Bachelor of Biomedicine

The Bachelor of Biomedicine requires completion of a total of 300 points of study over three years full time, usually comprising four subjects per semester. Alternatively, the course can be completed in six or seven years part time.

The core of the degree builds understanding of the structure and function of the body and consideration of the determinants of health and disease, including genetic and environmental influences.

The integrated core program culminates in final year subjects that deal with contemporary issues in biomedicine and aspects of medical conditions from the molecular and cellular, right up to the population level.

Depth within a particular biomedical discipline is achieved by completing 50 points (4 subjects) in a major at Level 3.

Students also take between 50-75 points from other discipline areas. These 'breadth' subjects are designed to bridge disciplines, sharpening skills of logic, analysis and multidisciplinary problem solving.

The Bachelor of Biomedicine prepares students for the challenges of advancing knowledge in biomedicine and its translation to health care delivery and research.

It provides the solid foundation necessary to prepare students for health-related and other graduate professional programs, as well as specialised graduate research.

The core program of the degree includes knowledge of the biological bases and integrated structure and function of the body, and consideration of their interaction with environmental influences as determinants of health and disease.

Students must complete 300 points comprising:

• 225 points of core (biomedicine/science discipline) subjects including:

• • At least 75 points at Level 1 including the compulsory subjects or approved equivalents.
  • At least 62.5 points at Level 2 including the compulsory subjects or approved equivalents.
  • At least 75 points at Level 3 including the compulsory subjects or approved equivalents and including the 50 points of a prescribed major.

• 50 points of breadth subjects including at least 12.5 points at Level 2 or Level 3
• 25 points (either biomedicine/science discipline subjects or breadth subjects) at Level 1, 2 or 3

Note:

• No more than 125 points at Level 1 may be included in the Bachelor of Biomedicine
• No more than 37.5 points of breadth at Level 1 may be included in the Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Progression: Students must normally complete 50 points of study at one subject year level before proceeding to the next subject year level. In particular, at least 50 points at Level 1, including BIOL10002 Biomolecules & Cells, BIOL10003 Genes & Environment and CHEM10006 Chemistry for Biomedicine must be completed before students may proceed to Level 2 core subjects.

The core (biomedicine/science discipline) component of the Bachelor of Biomedicine is comprised of:

Core subjects (150 points):

• 75 points at first year level.
• 50 points at second year level.
• 25 points at third year level.

Major sequence at third year level (50 points):

• 50 points of a major in a biomedicine discipline. The subjects taken in the major would normally follow on from relevant compulsory and selective subjects chosen at the second year level. Some Level 3 subjects only require the core compulsory subjects as prerequisites.

Selective subjects (25 points):

• Non-compulsory biomedicine/science discipline subjects approved as core in this course. At least 12.5 points must be at Level 2. See below for a comprehensive list of selective subjects.

Bachelor of Biomedicine - Majors

Bachelor of Biomedicine majors allow students to specialise in a particular area gaining a breadth and depth of study. A major in this course comprises 50 points at subject Level 3 in a particular biomedicine discipline:

Core selective subjects in the Bachelor of Biomedicine

A full list of subjects available as credit (selectives) for the Bachelor of Biomedicine (B-BMED).

First Year Level Core Subjects (75 points, six subjects)

Standard Pathway for students NOT intending to complete Bioengineering Systems or Health Informatics major

Plus one of the following physics subjects (choice depends on student’s background in physics)

Pathway for students intending to complete the Bioengineering Systems major

Plus two mathematics subjects (choice depends on student’s background in mathematics).

Either both

Or both

Pathway for students intending to complete the Health Informatics major

Plus one of the following physics subjects (choice depends on student’s background in physics)

Second Year Level Core Subjects (50 points, two subjects)

(Alternative subjects at second year level equivalent to BIOM20002 Human Structure and Function are available for students undertaking study abroad or exchange in semester 2 of their second year)

Third Year Level Core Subjects (25 points, two subjects)

Third Year Major sequence

50 points of prescribed study in a biomedicine discipline – see previous section ‘Majors/Minors/Specialisations’.

Selective subjects

25 points of selective subjects

A selective is a subject from a relevant biomedicine or science discipline area. See above link to 'Selective subjects for B-BMED' for a full list.

N.B. Selectives may have prerequisites and/or corequisites.

It is possible that other subjects not currently identified as a selective subject in the Bachelor of Biomedicine could also be approved. Such a subject would need to be in a biomedicine, science or related field. Contact the MDHS SC for advice on the process for seeking approval.

Available Breadth Tracks

For the most up to date admission requirements, go to http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au

The Bachelor of Biomedicine welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and degree policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the degree.

The Bachelor of Biomedicine necessitates all students to enrol in subjects where they will require:

1. the ability to comprehend complex science, technology and/or engineering systems related information;
2. the ability to clearly and independently communicate a knowledge and application of science, technology and/or engineering systems principles and practices during assessment tasks;
3. the ability to actively and safely contribute in clinical, laboratory, and fieldwork/excursion activities.

Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.
There are additional inherent academic requirements for some major studies and subjects, and these requirements are listed within the description of the requirements for each of these majors and subjects.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Disability Liaison: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

The Bachelor of Biomedicine degree provides pathways to honours, graduate professional entry degrees or, upon completion of appropriate research training preparation following the BBiomed, research higher degrees.

Honours
Depending on the major undertaken, students may apply for an Honours program upon completion of the Bachelor of Biomedicine. Further details are available on the BBiomed website:

http://www.bbiomed.unimelb.edu.au/

Graduate Professional Entry Degrees
For students who wish to continue professional studies at graduate level, the degree provides a pathway into a range of graduate professional entry programs, some of which also provide research training.

http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/grad/grad-programs/professional-entry

Research Higher Degrees
For students who wish to explore biomedicine research questions in greater depth, there will be opportunities to proceed to Research Higher Degrees at masters and doctoral level. Research training preparation within the Honours year, Postgraduate Diploma or a Masters degree will be required as preparation for a research higher degree.

The Bachelor of Biomedicine is delivered by staff who are members of a vibrant research community in biomedicine and related disciplines.

The integrated core curriculum across all years of the course spans traditional disciplinary boundaries in the development of fundamental understanding of the biomedical sciences and the acquisition of practical, analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.

Collaborative learning is emphasised as students work in laboratories, tutorials and small groups and undertake peer review.

Studies in the biomedical sciences equip students to explore the complex relationships that determine health outcomes in various settings and to become leaders in delivering effective therapies and healthcare strategies to combat threats to individual and public health within local, national and global communities.

The larger University of Melbourne learning community encompasses many aspects of cultural diversity and students in Biomedicine will be exposed to this during the course.

The Bachelor of Biomedicine develops fundamental skills in critical thinking and problem solving, scientific method, analysis of evidence, written and oral communication, and the ability to work collaboratively in teams.