Clinical Laboratory Science

If you’re fascinated by disease processes and diagnosis, this course will give you the experience and analytical skills you need to succeed in medical diagnosis, medical research and other medical science-related fields.  

Explore medical technology and work in practical laboratories on campus to gain laboratory skills used to analyse, diagnose and research human diseases. You’ll examine disease processes and learn the technical skills you need to handle patient material collected in hospitals, doctor’s surgeries and forensic investigations.  

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to perform clinical testing and analyse and report results. Covering human biology, cell and molecular biology, molecular genetics, and a range of clinical laboratory disciplines including microbiology, immunology, biochemistry and haematology, this major (along with completion of other appropriate clinical units in your second and third year) will help prepare you for an optional fourth year of study and a professional qualification in Laboratory Medicine.  

3 reasons to study Clinical Laboratory Science at Murdoch  

1. Studying at Murdoch University will put you at the centre of the vibrant health and research precinct, which includes hospitals and advanced diagnostic laboratories.  
2. Prepare for the workforce or further study as you learn about the latest advances in modern diagnostic science.  
3. 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 about:  

• Clinical microbiology (diagnosis and management of infectious diseases) 
• Histopathology and histotechnology (diagnosis of tissue disoders such as cancer) 
• Clinical haematology (diagnosis of blood disorders) 
• Diagnostic genomics (diagnosis of disease using DNA) 
• Clinical immunology (diagnosis of immune disorders)   
• Clinical biochemistry (diagnosis of disease using biochemical markers) 

Your future career  

A major in Clinical Laboratory Science will give you opportunities to pursue a career in a variety of health-related fields. Careers could include:  

• Laboratory Technician  
• Technical Officer  
• Medical Researcher  
• Laboratory Assistant  
• Research Scientist  

You could work in medical research institutes, diagnostic pathology laboratories, biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, secondary or university education, medical scientific supply, or hospitals.