Study Planner Information
What will I study?
Study in first year of the BSc will provide a broad foundation in biology, chemistry and maths. These courses establish skills and knowledge that underpin later study. In second year, students majoring in Biomedical Science will begin to focus their course selection.
Your courses will cover the broad areas of molecular and cellular biology (biochemistry and molecular biology, human genetics, developmental biology and immunology and infectious diseases) through to body systems (physiology, neuroscience, anatomy and pharmacology). You will have the opportunity to specialise in one or more of these areas in your third year if you wish. You will learn the scientific process through activities ranging from experimental design and hands-on experiments to computer modelling.
Courses focussing on molecular and cellular biology
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
You will examine the molecules made by living organisms in a cellular context, and the application of this knowledge in all areas of biomedical science. You will gain the research tools to address questions on how cells divide, grow, communicate and die, and understand the structure, function and interactions of nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, and their contribution to cellular activities and processes.
Human Genetics
Study the human genome and its significance as the instruction book of life. You can contribute to the ethical debate on the use of genetic information and be a part of future discoveries identifying the genetic mechanisms that define what it is to be human. It will allow you to employ statistical and mathematical skills needed to analyse large biological data sets generated from sequencing the human genomes.
Developmental Biology
Examine how organisms and cells grow and develop according to their genetic blueprint, which will give you an understanding of how genes contribute to the development of organs and tissues. This knowledge is central to understanding the basis of human health and disease. It also provides essential knowledge needed for bioengineering and nanotechnology.
Immunology and Infectious Diseases
You will examine the principles of immunological responses in the body. The biology of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc will lead to examining examples of infectious diseases, including HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, SARS, and exotic influenzas. These are all a threat to global health. Study molecular diagnostics to understand how new vaccines and therapeutic treatments are developed.
Courses focussing on body systems
Physiology
Examine how the body works, taking knowledge at the molecular and cellular levels to understand integrative control of tissues, organs and systems. Physiology aims to understand normal processes in the body, and the changes that occur in disease. You will gain a unique insight into physiology from many different perspectives.
Neuroscience
This area is a rapidly growing field examining the nervous system. The nervous system is a complex array of billions of interconnected cells responsible for integrating, processing and coordinating sensory information and motor commands. Examine how neuroscience and neural stem cells are being used in new therapeutic strategies to treat neurological and mental illnesses.
Anatomy
Understand human anatomy and anatomical data analysis. Using human cadavers, you will learn about the macroscopic structure of human organ systems including the musculoskeletal, nervous and visceral systems. You will collect and evaluate anatomical data, gaining insights into human variation in health and disease.
Pharmacology
Learn about the principles that underpin how drugs impact on the functioning of the human body and are useful in prevention and treatment of disease. You will also discover how pharmacologists are significantly improving therapies for diseases through advances in drug design and development, leading to new drugs or better use of existing drugs.
Biomedical science is available as a single or extended major.
Pre-medicine Study Planners for the Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science provides an array of possible study plans that also allow students to prepare appropriately for subsequent study in the MD program. A select few planners have been devised in consultation with the School of Medicine and are available for download.
Year 1 Study Planner
What do the different requirements mean?
- Compulsory for program – all BSc students must complete this course
- Prerequisite for major – course required for this major
- Recommended – other science course which complements the major, but can be substituted for an elective
- Elective - choose a Level 1 course that interests you
| Course Code & Title | Requirements |
|---|---|
| BIOL1020 Genes, Cells & Evolution | Prerequisite for major |
| CHEM1100 Chemistry 11 | Prerequisite for major |
| BIOL1030 Global Challenges in Biology | Recommended |
| SCIE1000 Theory & Practice in Science | Recommended |
| Course Code & Title | Requirements |
|---|---|
| STAT1201 Analysis of Scientific Data | Compulsory for program |
| BIOL1040 Cells to Organisms | Prerequisite for major |
| CHEM1200 Chemistry 21 | Recommended |
| [MATH1051 Calculus & Linear Algebra I3 OR PHYS1171 Physical Basis of Biological Systems] |
Recommended |
1. Students without Queensland Senior Chemistry should complete CHEM1090 before taking any other chemistry course.
2. Students who commence this program in semester 2 should enrol in BIOL1020, BIOL1040, CHEM1100 and STAT1201 to ensure that you are academically prepared for the following semester. Any mid-year commencing student who would like to vary this course selection should contact the Faculty of Science to arrange an academic advising appointment.
3. Students without Queensland Senior Maths C should complete MATH1050 before MATH1051.
Year 2 to 3 Study Planner
To complete the Biomedical Science Single Major, you are required to complete #14 (#6 at Level 2 and #8 at Level 3) from the Biomedical Science course list.
The following are suggested study plans for this major and should be used as a guide to planning your program. Please refer to the course list to ensure you complete the major requirements.
What do the different columns mean?
- Sem - Semester
- Compulsory courses – All student must complete these courses as part of the program requirements.
- Key courses – Key courses for the area of study.
- Recommended electives – Courses that complement the area of study.
-
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Year 2 Sem Compulsory for the Program Key Courses
At least #4 from:Recommended Electives 1 BIOL2200 Cell Structure & Function BIOC2000 Biochem & Molecular Biology BIOM2020 Human Anatomy 2 BIOL2202 Genetics
BIOM2208 Differentiation & Development
MICR2000 Microbiology & ImmunologyBIOM2012 Systems Physiology
BIOM2402 Principles of PharmacologyYear 3 Sem Compulsory for the Program Key Courses
at least #6 from 3rd year coursesRecommended Electives 1 BIOC3000 Advanced Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
BIOL3004 Genomics & Bioinformatics
BIOL3006 Molecular Cell Biology
DEVB3002 Molec Mechanisms of Devel
MICR3002 Virology
MICR3003 Molecular Microbiology
#2 research project (semester 1, 2 or summer) 2BIOM3002 Human Biomedical Anatomy 1
BIOM3014 Molecular & Cell Physiology
BIOM3020 Integrated Endocrinology
BIOM3401 Systems Pharmacology
BIOT3002 Drug Design & Development
NEUR3001 Molecular & Cell Neuroscience2 BIOM3200 Biomedical Science BIOC3003 Human Molecular Genetics & Disease
BIOC3005 Molecular Systems Biology
BIOC3006 Biochem of Metabolism in Health
DEVB3001 Developmental Neurobiology
MICR3001 Microbes & Human Health
#2 research project (semester 1, 2 or summer) 2ANAT3022 Functional Neuroanatomy
BIOL3350 Genetics & Evolution of Complex Traits
BIOM3003 Funct Musculoskeletal Anatomy 1
BIOM3015 Physiology & Pathophysiology
BIOM3402 Advanced Pharmacology
NEUR3002 The Integrated Brain- BIOM2020 is a pre-requisite for BIOM3002 & BIOM3003
- Research project - SCIE3011, SCIE3220, SCIE3221, SCIE3260 or SCIE3261 may be taken in semester 1 or 2 or summer semester before year 3. Only one research course can count towards the #8 required for 3rd year.
-
Body Systems
Year 2 Sem Compulsory for the Program Key Courses
At least #4 from:Recommended Electives 1 BIOL2200 Cell Structure & Function BIOM2011 Integrative Cell & Tissue Biol
BIOM2020 Human AnatomyBIOC2000 Biochem & Molecular Biology 2 BIOM2012 Systems Physiology
BIOM2402 Principles of PharmacologyBIOM2208 Differentiation & Development
MICR2000 Microbiology & ImmunologyYear 3 Sem Compulsory for the Program Required for the major
at least #6 from 3rd year coursesRecommended Electives 1 BIOM3002 Human Biomedical Anatomy 1
BIOM3014 Molecular & Cell Physiology
BIOM3020 Integrated Endocrinology
BIOM3401 Systems Pharmacology
BIOT3002 Drug Design & Development
NEUR3001 Molecular & Cell Neuroscience
#2 research project (semester 1, 2 or summer) 2BIOC3000 Advanced Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
BIOL3003 Advanced Immunology
BIOL3004 Genomics & Bioinformatics
BIOL3006 Molecular Cell Biology
DEVB3002 Molec Mechanisms of Devel
MICR3002 Virology
MICR3003 Molecular Microbiology2 BIOM3200 Biomedical Science ANAT3022 Functional Neuroanatomy
BIOM3003 Funct Musculoskeletal Anatomy 1
BIOM3015 Physiology & Pathophysiology
BIOM3402 Advanced Pharmacology
NEUR3002 The Integrated Brain
#2 research project (semester 1, 2 or summer) 2BIOC3003 Human Molecular Genetics & Disease
BIOC3005 Molecular Systems Biology
BIOC3006 Biochem of Metabolism in Health
BIOL3350 Genetics & Evolution of Complex Traits
DEVB3001 Developmental Neurobiology
MICR3001 Microbes & Human Health- BIOM2020 is a pre-requisite for BIOM3002 & BIOM3003
- Research project - SCIE3011, SCIE3220, SCIE3221, SCIE3260 or SCIE3261 may be taken in semester 1 or 2 or summer semester before year 3. Only one research course can count towards the #8 required for 3rd year.
Careers in Biomedical Science
Graduates majoring in Biomedical Science will find employment opportunities in research institutes, government, education and industry. Graduates will be prepared for a challenging and stimulating career in biomedical research or for entry into postgraduate training in medicine and other health-related professions. In this rapidly expanding area, UQ graduates are in high demand for their specialist knowledge and practical skills.
Biomedical science careers include:
- Technical and scientific positions on research projects funded by government and private agencies
- Academic and research pathways in universities
- Research institutes and hospitals
- Government and industry
- Research work in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies developong diagnostics for disease and new drugs for treatment
- Laboratory work in molecular and cellular biology
- Scientific sales and marketing in secondary schools or other educational institutions, when combined with a teaching qualification.
A major in Biomedical Science may also be used to gain skills and knowledge required for entry to the Doctor of Medicine. You can find more information about using the BSc as a pathway to medicine here. Many BSc graduates also enter into further research-based studies in Honours, Masters and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs.
Help?
Enrolment guide website.
Send us your question.
Academic calendar for all your study dates.
First Year Guide 2017 for St Lucia Students
First Year Guide 2017 for Gatton Students
First Years - Gatton (External)
First Year Guide 2017 for External Gatton Students
