Program Overview

La Trobe's Bachelor of Biomedical Science is ideal for students interested in human biology and allows you to tailor the degree toward your career interests. Combining the fields of biology and medical science, you'll open doors to careers across high-demand sectors including education, healthcare, media and research.

In your first year, develop fundamental knowledge in areas across chemistry, bioscience and health, with an additional focus on psychology and how to work with individuals in health and human services settings.

In your second year, build on these foundations with advanced topics in biomedical sciences that underpin your knowledge across chemistry, metabolic biochemistry, pharmacology and the growing need for expertise in immunology.

In your third and final year, deepen your expertise across topics including applied immunology, cancer research, response to infectious disease, and cardiovascular and neurological systems. You can also choose to put your learning into practice with an elective placement. Previous students have undertaken internships with Thermo Fisher Scientific, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Hexima and AdAlta. High-performing students may also have the opportunity to secure a vacation scholarship – a hands-on experience in a research laboratory.

Get personalised advice from our supportive staff who can help you align your degree with your career aspirations. With further study, the Bachelor of Biomedical Science can serve as a pathway into a highly sought-after career in physiotherapy, speech pathology, medicine or dentistry.

You'll learn:

• Molecular and cell biology: Understand the function of biological systems at the molecular and cellular levels, and how they relate to medical research and biotechnology.
• Human physiology: Gain insight into how the systems of the body work, including the cardiovascular and neurological systems, and how the regulation of these impact our health outcomes.
• Infectious and non-infectious disease: Discover how infectious diseases, like viruses, and non-infectious diseases, like cancers, are caused. Explore the latest understanding of how to prevent, diagnose and treat different types of disease.
• Clinical biochemistry and haematology: Delve into some of the most common areas of clinical pathology – from examining and analysing blood, to investigating biochemical components such as enzymes, hormones and proteins. Learn how to affect positive change across clinical pathology environments.