The biomedical sciences encompass study areas relevant to the understanding of health and disease. The biomedical sciences help us understand disease, how it occurs, what happens and how we can control, cure and prevent it. These studies build on a broad foundation in the biological sciences. Basic biological principles will be applied to areas of specialisation such as physiology, anatomy, human genetics, neuroscience, immunology and infectious diseases. This specialisation provides preparation for further study in biomedical science, including medicine and allied health areas. It is also of value to a range of careers including global health and disease, laboratory research and support, pharmaceutical industry and sales, and biotechnology.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
1. Apply their conceptual knowledge of biological principles and processes to the study of human health and disease.
2. Solve problems and critically analyse issues using interdisciplinary approaches to the study of human structure and function at molecular, cellular, and systems levels.
3. Explain the co-evolution of microorganisms and the mammalian immune system. Use this knowledge to understand how to control human pathogens.
4. Develop laboratory skills in microbiology and immunology. Understand how knowledge in the field is derived. Begin to understand the boundaries and uncertainties of cutting-edge knowledge in the field.
5. Critically evaluate experimental data and analysis based on disciplinary research and published literature.
6. Communicate data and information in clear and effective ways to disciplinary and to non-disciplinary audiences.
Relevant Degrees
Requirements
This specialisation requires the completion of 24 units, which must consist of:
6 units from completion of courses from the following list:
BIOL2117 Cell Biology
BIOL2142 General Microbiology
BIOL2151 Genetics
BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition
BIOL2174 Cell Physiology in Health and Disease
BIOL2191 Ecology of Health and Disease
BIOL2222 Exquisite Corpse - Insight Into The Human Body
18 units from completion of courses from the following list:
BIOL3006 Human Physiology
BIOL3108 Hallmarks of Cancer
BIOL3141 Infection and Immunity
BIOL3142 Parasitology
BIOL3144 Advanced and Applied Immunology
BIOL3186 Human Anatomy
BIOL3203 Histology and Advanced Microscopy
BIOL3204 Genetics of Human Disease 1
BIOL3205 Genetics of Human Disease 2
BIOL3208 Biology Research Project
BIOL3209 Biology Research Project
NEUR3101 Cellular Neuroscience
NEUR3112 Systems Neuroscience
This specialisation may only be undertaken in conjunction with one of the following majors:
Biochemistry
Cell and Molecular Biology
Human Biology
Advice to Students
Students should complete BIOL1003, BIOL1004 and CHEM1101. Some later year courses in biomedical science also require CHEM1201 in first year. Students should choose appropriate second year courses to ensure they meet prerequisite requirements for third year electives.
For students taking BIOL3208 or BIOL3209 as part of this specialisation, the research project must be in the field of Biomedical Science.
Students should seek further course advice from the academic convener of this specialisation.
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