Program Overview

Get the technical and applied expertise you need to establish your biomedical career with La Trobe's Bachelor of Biomedicine.

Start with how the body works as you build fundamental knowledge in chemistry, bioscience and health. Take a close look at infectious diseases, including the factors that drive epidemics and pandemics. Then tailor your degree with a combination of up to two majors or electives aligned to your personal career goals and industry demand.

By completing La Trobe's Bachelor of Biomedicine, you will:

• Develop strong foundational knowledge in topics such as biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, human physiology, infectious and non-communicable disease.
• Choose from majors in cancer, heart and brain diseases; immunology and infectious disease; physiology and pharmacology; or molecular and cellular biochemistry.
• Gain hands-on experience from day one with lab work, internship opportunities, overseas exchange opportunities and more.
• Be prepared for your future career at every stage of the course, with the flexibility to exit early with a Diploma after one year or an Associate Degree after two years.
• Graduate with your majors on your academic transcript and a pathway to specialist postgraduate studies in research, medicine, physiotherapy and more.

Major: Immunology and Infectious Disease

Discover the world of microorganisms and how they affect our lives. Bacteria, viruses and other microbes can cause infectious diseases and lead to a range of health complications. Our immune cells and molecules can protect us from these pathogens but they must be tightly regulated to ensure they do not cause autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Understanding infectious diseases and the human immune system can help us develop the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent, control and mitigate the impact of these threats on individuals and communities. In the Immunology and Infectious Disease major, you’ll exploit your understanding of science and health concepts gained during core 1st and 2nd year Biomedicine subjects to delve into the viral, bacterial and eukaryotic pathogens that cause infectious diseases. You’ll also examine the ways in which our immune system protects us from these threats, while considering the autoimmune and allergic consequences of excessive or mis-directed immune responses.