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: Genetics and Molecular Biology
DNA, RNA, proteins and metabolites – these are the molecules essential for functions of life. Understanding their structure and function is the foundation of molecular and genetic discoveries that could cure disease, increase crop productivity or even solve criminal cases.

Learn how to solve problems at the molecular level, with the most up-to-date knowledge and training in molecular genetics. You’ll gain the molecular biology skills you need to analyse molecular samples, and learn how to apply them across widespread fields including animal science, biomedical science, conservation biology, crop and pasture science, forensics, marine science and medicine.

If you’re planning on pursuing postgraduate study in fields such as medicine, pharmacy and forensic science, you will be well prepared with this major. High achieving students can also choose to complete Honours, an additional year of study, which involves undertaking an independent project with one of our research groups.

3 reasons to study Genetics and Molecular Biology at Murdoch

• Murdoch’s Perth campus hosts several world-class molecular research centres, including the Australian National Phenome Centre, the Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, the Separation Science and Metabolomics Laboratory, and the Centre for Rhizobium Studies.
• Learn among researchers who have been ranked ‘above’ world standard for immunology and genetics.
• 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:

• Cell biology (structure and function of cells)
• Genetics and evolution (studying the evolution of life and population development)
• Microbiology (bacteria, viruses and fungi important in industrial, ecological, agricultural and medical settings)
• Genetic engineering (construction and uses of GMOs and associated ethical considerations)
• Biochemistry (importance of molecules in cell function)
• Systems biology (holistic approach to understand biological functions)