The biomedical sciences help us understand disease, how it occurs, what happens and how we can control, cure and prevent it.
Introduction
A major in Biomedical Science will enable you to understand how the human body functions in health and disease, which is essential for the development of new treatments. You will gain knowledge in anatomy and human biology, physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, pathology, molecular biology, microbiology and immunology.
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Course description, features and facilities
To study the biomedical sciences, you must take a double major, comprising a Biomedical Science major – which gives you a broad perspective of the field – and a discipline-specific major which will provide a deeper understanding of an area you wish to specialise in. These majors will give you an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, the microbes that cause disease and the molecular and pathological processes of disease and how these diseases may be treated with drugs. To complement your lectures from renowned experts in their various fields, you will have the chance to discuss, apply and expand on the theory component of your units in weekly practical laboratory classes and structured tutorials. The double major in the biomedical sciences at UWA will provide you with a strong, integrated academic background incorporating the most important basic sciences relevant to human health and disease. You will be taught by staff with extensive paraclinical and clinical expertise, ensuring that you will be exposed to relevant and contemporary knowledge as well as to state of the art laboratory techniques and equipment.
Please note: Studying the Biomedical Science double major does not provide any advantage to those students wishing to apply for entry into postgraduate Medicine or Dentistry courses at UWA, as it is the student's Grade Point Average (GPA) and other entry requirements that are taken into account, and not the degree or major studied.
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Student profile
Student profile – Devina Daphne Lakhiani
I’ve always been fascinated by how the human body works and functions to protect itself from disease. When I was 12 and my aunt passed away from breast cancer, I was eager to understand how and why it happened. I went on to pursue a degree in Biomedical Sciences at UWA with the aim to develop a thorough understanding of human anatomy in relation to disease and treatment.
Not only did the course fulfil this burning desire, but also equipped me with the necessary skills to pursue my Honours in Pharmacology. I was granted the privilege to work with the Tumour Immunology Group at Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital where I was given the opportunity to work independently on a research based cancer vaccine and surgical project. In doing so I’ve gained numerous laboratory and analytical skills which will provide an excellent platform for me to venture deeper into the world of scientific research.
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Structure
UWA's streamlined course structure allows you to pursue studies in a wide range of areas and to take one or two majors in your degree. Your second major can be from a similar field to your first (degree-specific) major, or from a different area or degree entirely.
As well as the units specified in your major, you will study broadening units outside your main area of study and may be able to take a number of elective subjects as well.
You can explore the structure of this major in detail in the University Handbooks.
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Career opportunities
As a Biomedical Science graduate, you will find careers in medical technology, research science or medical sales, as well as technical careers in hospital laboratories, universities and research institutes. The double major also provides you with the chance to pursue clinical studies in the postgraduate courses of medicine, dentistry and podiatry. In addition, you can obtain higher degree qualifications by research, or in patent law or health services policy development and management.
I want to be a…
This course could lead to becoming a:
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Further study opportunities
Students with a Biomedical Science double major can pursue further studies at honours level, Graduate Diploma in Science, Master of Science or PhD. Other further study options include Master of Science (Biotechnology)*, Master of Clinical Audiology, Master of Forensic Science, Master of Infectious Diseases, Master of Pharmacy, Master of Science Communication, Master of Science Communication and Education, Doctor of Medicine, and the Doctor of Dental Science.
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Check the Entrance requirements
This course is available to Australian and international students.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Additional information
- Recommended subjects
- English competency
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
|---|
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
- A scaled score of 50 or above in at least WACE Mathematics 2C/2D
| 80 |
International Baccalaureate
- A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Studies)
| 29 |
Additional information
If you do not have a pass in Chemistry 3A/3B, you will need to do an introductory chemistry unit during your first year.
Please note: to complete this major within the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) will require a minimum ATAR of 98 (or equivalent).
Recommended subjects
| Qualification and recommended subjects |
|---|
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
- A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Chemistry 3A/3B
- A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Mathematics: Specialist 3A/3B
- A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Mathematics 3C/3D
|
International Baccalaureate
- A score of 4 or above in HL Chemistry
- A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Methods)
- A score of 4 or above in HL Mathematics
|
English competency
University study demands strong English language competency. To be eligible for admission to a undergraduate program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.
The minimum requirement is a scaled score of 50 or more in WACE English, Literature or English as an Additional Language/Dialect achieved at Stage 2 or Stage 3 – or an equivalent level of achievement in an interstate or international qualification.
Advanced standing
If you have undertaken prior tertiary study within the last five years, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit and/or exemption).
Applications for advanced standing are assessed upon acceptance of any offer of admission made by the University.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
|---|
French Baccalaureat
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 12 |
International Baccalaureate
A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Studies) | 29 |
UWA Foundation Programme (UWAFP)
Mathematics units as specified in UWAFP prospectus | 66 |
GCE or Cambridge Advanced-level Examinations
A minimum grade of B or above in GCSE O-level Mathematics, or E or above in GCE AS-level Mathematics. | 8 |
Western Australian Universities Preparatory Program (WAUPP)
A scaled mark of 50 or more in at least Mathematics 2C/2D | 63 |
Trinity College Foundation Program
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 85 |
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 270 |
Canadian Matriculation (except Quebec)
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 60 |
Chinese Unified Examinations (UEC)
A grade of B6 or above in Mathematics; if you do not have Advanced Mathematics (I) or (II), you will be required to complete a mathematics unit in your first year. | 12 |
Chinese Gao Kao
A score of 80 (out of 150) or above in Mathematics | 525 |
All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE)
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 12 |
Indian School Certificate (CISCE)
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 60 |
Norwegian Vitnemål
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 4.14 |
Swedish Slutbetyg
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 15.70 |
German Abitur
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 3.17 |
Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels
A minimum grade of B or above in GCSE O-level Mathematics, or E or above in H1-level Mathematics. | 8 |
South African National Senior Certificate
A grade of 3 (40%) or above in Mathematics | 4.60 |
These are the required prerequisites for applicants who have completed these particular qualifications.
If you are applying for a place based on other qualifications
you need to demonstrate that you have knowledge at least equivalent to the subjects specified.
Advanced standing
Students with previous tertiary level qualifications will be considered for advanced standing (credit).
How to apply
This course is available to Australian and international students.
On this page
- Application Deadlines
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- How to apply
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
We have two intakes of undergraduate students each year: first and second semester.
Application Deadlines
First semester entry
Australian citizens or permanent residents, including humanitarian visa holders, and New Zealand citizens apply through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre.
Contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
Second semester entry
Apply online for second semester entry to a range of courses at UWA.
After the closing date, contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
How to apply
Information for
UWA Admissions Centre (M353)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Location
- UWA Map
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 2477 – General enquiries
- 1800 653 050 – General enquiries (country callers)
- Fax
- (+61 8) 6488 1226
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Opening hours
- Monday – Friday, 9am–4pm
On this page
- Application Deadlines
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- How to apply
- Fees
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
Application Deadlines
First semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
You must also:
Second semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
You must also:
How to apply
Fees
$30980, per year.
This figure has been arrived at by assuming that you study a full-time study load for one year made up of units all within the same fee band. As some units vary in cost, the actual student fee will depend on the mix of units you choose. The international student fees page has further details.
Information for
UWA International Centre (M352)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 3939
- Fax
- (+61 8) 9382 4071
- Contacts
- International Centre
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Location
- UWA Map
- Opening hours
- Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm
- About UWA
- Find out what makes UWA an internationally recognised university.
- Foundation and preparatory courses
- There are a range of programs available to help give you the opportunity to gain the academic qualifications or prerequisites required for admission to UWA.
- Social life on campus
- There are over 20,000 students enrolled at UWA - lots of new friends not only from Perth and Western Australia but from all areas in Australia and around the world.
