Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Course 064-AA (2008)
Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook
| Year and Campus: | 2008 |
|---|---|
| Fees Information: | Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date |
| Level: | Undergraduate |
Contact
Faculty of Science OfficeGround Floor
Old Geology Building
University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010 AUSTRALIA
Telephone +61 3 8344 6404
Facsimile +61 3 8344 5803
| Course Overview: | There is no first year intake into this course from 2008. The Bachelor of Biomedical Science aims to produce flexible and well-informed graduates with specific training in a wide range of biomedical applications of the basic sciences. The course has been designed with a particular emphasis on the development of integrated knowledge of genome structure and its role in whole animal systems biology. The design takes into account the rapidly emerging importance of computational molecular biology (bioinformatics) and opportunities for exploiting knowledge of complete genome structures in biomedical contexts. |
|---|---|
| Objectives: | The specific course objectives are that graduates should:
|
| Course Structure & Available Subjects: | The Bachelor of Biomedical Science course is closely aligned with the Bachelor of Science course and makes provision for some common areas of study in a broad range of the biomedical sciences. However it is distinct in its provision for compulsory (core) subjects at each year level. These subjects have been designed to achieve the vertical integration of major themes of the new biologies, biomedical biotechnology and bioinformatics. |
| Subject Options: | A minimum (and maximum) of 300 points is required, comprising:
Students must pass the four prerequisite chemistry and biology subjects before proceeding to 200-level core subjects, and must pass both 200-level core subjects before proceeding to 300-level core subjects. Due to the multidisciplinary content of the 200-level Integrated Biomedical Science generic core subjects, students enrolled in the BBiomedSc degree are not permitted to enrol in any of the following 200-level science subjects: Year 1 Completion of 100 points of core subjects at 100-level: 650-131 Biomed: Molecules, Cells & Organisms Year 2 Year 2Core 200-level subjectsSubject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: Year 3 Completion of 25 points (two subjects) of core subjects at 300-level. Plus completion of 75 points of subjects at 300-level in a specialist stream selected from the following: Year 3Core 300-level subjects for all streams.Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: Stream 1: Functional, computational and applied genomics Coordinators: Assoc Prof Ian van Driel and Prof J Camakaris Stream 1A: Functional and applied genomicsStream-specific core subjects (50 points): 652-302, 652-304, 521-302; plus one of 521-322, 531-303, 652-301, 652-303.Electives (25 points): Two of 521-301, 521-303, 521-321, 526-301, 531-301, 652-305, 516-302, 521-307, 521-322, 531-303, 606-306, 652-301, 652-303, 652-306. Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: Stream 1B: Proteomics and computational genomicsStream-specific core subjects (37.5 points): 521-301, 521-307, 521-322. Electives (37.5 points): Three of 521-303, 521-305, 521-321, 526-301, 531-301, 652-305, 521-302, 521-304, 534-306, 606-306, 652-301. Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: Stream 2: Physiological genomics Coordinator: Professor S Harrap Stream 2: Physiological genomicsStream-specific core subjects (37.5 points): 536-301, 536-308, 536-311. Electives (37.5 points): Three of 516-307, 521-305, 534-302, 600-311, 652-304, 652-305, 516-302, 521-302, 521-304, 536-302, 536-304, 600-312, 652-303. Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: Stream 3: Biotechnology and therapeutics Coordinator (Biotechnology): Dr D Tribe Stream 3A: BiotechnologyStream-specific core subjects (37.5 points): 521-301, 526-301, 521-322. Electives (37.5 points): Three of 521-303, 521-305, 521-321, 531-301, 534-302, 536-301, 606-304, 606-309, 610-332, 521-302, 521-304, 521-307, 531-303, 534-305, 534-306, 536-302, 536-311, 606-306, 652-303. Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: Stream 3B: TherapeuticsStream-specific core subjects (50 points): 534-301; plus either 534-304 or two of 534-305, 536-306, 534-311. Electives (25 points): Two of 516-307, 521-301, 521-303, 521-305, 521-321, 526-301, 531-301, 534-302, 536-301, 536-302, 606-304, 606-309, 610-332, 521-302, 521-304, 521-307, 531-303, 534-305, 534-306, 534-311, 536-311, 606-306, 652-303. Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: Stream 3C: Drug technologyStream-specific core subjects (37.5 points): 534-301 and 610-320. Electives (37.5 points): Three of 610-332, 610-310, 610-340, 610-320, 534-305, 534-306, 534-311, 610-399, 610-360. Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: Coordinators: Dr R de Iongh and Prof P Gleeson The subjects in this stream deal with the links between the genome and phenome at all levels of organisation - from cells to organisms. Understanding these links is pivotal to apply recent advances in our knowledge of the human genome to the solution of medical problems. Students will emerge from this stream with a sound understanding of the genetic and molecular basis for normal cell and tissue function. They will also have an appreciation of how cellular processes can be disrupted as a result of inherited or environmentally induced mutations, inappropriate diet or infection. This stream provides an ideal grounding for careers in biomedical research into human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension etc. as well as basic research in cell and developmental biology. It opens up employment opportunities in university departments, hospitals, research institutes and biotechnology companies developing diagnostic and therapeutic products. Stream 4: Molecular biology of the cell in health and diseaseStream-specific core subjects (50 points): 521-303, 606-309, 516-302; plus one of 521-302, 531-303, 652-303. Electives (25 points): Two of 516-307, 521-301, 521-321, 526-301, 531-301, 531-302, 536-304, 652-302, 652-304, 652-305, 521-302, 521-304, 521-322, 526-305, 531-303, 531-304, 536-302, 536-304, 536-311, 652-303. Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: Coordinators: Dr Andrew Pask and Dr Mary Familari Reproductive and developmental biology are two rapidly expanding fields offering many exciting opportunities for graduates at the forefront of biotechnology. These areas have numerous clinical applications such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), development of new contraceptives and the newest field, embryonic stem cell technology, which holds enormous therapeutic potential for the repair of diseased and damaged tissues. This stream is designed to give students a broad background in the genetics, molecular and cellular basis of diverse topics including reproduction, embryonic and fetal development in human, and other animal models. It covers the genetic and cellular events of: 1. development of egg to embryo; 2. pregnancy; 3. lactation; 4. birth and birth defects; 5. sexual differentiation; 6. fertility and control strategies for the prevention of HIV; and 7. cloning and stem cell research. This stream is taught by leading researchers in the fields of reproduction, sexual differentiation and embryonic development using state-of-the-art molecular and genetic technologies. This stream also provides a good background for those students interested in the application of assisted reproductive technology for the conservation of endangered species. The electives have been chosen to allow students to further focus on areas that particularly interest them and can lead to Honours and postgraduate research. This stream opens up employment opportunities in three broad areas: in biomedical research, biotechnology and agricultural industries. Graduates are well qualified for employment in fertility clinics; assisted reproductive technology and biotechnology companies such as IVF Australia; and veterinary and agricultural industries such as CSIRO, Environment Australia, Natural Resources and Environment, Parks Victoria and Victorian Institute of Animal Sciences. There are numerous large research centers in Victoria whose medical research focuses on aspects of reproduction and stem cell biology that offer many employment opportunities as well as opportunities for Honours and postgraduate study. Stream 5: Reproductive and developmental biologyStream-specific core subjects (37.5 points): 606-309, 516-302, 654-304. Electives (37.5 points): Three of 516-306, 521-303, 600-311, 652-302, 652-305, 654-307, 531-303, 536-311, 600-312. 300-level subjects offered within other streams of the BBiomedSc course may also be taken as electives within stream 5. Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: Coordinator: Dr P Kitchener Understanding the human brain is one of the pre-eminent scientific challenges of the 21st century. Neuroscience is a broad discipline and in this stream is addressed over a wide range from the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neural function to complex behaviours such as thought and language. The range of subjects offered aims to provide students with insight into the molecular and cellular mechanisms fundamental to neural function; an understanding of how neurons form the building blocks of the nervous system, how they transmit information, communicate with each other, form elementary circuits, and store information; an appreciation of the fundamentals of systems underlying sensory perception; an understanding of how the nervous system initiates and controls movements of the body; an appreciation of the plasticity of the nervous system, how it adapts to changing environments, how it ages, how nerve injuries may be repaired or may lead to irreversible damage; insight into how drugs and diseases affect the nervous system. A neuroscience background leads to career opportunities in scientific and medical research in university departments, research institutes, hospitals; and to broader opportunities in drug companies, and in bioengineering companies (diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, robotics). Stream 6: NeuroscienceStream-specific core subjects (50 points): 534-302, 536-303, 516-305, 521-304.Electives (25 points): Two of 516-306, 516-307, 654-315, 516-302, 516-307, 536-302, 536-304. Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: Coordinators: Prof R Robins-Browne and Ms S Uren Infectious diseases are the major world wide cause of morbidity and mortality. The Stream 7 core subjects provide a deep understanding of the diverse agents of infection (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites), and the many diseases they cause. The molecular basis of the ability of various microorganisms to cause disease (pathogenesis) will be discussed, together with strategies to interrupt this process, including the development of new antibiotics and other agents. The immunology component of the course allows students to become familiar with the way the immune system responds to defend the body against infections. Techniques to boost the immune response by the development of novel vaccines and other interventions are explored. As well, the immunology subjects provide an understanding of the mechanisms operating in response to tumours, transplants, and in allergies and autoimmune diseases. Stream 7 electives have been chosen to allow students to further focus on areas of particular interest to them. This stream opens up employment opportunities in the areas of medical microbiological and immunological diagnostics, food science, biotechnology (including medical and veterinary vaccine and therapeutics development and production), and basic research into a range of microorganisms (including those bacteria and viruses which cause diarrhoea, HIV, influenza and tuberculosis), microbial genetics and pathogenesis. The depth of the immunological content of the course allows students to continue to explore the immune system by research into such diverse areas as allergies, autoimmune diseases including diabetes and arthritis, transplantation and cancer immunology. Stream 7A: Combined microbiology and immunologyStream-specific core subjects (50 points): 526-304, 526-313, 526-314; plus one of 526-305, 526-327.Electives (25 points): Two of 526-301, 526-321, 526-324, 526-305, 526-326. Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: Stream 7B: MicrobiologyStream-specific core subjects (50 points): 526-313, 526-314, 526-327; plus one of 526-304, 526-321.Electives (25 points): Two of 526-301, 526-304, 526-321, 526-324, 526-305. Additional 300-level subjects may also be available as electives within stream 7B, with approval of the stream coordinators. Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: Stream 7C: ImmunologyStream-specific core subjects (50 points): 526-304, 526-324, 526-305, 526-326.Electives (25 points): Two of 526-301, 526-313, 526-314. Additional 300-level subjects may also be available as electives within stream 7C, with approval of the stream coordinators. Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: Coordinator (Physics): Assoc Prof Ann Roberts Coordinator (Chemistry): Dr U Wille Stream 8: Biomedical physics and chemistryStream-specific core subjects (75 points): six of 521-301, 521-321, 610-332, 610-340, 640-321, 640-341, 521-307, 521-322, 534-305, 534-306, 610-320, 640-353, 640-364. Additional 300-level chemistry and physics subjects may also be available as core subjects within stream 8.Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: |
| Entry Requirements: |
There is no first year intake into this course from 2008. For enquiries about admission requirements for later year entry into this program, please contact the Faculty of Science Office. |
| Core Participation Requirements: | It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit. |
| Further Study: | An honours option is available for graduates of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science through the Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours) course. |
| Graduate Attributes: | In biomedical science at the University of Melbourne we expect to educate our students in the fundamental skill of transforming information into knowledge. This outcome is fully consistent with the University's general ambition for our graduates, and emphasises the transferability of the skills practised in science. Throughout their course, students will find that many of the abilities that they develop are shared, valued, and applicable to activities in all walks of life. In particular, these are the skills that are essential to providing leadership to the biomedical science industries of the Australian economy and culture. Bachelor of Biomedical Science graduates have concentrated knowledge across the range of biomedical discipline areas, as well as particular areas of specialisation. The integrated nature of the course means that they are able to apply this knowledge readily to different issues, problems or workplaces. They are also able to see beyond specific discipline boundaries and can evaluate and integrate new information and ideas readily into their existing knowledge base. Having undertaken laboratory and tutorial classes, biomedical science graduates are adept at activity planning as well as the application of theory to practice. They are well versed in a variety of state-of-the-art laboratory techniques of biomedical relevance as well as skills in bioinformatics. Many graduates will have been exposed to laboratory research in research institutes associated with the University. They are not only able to work independently on basic research projects, but are also familiar with professional work cultures and readily adapt to new organisations. In additional they are aware of the bioethical issues surrounding areas such as new genetics and animal cloning investigations. The scientific training of these graduates gives them strong cognitive skills and they are able to:
Science disciplines value clear reporting. Consequently, the biomedical science graduate has developed skills of efficient and effective communication of ideas and results, whether in the accepted modes of scientific report writing or through more informal oral presentations. Graduates recognise the need to present information and ideas in an effective written form that is appropriate to the purpose and the reader. The need to manage the multiplicity of tasks (lectures, laboratory and assignment work), means that biomedical science graduates are aware of the need to structure and manage time effectively and efficiently, to retain balance, and to prioritise their activities. They are able to juggle several tasks simultaneously, take responsibility for their own work, independently or within a group, and to plan their schedule appropriately. |
| Generic Skills: |
Upon completion of this course students should have developed the following generic skills:
- be capable of applying appropriate knowledge,
|
Download PDF version.