Biomedical Science

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Undergraduate Degree

Faculty of Health

Description

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. During the degree students 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. 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 graduates are employed in government and private sector laboratories located in hospitals, universities and pharmaceutical companies. In the third year of the degree you have the opportunity to participate in the design and implementation of a research project and this is recommended for a career in biomedical research. Graduates also find employment as clinical trials associates, embryologists in IVF laboratories, 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. Science media, communications, plus secondary and tertiary teaching are other career paths. Graduates also have the option of careers in administration with a requirement for knowledge in the biomedical sciences.

 

View our Bachelor of Biomedical Science in the Program Handbook and the online prospectus What Can I Study?.

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Honours

Biomedical Science graduates interested in a career in research are encouraged to go on to the Bachelor of Biomedical Science Honours degree which is an additional year of study where the student spends time working on a research project.

The degree is also suitable for those seeking entry into postgraduate degree programs such as pharmacy, medicine and law.

Postgraduate Study

Some occupations require a higher level of completed study than an undergraduate degree, and for this reason it is worthwhile considering the range of postgraduate study options available. Postgraduate study may also be useful for specialising in a particular area, or to stimulate career change. Some of the postgraduate study options following the Bachelor of Biomedical Science include:

Research:

Masters

PhD

Coursework

After completing a degree there are a broad range of postgraduate options available in a variety of fields which can allow you to specialise in a particular area of interest or build upon your existing knowledge base. To explore such options please visit the Postgraduate Handbook.

 

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Sample Jobs

Graduates from this program may find work in a variety of fields and settings. Below is a sample of jobs related to biomedical science. The jobs listed may require a degree, honours, postgraduate qualifications or a combination of qualifications and experience.

Getting the Edge

Most employers seek to recruit people who have relevant work experience and an appreciation for their industry. Here is a check list of ideas about gaining experience and industry knowledge.

  1. Check the type of experience most employers in your field of interest expect. Don’t overlook the part time work you may be currently doing. Most employers understand that the skills are transferrable even if the work is not in their industry.
  2. Check your academic program for any courses that involve a placement or the opportunity to undertake an industry based project.
  3. Check your school for Summer Scholarships for research opportunities.
  4. Check vacancy sites for advertised traineeships, part time employment and vacation work opportunities in your field.
  5. Source and approach organisations directly about possible work shadowing or information interview opportunities.
  6. Source and approach organisations directly for paid work opportunities.
  7. Consider volunteering.

Note: Gaining experience may be important but not at the expense of your studies. Make sure you do not overload your timetable with unrealistic work commitments.

 

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Sample Employers

Recruitment Timing

Some large organisations have specific graduate recruitment programs designed to employ the pick of graduates each year. You must be in your final year of study or recently completed to apply for these programs. The timing of these recruitment drives varies and may occur at any point in the academic year, in some cases starting as early as the first few weeks of the first semester or trimester.

Find out if employers in your area/s of interest have graduate programs, when they typically recruit and what recruitment methods they use. Check with the Careers Service .

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Societies and Associations

Associations and societies often provide relevant and up to date information about a variety of issues relating to specific industry sectors. These can be a good starting point to learn more about occupations through profiles, industry news, links to academic journals and information on research developments. Many also offer student membership, conference and professional development activities, newsletters and the opportunity to participate in projects.


Don’t overlook student societies and associations. As well as student chapters of professional associations, some faculties or schools have discipline based student associations. Check your school or faculty web site; perhaps you might start one if one doesn’t exist.

Some academic disciplines run Seminar Programs that involve regular seminars presented by University of Newcastle academics, visiting academics and postgraduate students. Check your schools website for the timetable.

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Job Search Sites

Searching job sites is a good way to gain an understanding of: industries recruiting professionals in this field; types of roles and the requirements or expectations of employers for these roles. There are many online job search sites, here are a few to start with:

Australian and International

  • CareerHub: the University of Newcastle Careers Service careers and job search site for enrolled students and graduates.

Australian

  • CareerOne: Australia wide job listings, all levels and industries including executive positions
  • MyCareer: Australian and international listings
  • Seek: comprehensive Australian job listings, also includes New Zealand and UK listings
  • The Big Chair: Management and Executive Jobs

International

Employability

Graduate attributes for the Bachelor of Biomedical Science are the skills, abilities and knowledge sets that are highly sought after in the industry. Below is the complete list of attributes that graduates will have demonstrated upon the completion of the degree.

Graduate Attributes

  1. Sound knowledge and skills in scientific method including problem solving skills and critical analysis as it applies to biological questions, to prepare them for a career in Biomedical Sciences
  2. Advanced knowledge in one or more of the specific fields of Cell and Molecular Science, Mammalian Growth and Development, Human Bioscience, Neuroscience, and/or Laboratory Professional Skills.
  3. Expertise in scientific method, laboratory and practical skills in the Biomedical Sciences and ability to perform at a high level in a Biomedical Science or Clinical research laboratory throughout the world.
  4. Suitable knowledge of biomedical sciences for entry into professional postgraduate degrees in the health sciences (medicine, pharmacy, rehabilitative therapies etc.)
  5. Expertise in communication including written and oral presentation techniques to facilitate dissemination of biomedical science knowledge to the national and international scientific community and the global society in general.

 

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