Undergraduate Major

Biomedical Science

Biomedical scientists have made some of the world’s biggest medical discoveries – could you make the next big breakthrough in understanding, diagnosing, treating or even preventing human disease?

What type of student are you?

Murdoch code
MJ-BMS
Study mode
Full Time or Part Time
Selection rank
70
CRICOS code
See Course
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Overview

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

  1. Study at the number 1 university in Western Australia for social equity and student:teacher ratio for undergraduate courses by the Good Universities Guide 2024.
  2. Grow your industry connections via Murdoch’s own world-class Research Centres including the Food Futures Institute, Harry Butler Institute and Health Futures Institute.
  3. 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).

Your future career

When you graduate you could pursue a career in various medical and health related fields. There are also numerous opportunities to take on higher studies and complete a research qualification as part of an Honours year, followed by higher-level Masters or PhD research. Careers could include:

  • Medical Researcher
  • Medical Biotechnologist
  • Laboratory Technician (in hospitals, medical research institutes or universities)
  • Biomedical Sales and Marketing Specialist
  • Human Biology Teacher.

You could work in medical research, medical biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, secondary or higher (university) education, hospitals, philanthropic organisations, government departments or medical scientific supply.

For further admission information about this course, please download our Information Pack.

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Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Unit code Unit name Credit points
Progress to entry requirements

Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
University study
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject
  • MUPC (1 Trimester)
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course
  • Introduction to Academic Communication unit
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Enabling courses (after Year 12)

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.

Successful completion of the course.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university 
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR

A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR 
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
University study

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject
  • MUPC (1 Trimester)
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course
  • Introduction to Academic Communication unit
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Enabling courses (after Year 12)

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.

Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of the course.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university 

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR

A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR 
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement

Experience based entry

A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area.​ Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
 
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
 
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
 
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR 
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Extenuating circumstances

We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.

Case-by-case assessment.
GCE A Levels
Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.

A Levels: D in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature

Knowledge and Inquiry.

Overseas Year 12
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
CPS 54 or higher.
50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.

Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:

  • English
  • English Extension (Literature)
  • English for ESL Learners.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).


Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
70

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only)​.

VET course studied at school
Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.


International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Total score of 24 or higher.

Higher level (HL): 3 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).


Experience based entry

Minimum academic requirement

A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area.​ Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
 
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
 
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
 
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR 
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Extenuating circumstances

Minimum academic requirement

We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.

Minimum English requirement

Case-by-case assessment.
GCE A Levels

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.

Minimum English requirement

A Levels: D in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature

Knowledge and Inquiry.

Overseas Year 12

Minimum academic requirement

Please refer to the information under the country of study.

Minimum English requirement

Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)

Minimum academic requirement

CPS 54 or higher.

Minimum English requirement

50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

Minimum academic requirement

Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.

Minimum English requirement

Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:

  • English
  • English Extension (Literature)
  • English for ESL Learners.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).


Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)

Minimum academic requirement

70

Minimum English requirement

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only)​.

VET course studied at school

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.


International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Minimum academic requirement

Total score of 24 or higher.

Minimum English requirement

Higher level (HL): 3 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).


Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Certificate IV AQF level 4
Successful completion of a Certificate IV.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).


Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Certificate IV AQF level 4

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of a Certificate IV.

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).


Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).


Experienced based entry

A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area.​ Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)

MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.


Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Minimum academic requirement

Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).


Experienced based entry

Minimum academic requirement

A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area.​ Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)

Minimum academic requirement

MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.


As per normal undergraduate admission requirements.

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

Adjustment for Murdoch RISE

Murdoch RISE is a selection rank adjustment, as part of our commitment to helping students from regional, Indigenous and low socio-economic backgrounds gain university entry.

If you achieve an ATAR of 60.00 - 89.95, a Murdoch RISE adjustment factor of up to 10.00 points may help you get into your preferred course. Murdoch RISE can increase your selection rank up to a maximum of 90.00.

There’s no application or need to register. If you are eligible, the adjustment factor is automatically added to your raw ATAR score when you apply.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

 

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai  and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

Students in a lecture theatre

Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship.

Whether you’re a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.

Find your scholarship
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How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

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How much will it cost?

Course fees vary depending on the level of study and the year of commencement. Use our Fee Calculator to estimate the cost of your course.

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Students in a lecture theatre

Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship. Our International Welcome Scholarship offers eligible students between $8,000 and $11,000, depending on the course you study.

The Australian Government also offers scholarships to students from developing countries through the Australia Awards Scholarship program.

Explore our scholarships and find out if you’re eligible to apply.

Find your scholarship
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How to apply

How to apply
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