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 Science (Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences)
In Biomedical Science you’ll explore human disease and its treatment and prevention, and learn both fundamental and specific laboratory techniques required across the medical fields, including in medical research. Or you’ll learn about medical technology and gain analytical skills needed to succeed in medical diagnosis in Clinical Laboratory Science.

Majoring in Forensic Biology and Toxicology will see you learn to apply scientific thinking to investigate crime and even participate in simulated crime cases.  You’ll discover the molecular basis of genetics and how to analyse and manipulate genes in the process of genetic engineering if you decide to major in Genetics and Molecular Biology.

You’ll also have the opportunity to increase your scope by choosing minors across other disciplines including anatomy, biology, bioinformatics, pharmacology, ethics, or science communication. Our leading academics will guide and mentor you, as you explore the human body, forensic investigation, and/or DNA and genetics in-depth through extensive hands-on practical classes.

You can also expand on your career prospects by undertaking a double major or double degree with another scientific area.

Major: Clinical Laboratory Science
If you’re fascinated by disease processes and diagnosis, this course will give you the experience and analytical skills you need to succeed in medical diagnosis, medical research and other health-related fields.

Explore medical technology and work in practical laboratories on campus to gain laboratory skills used to analyse, diagnose and research human diseases. You’ll examine disease processes and learn the technical skills you need to handle patient material collected in hospitals, doctor’s surgeries and even forensic investigations.

By the end of the course you’ll be able to perform clinical testing and analyse and report results. Covering human biology, cell and molecular biology, molecular genetics, and a range of clinical laboratory disciplines including microbiology, immunology, biochemistry and haematology, this major (along with completion of other appropriate clinical units in second and third year) will potentially help prepare you for a fourth year of study and a professional qualification in Laboratory Medicine.

3 reasons to study Clinical Laboratory Science at Murdoch

• Studying at Murdoch University will put you at the centre of the vibrant health and research precinct, which includes Fiona Stanley and St John of God Hospitals, along with many other health facilities such as the Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases.
• Prepare for the workforce or further study as you learn about the latest advances in modern diagnostic science.
• Learn by doing, with laboratory content throughout the course to ensure you acquire practical skills and reinforce theoretical principles.

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
• Histopathology
• Haematology
• Diagnostic genomics
• Clinical immunology