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: Biomedical Science
Prepare for your career by exploring a variety of disciplines including physiology, microbiology, immunology, cell biology, biochemistry and pathology. You’ll also have the opportunity to broaden your scope by including other areas of study such as anatomy, parasitology, haematology, histology and pharmacology depending on your area of interest.

With extensive hands-on practical classes from lecturers who are making a real-world impact with their research, you will learn both basic and specific laboratory techniques needed in the medical sciences.

At the end of the course you’ll get to integrate the cutting-edge applications you’ve learnt as well as be well informed about future career pathways in the capstone unit “Advances in Medical Science”.

3 reasons to study Biomedical Science at Murdoch

• Five-star rating for skills development in health services and support.
• You’ll study in the heart of the Murdoch health precinct, which includes 3 hospitals and a medical research institute.
• If you’re aiming to study postgraduate medicine (or other medically-related vocations), you’ll be well prepared to apply when you finish this course.

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)
• Medical microbiology (bacteria, viruses and fungi that cause disease)
• Medical immunology and molecular genetics (how the body defends itself against infection and how genetics is important in medical science)
• Biomedical physiology (how body systems function)
• Pathological basis of disease (causes and effects of diseases, including cancer).