Bachelor of Biomedical Science

School of Health Sciences

If you are passionate about the field of biomedicine then this program is for you. Our Bachelor of Biomedical Science provides a gateway to a rewarding career in a range of health-related fields. Over the course of your studies you will gain a strong understanding of advanced scientific investigations that will prepare you for a career as a biochemist, researcher or biomedical scientist.

This degree offers pathways for aspiring doctors into Notre Dame’s Doctor of Medicine postgraduate degree.

  • Why study this degree?

    Biomedical science plays a vital role in advancing medical knowledge, understanding diseases, and developing new treatments. By studying biomedical science, you can actively contribute to healthcare and make a positive impact on people's lives.

    Biomedical science is a constantly evolving field with new discoveries and advancements being made regularly. Pursuing a biomedical science degree allows you to stay at the forefront of scientific progress and engage in lifelong learning.

    For students aiming to continue postgraduate study in allied health or medicine, this program will provide you with the necessary foundation of skills and knowledge.

  • Program summary

    Biomedical Science is a 3-year undergraduate degree that explores a wide range of scientific disciplines that focus on the human body in the context of health and disease. The program begins with anatomy and physiology, molecular and cell biology, microbiology and biochemistry. In the final year we focus on immunology, genetics, neuroscience and infectious diseases.

    The degree covers all the modern scientific principles and exposes the student to contemporary scientific techniques that have been used by biomedical scientists to develop innovative diagnostic techniques or novel treatments for disease. Importantly the training helps you to develop critical thinking skills for scientific analysis.

    Core Curriculum

    • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
    • CORE II: Elective
      • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
      • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
      • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
      • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
      • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

    More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions page.

    Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

  • Entry requirements

    Entry requirements WA

    Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

    Applicants with recent Secondary Education

    • Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70

    OR

    • Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

    *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

    Applicants with Higher Education Study

    • Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

    OR

    • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

    *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

    Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

    • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

    Applicants with Work and Life Experience

    Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

    • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.^

    OR

    • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section.^

    OR

    • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

    ^STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).
    Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

    Entry requirements NSW

    Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

    Applicants with recent Secondary Education

    • Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank*

    OR

    • Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score

    *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

    Applicants with Higher Education Study

    • Successful completion of at least 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

    OR

    • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

    *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

    Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

    • Successful completion of AQF Diploma or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

    Applicants with Work and Life Experience

    Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

    • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.^

    OR

    • *Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section.^

    OR

    • *Completion of two Year 12 HSC, WACE or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

    ^STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

    Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

  • Entry pathways

    Other Pathways to the Doctor of Medicine

    A priority pathway is available on both Sydney and Fremantle Campuses, for Bachelor of Biomedical Science graduates at Notre Dame, who consistently achieve top results throughout this undergraduate degree. These candidates are eligible to apply to the Doctor of Medicine admission process,

    • Applicants with recent Secondary Education
      • To take up the opportunity to progress via the Priority Pathway into Medicine, applicants must be on an ATAR track.
      • Prescribed Selection Rank (ATAR plus Adjustment Factors), or equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB).
    • Applicants with Higher Education Study
      • For candidates wishing to pursue the Priority Pathway into the Doctor of Medicine, transfers from other universities (domestic or international) into the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBioMed) at the beginning of the program will be considered. To qualify for this, applicants must have successfully completed eight undergraduate subjects. If those subjects are relevant to the BBioMed program, you may be eligible for Advanced Standing.
  • Learning outcomes

    At the completion of this course, graduates should be able to:

    1. Demonstrate and apply thorough scientific knowledge gained through in-depth study of Biomedical Sciences
    2. Plan, implement and undertake scientific methodology and experimentation
    3. Apply research skills to critically appraise the scientific literature
    4. Analyse, evaluate and interpret scientific data and effectively communicate results in written and oral presentations.
    5. Demonstrate leadership, responsibility and a collaborative approach to teamwork in the Biomedical profession
    6. Integrate and apply professional knowledge and interpersonal skills gained through work integrated learning during professional practicum experiences; and
    7. Articulate objective and universal truth, appreciate the intrinsic dignity of the human person, and exhibit good intellectual, moral and theological habits.
  • Practical component

    As part of your degree, you will complete the HLTH3004 Biomedical Science Techniques and Practicum course. In this course you will develop practical  job-ready skills with additional experience working on a scientific group project as part of an integrated practical component.

  • Career opportunities

    Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors; the following careers are open to graduates: Biochemist, biomedical scientist, researcher, and biomedical sales.

  • Real-world experience

    You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

  • Honours

    An Honours award is available for this program.  Further information can be found in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) regulations, or by contacting the School of Health Sciences.

  • Study abroad

    A global perspective adds a valuable dimension to your university education. At Notre Dame University you can study while experiencing the world. We encourage students to become active global citizens through a range of exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit International Opportunities to find out more.

  • Fees and costs

    This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:


    CSP
    A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at university where the government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, called the ‘student contribution amount’.

    In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

    • The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.
    • The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan.

    Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.


    HECS-HELP
    The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.


    For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees Page.

  • Student profile data

    Tables 1 and 2 below give an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this Program. It provides data on all students who commenced in this Program in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

    Fremantle Student Profile Data

    TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Biomedical Science BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    Applicant background

    Semester 1 2022

    Number of students

    Percentage of all students

    (A) Higher education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    817%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study<5 N/P
    (C) Work and life experience
    (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    <5N/P
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)
    715%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    817%
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    1940%
    International students<5N/P
    All students47100.0%

    TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Biomedical Science ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offersATAR
    (Excluding adjustment factors) *
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *
    [only if relevant]
    Highest rank to receive an offer97.8098.95
    Median rank to receive an offer85.5590.00

    Lowest rank to receive an offer

    64.8070.00

    TABLE 2a – Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    Applicant background

    Semester 1 2022

    Number of students

    Percentage of all students

    (A) Higher education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    12100%
    All students12100.0%

    Notes:  

    “<5” – the number of students is less than 5
    N/A – Students not accepted in this category
    N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent the calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

    In 2022, due to COVID, additional adjustment factor points were granted to applicants from NSW, ACT and VIC.

  • More information

    Considering your uni options?

    Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.


    For more information, please contact our Prospective Students Office.

    Fremantle and Broome
    Phone: +61 8 9433 0533
    Email: future@nd.edu.au
    Sydney and Melbourne
    Phone: +61 2 8204 4404
    Email: sydney@nd.edu.au

    All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office on international@nd.edu.au.


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