Program Overview

Foundation Studies prepares you for a successful transition to degree-level study, providing a pathway to the first year of study of a bachelor’s degree at Murdoch University.

This course is suited to you if you:

• Need an entrance qualification for Murdoch University
• Want to accelerate your university preparation after Year 11, or equivalent
• Want to change your degree stream after Year 11, or equivalent

Course Structure
For Foundation Studies you will complete eight units over two study periods, studying a combination of core and elective units. The units you will undertake will be determined by your chosen degree. All students must complete the two English units and at least one unit from each Discipline Group.

Each unit of study builds concepts from an introductory level through to university entrance level. The units are designed to develop your learning techniques as well as bridging gaps in your unit knowledge.

• English
  • Essential Australian Studies
  • Introduction to Academic Communication
• Mathematics
  • Introductory Mathematics
  • Mathematics for Science
• Science and Technology
  • Information Technology for Academic Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
• The Arts
  • Introduction to Media
  • Media Production
• Business and Legal Studies
  • Accounting
  • Management
  • Economics

Leading to: Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of disease as you build a strong foundation for your future career in Laboratory Medicine.

Clinical terminology like haematology (the study and treatment of blood), immunology (the study of the immune system and how our bodies protect us from pathogens), histopathology (the study of how disease causes changes in tissues) and molecular pathology (the examination of molecules within organs, tissues and fluids) will become part of your professional vocabulary as you develop skills in the handling of patient material and laboratory testing to guide medical decision making.

Laboratory Medicine is a four-year course in which you can pursue a specific area of interest by selecting one of three streams – Biomedical Science, Genetics and Molecular Biology or Forensic Biology and Toxicology. In the fourth year, you will also take part in Murdoch's Work Integrated Learning, which allows you to apply your knowledge in a workplace environment.

3 reasons to study Laboratory Medicine at Murdoch

• Develop skills in the handling of patient material, laboratory testing and analysing clinical results.
• You’ll study in a major health precinct including three hospitals and a medical research institute.
• Learn on the latest instrumentation as part of our extensive hands-on practical training, including industry placements within diagnostic pathology laboratories.

What you’ll learn
Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn:

• Clinical microbiology
• Clinical biochemistry
• Clinical haematology
• Pathological basis of disease
• Diagnostic genomics