Clinical Laboratory Science

Major overview

Play a vital role in healthcare with a Clinical Laboratory Science major

Clinical laboratory science is essential to modern healthcare, helping to detect, diagnose and monitor disease through laboratory testing. The Clinical Laboratory Science major within our Bachelor of Biomedical Science prepares you to contribute to patient care by generating the data that informs medical decisions.

Throughout your clinical laboratory science studies, you’ll explore areas such as pathology, diagnostic testing, microbiology and laboratory analysis. You’ll also explore medical technology and the latest advances in modern diagnostic science, developing the skills to examine samples, interpret results and understand how laboratory findings support disease diagnosis and management.

Guided by leading academics, you’ll build strong technical and analytical skills while engaging with leading-edge research in biomedical science. You’ll gain insight into how medical laboratory science contributes to healthcare outcomes and biomedical research.

You’ll study at the Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct, a clinical and research hub, with access to advanced laboratories that reflect real-world diagnostic environments. These spaces support hands-on learning using industry-standard techniques.

Within our biomedical science degree, you can pair this major with another specialisation, including Biochemistry and Nutrition, Biomedicine, Genetics and Biotechnology, Microbiology and Immunology or Pharmacology and Toxicology, to expand your options for a career in laboratory science and healthcare.

You may also extend your studies with an optional fourth year, leading to a professional qualification in laboratory medicine.

Student handling samples with gloves in a laboratory

3 reasons to study clinical laboratory science at Murdoch University

Study in the Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct, with access to modern laboratories and real-world clinical and diagnostic environments.
Customise your health science degree by pairing this major with another specialisation to broaden your expertise and career pathways.
Gain hands-on laboratory experience through practical, research-informed learning guided by leading academics.

What you’ll learn

Understand human biology and disease, including how conditions are identified and monitored through laboratory testing.
Explore pathology, microbiology and diagnostic processes used in clinical and laboratory settings.
Develop laboratory skills for sample preparation, testing and analysis.
Interpret laboratory data to support diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Apply scientific knowledge to real-world healthcare and biomedical research challenges.
Build research, communication and critical thinking skills for laboratory and health science careers.

Not only could I study a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology and Toxicology, and a Bachelor of Criminology, but I had the opportunity to study them as a combined degree.

Danika, Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences

Murdoch University MMFS student with hammer prop

Your future career in laboratory science

Study clinical laboratory science and contribute to modern healthcare by generating the data that underpins critical medical decisions and patient care. Your expertise can lead to roles across hospital labs, pathology services, research organisations, and the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.

A major in clinical laboratory science can also support further study in specialised laboratory science, biomedical research or other health-related fields.

Potential roles include:

Medical laboratory scientist
Pathology technician
Laboratory technician
Research assistant
Diagnostic laboratory roles
Biomedical researcher

For more details about our Clinical Laboratory Science major, download our information pack.

Start dates

Starting period	Location	Face to Face	Online	Mixed mode
Semester 1, 2026	Murdoch	Yes	No	No
Semester 2, 2026	Murdoch	Yes	No	No
Semester 1, 2027	Murdoch	Yes	No	No
Semester 2, 2027	Murdoch	Yes	No	No

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

Starting period	Location	Face to Face	Online	Mixed mode
Semester 1, 2026	Murdoch	Yes	No	No
Semester 2, 2026	Murdoch	Yes	No	No
Semester 1, 2027	Murdoch	Yes	No	No
Semester 2, 2027	Murdoch	Yes	No	No

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

Major Structure

Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.

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

Unit code	Unit name	Credit points

How to Apply

Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Laws

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Study a law and biomedical science double degree at Murdoch University and graduate with the skills for diverse health and legal careers. Apply today.

Code: B1430

Selection rank: 90

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Laws

Bachelor of Science

Get ready for a fascinating career as you add a scientific specialisation such as Computer Science, Cyber Security, Forensic Biology and Toxicology, Environmental Science or Environmental Management and Sustainability to your Law degree.

Code: B1409

Selection rank: 90

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Study a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Murdoch University and gain hands-on experience in modern labs and health facilities. Apply today.

Code: B1419

Selection rank: 70

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3 reasons to study clinical laboratory science at Murdoch University

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