaken internships with Thermo Fisher Scientific, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Hexima and AdAlta. High-performing students may also have the opportunity to secure a vacation scholarship – a hands-on experience in a research laboratory.
Get personalised advice from our supportive staff who can help you align your degree with your career aspirations. With further study, the Bachelor of Biomedical Science can serve as a pathway into a highly sought-after career in physiotherapy, speech pathology, medicine or dentistry.
You'll learn:
- Molecular and cell biology
- Understand the function of biological systems at the molecular and cellular levels, and how they relate to medical research and biotechnology.
- Human physiology
- Gain insight into how the systems of the body work, including the cardiovascular and neurological systems, and how the regulation of these impact our health outcomes.
- Infectious and non-infectious disease
- Discover how infectious diseases, like viruses, and non-infectious diseases, like cancers, are caused. Explore the latest understanding of how to prevent, diagnose and treat different types of disease.
- Clinical biochemistry and haematology
- Delve into some of the most common areas of clinical pathology – from examining and analysing blood, to investigating biochemical components such as enzymes, hormones and proteins. Learn how to affect positive change across clinical pathology environments.
Your career in health is waiting for you.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7 - Bachelor Degree.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Exercise Science
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Oral Health Science
3 years full-time; 2.5 years accelerated3 years full-time; 2.5 years accelerated
Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Paramedic Practice with Honours
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Bendigo
COURSE
Diploma of Rural Health
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton
COURSE
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent0.5 years full-time
Online
COURSE
Graduate Certificate of Rural Nursing Practice
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Bendigo, Online
COURSE
Graduate Diploma of Rural Nursing Practice
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Online
COURSE
Master of Exercise Physiology
1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent; 1 year accelerated1.5 years full-time; 1 year accelerated
Bendigo
COURSE
Master of Mental Health
1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent1.5 years full-time
Online
COURSE
Master of Mental Health Nursing
1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent1.5 years full-time
Online
COURSE
Diploma of Rural Health
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton