The biomedical sciences encompass study areas relevant to the understanding of health and disease. The biomedical sciences help us understand disease, how it occurs, what happens and how we can control, cure and prevent it. These studies build on a broad foundation in the biological sciences. Basic biological principles will be applied to areas of specialisation such as physiology, anatomy, human genetics, neuroscience, immunology and infectious diseases. This specialisation provides preparation for further study in biomedical science, including medicine and allied health areas. It is also of value to a range of careers including global health and disease, laboratory research and support, pharmaceutical industry and sales, and biotechnology.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply their conceptual knowledge of biological principles and processes to the study of human health and disease.
- Solve problems and critically analyse issues using interdisciplinary approaches to the study of human structure and function at molecular, cellular, and systems levels.
- Apply and evaluate the research techniques and methodological approaches that underpin biomedical science.
- Critically evaluate experimental data and analysis based on disciplinary research and published literature.
- Recognise and explain the role of biomedical science in addressing health and medical issues in society.
- Communicate data and information in clear and effective ways to disciplinary and to non-disciplinary audiences.
Other Information
What courses should you take in first year if interested in this specialisation?
This major can only be taken in conjunction with one of the majors listed below. The courses you must take in first year will depend on the major:
- Biochemistry Major: BIOL1003, BIOL1004, CHEM1101, CHEM1201
- Cell and Molecular Biology Major: CHEM1101, CHEM1201, BIOL1003 and BIOL1004
- Human Biology Major: CHEM1101, BIOL1003 and BIOL1004
Additional advice:
- Students taking the Human Biology major should note that some later year courses in biomedical science also require CHEM1201 in first year.
- Students should choose appropriate second year courses to ensure they meet prerequisite requirements for third year electives.
- For students taking BIOL3023, BIOL3208 or BIOL3209 as part of this major, the research project must be in the field of Biomedical Science.
Academic or enrolment advice:
Students can seek further advice from the academic contact for this specialisation (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au)
Back to the topRequirements
This specialisation may only be undertaken in conjunction with one of the following majors:
This specialisation requires the completion of 24 units, of which:
6 units must come from the completion of a course from the following list:
BIOL2117 Cell Biology (6 units)
BIOL2142 General Microbiology (6 units)
BIOL2151 Genetics (6 units)
BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition (6 units)
BIOL2174 Cell Physiology in Health and Disease (6 units)
MEDN2001 Health and Medical Physiology (6 units)
MEDN2222 Exquisite Corpse - Insight Into The Human Body (6 units)
18 units must come from the completion of courses from the following course list. A maximum of 12 units total across major and specialisation may come from completion of research project/special topic courses (BIOL3023, BIOL3208, BIOL3209). For the course to contribute towards the specialisation, the topic must be in the field of Biomedical Science
BIOL3023 Special Topics in Biology (6 units)
BIOL3108 Hallmarks of Cancer (6 units)
BIOL3141 Infection and Immunity (6 units)
BIOL3142 Biomedical Parasitology (6 units)
BIOL3144 Advanced and Applied Immunology (6 units)
BIOL3203 Advanced Microscopy in Biosciences (6 units)
BIOL3204 Genetics of Human Disease (6 units)
BIOL3205 Genomic Medicine (6 units)
BIOL3208 Biology Research Project (6 units)
BIOL3209 Biology Research Project (12 units)
BIOL3210 Appreciating Parasites: from Molecules to Ecosystems (6 units)
MEDN3186 Human Anatomy (6 units)
MEDN3820 Biomedical Imaging: Principles, Technologies and Applications in Health Sciences (6 units)
NEUR3101 Cellular Neuroscience (6 units)
NEUR3112 Systems Neuroscience (6 units)
Back to the top