The biomedical sciences encompass study areas relevant to the understanding of health and treatment of disease. Biomedical research receives, both nationally and internationally, around half the total research dollars available to all of science. This high representation underscores the relevance of basic biomedical research to health care and the natural curiosity shared by all humans about understanding the mechanisms of our own bodies.

Breakthroughs in understanding human disease or its control (vaccines for polio, measles, influenza, antibiotics, cancer genetics) have been, and continue to be, dependent on fundamental research into biological mechanisms at the cellular and molecular level.

More information about the Biomedical Science Extended Major.

The study of biomedical science commences with a broad foundation in the biological sciences in the first two years. In the third year students choose specialised study in subject areas including physiology, pharmacology, anatomy, developmental biology, human genetics, neuroscience, human immunology and infectious diseases.

Biomedical Science is also available as a single major.

The BSc in Biomedical Science can lead to:

• Research work in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies developing diagnostics for disease and new drugs for treatments
• Academic and research positions in universities, research institutes and hospitals
• Working in scientific sales and marketing

This major will also provide you with a solid grounding to pursue postgraduate study in medicine and allied health-related courses.