Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Graduates are trained in basic knowledge of the structure and function of living organisms with particular focus on the human. Using this knowledge, together with problem solving skills, critical reasoning and scientific methods taught in the program, the graduate is well prepared to collaborate on scientific investigations of human structure and function in health and disease at a molecular, cellular and whole systems level.

Biomedical science at the University of Newcastle focuses on gaining the knowledge and skills to become high level researchers in a wide range of biomedical fields. Graduates also qualify for entry into a range of graduate health professional programs such as pharmacy and medicine where they can become registered health care practitioners.

During the degree you will study a wide range of topics including human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and the analysis of drug actions, bioinformatics, human genetics, genetic engineering, immunology, bacteriology, virology and all aspects of cell biochemistry. In the third year of the degree you have the opportunity to participate in the design and implementation of a research project.

Biomedical science graduates are employed in government and private sector laboratories located in hospitals, universities and pharmaceutical companies. Graduates also find employment as clinical trials associates, laboratory product specialists in the private sector and as drug and research regulators in government departments. Biomedical science graduates are also employed by medical, veterinary and health science companies to work with researchers and clinicians in product and technology developments in the veterinary and health care sector. Graduates also have the option of careers in administration and education with a requirement for knowledge in the biomedical sciences, as well as postgraduate health professional programs.

Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/ for information on how to gain entry.

You may also be eligible to receive bonus points if you will be receiving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Please visit

http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/domestic-students/options-for-entry/bonus-points.html to see if you may be eligible.

Current Australian Year 12 Students:

Apply for entry through UAC. Entry based on ATAR or equivalent.

Non school leavers and previous Australian Year 12 students:

Apply for entry through UAC. Entry based on:

• Previous Year 12 studies and/or
• Higher education, tertiary, post-secondary qualifications and/or
• Overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications.

International Students

International students currently undertaking:

• an Australian Year 12 in Australia
• an Australian Year 12 outside Australia
• an International Baccalaureat (IB) in Australia

Apply for entry through AUC. Entry based on ATAR or equivalent.

All other international students:

Apply direct to International Admissions. Entry based on overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications, as well as satisfying English language requirement.

A strong background in the basic sciences including mathematics, chemistry, physics or biology would be an advantage.

2 units of Mathematics and Chemistry, plus either Physics or Biology would be an advantage.

• Special selection procedures apply for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. For details call (02) 4921 5640.

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to new program go to http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/credit-transfer/ and click on How to apply for credit.

The following rules apply to credit transfer.

1) A student may be granted credit in specified and unspecified courses leading to the academic award of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree in recognition for work completed in the University or another institution by the PVC Health.

2) The granting of such credit will be on such conditions as the PVC Health may determine.

3) Except as may be otherwise provided in the Schedule, a student will not be given credit for more than sixty seven percent of the total number of units of credit required to complete a three year course.

Honours are available as an additional year to meritorious students. Students will select a project from a range offered and undertake a research program specializing in a particular discipline from among the biomedical sciences.

Information regarding the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) program can be found at this link: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/program/10988.html

Laboratory sessions will be held in selected courses where appropriate. There is no industrial placement.

International students currently attempting Year 12 in Australia: Apply for entry through UAC. Entry based on ATAR or equivalent.

All other international students: Apply directly to International Admissions. Entry based on overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications, as well as satisfying English language requirements.

International students will be offered mentoring support if required.

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/international/student-support/ to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and relevant Faculty and School officers will work together to ensure reasonably adjustments are provided in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student¿s responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/ for more information.

To qualify for admission to the degree, a candidate shall pass the program of study approved by the Academic Senate totalling 240 units. Except with the permission of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, a candidate shall complete requirements for the program within eight years of study.

The program provides students with an excellent basic knowledge in modern biomedical sciences. Students must choose a minimum of 10 units of Elective courses at 2000 level or above.

All students can access additional learning development mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/ctl/lsp/

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.

The Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences includes 20 units of Elective courses.