Biomedical science is a continually changing, dynamic field with long-term career prospects, including roles in management, research, education and specialised laboratory work.
Biomedical scientists focus on how cells, organs and systems function in the human body. Their work is an important element in our understanding and treatment of human diseases.
This stream introduces a broad range of theory, including studies in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, immunology, genetics and biochemistry.
As a Biomedical Science graduate, you can also continue on to specialise in one of these fields: medical science, medical microbiology, genetics, haematology, histopathology, anthropology, cytology, human biology, immunology, medicine, nutrition science, biochemistry, data science, clinical chemistry or evolutionary medicine.
Your Diploma of Health Science can lead into ECU second year of this degree:.
Receive 6 units exemption from Diploma of Health Science
Receive 6 units exemption from Diploma of Health Science
Domestic students must enrol minimum 2 units (30 credit points) per study period.
Career Opportunities
Audiology, Biochemistry Technician, Haematology Technician, Histology Technician, Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Scientist, Medical Researcher, Research Officer, Nutritionist.
Stage 1 of this course consists of 8 units of study and can be completed over 2 or 3 trimesters. It provides opportunities for scaffolded learning and the development of core academic and employability skills.
This unit will provide you with a core understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry. It has been specifically designed for science students pursuing a career in health or engineering. This unit will prepare you for the chemistry component of core discipline units at tertiary level studies, where a basic understanding of chemistry is required.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Science Lab
Credits: 15
This unit teaches the foundations of academic writing, from library research using databases and approved resources, to writing paragraphs and essays, and using the approved referencing system. In addition, the unit covers essential study skills to assist with time management, note-taking, and use of memory aids for study purposes.
This unit will enable you to improve the ability to communicate in English to participate effectively in academic and professional environments and will also provide language awareness tools to enable self-directed and ongoing learning.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class
Credits: 15
This unit will introduce you to the basic concepts and skills required by a project manager. Project Management is applicable in almost all industries as projects and project teams are normally a key part in any organisation’s efforts to achieve their goals. Whether you are planning to work in business, IT, engineering, tourism or health, some principles of project management are relevant to your field. This unit will provide you with an understanding of what project management is, as well as some of the key skills such as project planning, organizing, leading, communicating, managing issues and risk, as well as the use of project management tools and technology.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class
Credits: 15
This unit is designed for students who require a general mathematics background. The general mathematics taught will enable students to then apply some of these techniques to studies in different fields. This includes but is not limited to fields like business, health sciences and computing/IT courses. In this unit you, as a developing professional, will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and implement appropriate mathematical procedures in different contexts.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class
Credits: 15
This unit offers a science background for entry into science-based courses at university level. Students are introduced to general scientific concepts in chemistry, physics and maths. It includes various levels of chemical and biochemical organisation (important to living systems); physics concepts (kinetic theory, thermodynamics, optics, motion, and radiation), experimentation, measurement, and mathematical techniques relevant to the science professions.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Science Lab
Credits: 15
This unit covers three key areas of employability: how to work effectively within teams; how to communicate effectively in the workplace and how to develop awareness of your soft skills.
To be effective in the workplace we need technical skills and knowledge, but just as important are the employability skills we develop during our studies. In addition to job-related skills, individuals now need skills such as communication, problem solving, teamwork and personal attributes such as adaptability, resilience, enthusiasm, and openness to new ideas.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class
Credits: 15
This unit is an introduction to computing and you will develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in computer systems. Theoretical knowledge including a broad range of essential topics such as software, hardware, digital security, privacy, ethics, communication networks, Internet and the management of information and data. During this course you will develop practical skills in MS Word, MS Excel and MS Power Point applications and some basic hands-on skills in program design using Pseudocode.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class
Credits: 15
An additional elective unit will be taken to complete stage 1 of Diploma. This unit may vary each study period. For more information contact the health science program coordinator.
Stage 2 of this course consists of 8 units of study and can be completed over 2 semesters.
Semester 1 units
This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to foundational concepts in human anatomy and physiology. The unit investigates core concepts in the cellular, chemical and biochemical structure and functions of the body. It then examines the developmental, anatomical and physiological features of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.
Students evaluate and submit a written response to a case scenario involving a range of anatomical and physiological deviations from normal. Students will be assessed on their ability to analyse relationships in order to solve problems, communicate ideas through written discussion, apply appropriate scientific terminology, and demonstrate academic integrity.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Laboratory
Credits: 15
This broadly based unit will introduce the student to important chemical concepts and principles. The unit will provide the essential chemistry background required for courses in the biological, environmental and health sciences.
This unit introduces students to the foundations of chemistry. The unit uses technology enhanced learning, such as chemical simulations, videos, podcasts and online tutorial support with a mix of lectures and laboratory sessions. The laboratory sessions support the theory covered in lectures and provide students with skills in dealing with chemicals, laboratory safety, data collection and analysis. Student participation in laboratory classes is compulsory.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Laboratory
Credits: 15
This units deals with the methods and skills or organising, summarising and presenting numerical data. The concepts of estimation and hypothesis testing are studied, with the emphasis on analysing real data. Students will learn to use statistical software packages and be expected to work through the tutorial worksheets.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Laboratory
Credits: 15
This unit provides students with information about genetic issues they could encounter during their lives. It begins with classical genetics - cell division, transmission of traits, cytogenetics, and developmental genetics. Emphasis then shifts to DNA structure, gene expression, and recombinant DNA technology before the genetic nature of cancer is introduced. The unit concludes with an analysis of the social, legal and ethical issues arising from genetic testing and screening, genetic counselling, reproductive technology, gene therapy, genetic treatment and the role of biotechnology in society.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 2hr Lecture and Weekly 2hr Laboratory
Credits: 15
Semester 2 untis
This unit examines the anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems within the body. The systems will be investigated both with respect to their individual structure and function, as well as their roles as part of an integrated whole. Students undertake basic research and submit a written report on a clinical case scenario that requires anatomical and physiological knowledge. Students will be assessed on their ability to analyse relationships in order to solve problems, communicate ideas through written discussion, use scientific terminology correctly and demonstrate academic integrity.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Laboratory
Credits: 15
This unit provides an introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry. It covers the structure and reactions of important classes of organic compounds and biomolecules including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids. Various important applications will be described, including polymers, medicinals, soaps and detergents.
Pre-Requisite Units: SCC1123D.
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Laboratory
Credits: 15
This unit explores cross-cultural understanding through development of lifelong learning principles informed by professional and ethical considerations within health systems. Students will build culturally reflexive awareness by practising critical reflection of health practitioner knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviours and power differentials to establish culturally safe environments for all concerned. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health will be the primary focus of the unit, however, cultural safety and cultural capability will be applied in several additional contexts including the significance of: individualism and collectivism, gender and sexuality, spirituality and religion, and attitudes toward mortality.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Laboratory
Credits: 15
This unit examines the concepts of health and disease in human populations and the principles and mechanisms of the disease processes. The various components and interactions of the body's defence system and the relationship of environmental factors to the disease process are considered. The morphology, pathogenesis and clinical course of diseases are considered in detail.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 2hr Lecture and Weekly 2hr Laboratory
Credits: 15
*This unit is service taught on the ECU Joondalup campus.
^Mid-year starters will take this unit in the semester 2
+Mid-year starters will take this unit in the semester 1