Overview

You will learn from internationally renowned experts through hands-on, laboratory-based experience in state-of-the-art facilities.

Health Science encompasses studies in areas such as genetics, anatomy and physiology, chemistry and biochemistry, nutrition, molecular and cellular biology, communicable diseases, environmental health, and toxicology. Your firm grounding in health science will develop through understanding these topics with the opportunity to develop specialist areas of knowledge through the diverse range of electives.

The Bachelor of Health Science offers four majors in: Environmental Health, Environmental Toxicology, Information Technology and Communication and Media.

In the Environmental Health and Environmental Toxicology majors you will learn about environmental agents such as climate change, pollution and food safety that have the potential to adversely affect the health of any community. By studying local and international examples, you will learn how to address the very factors that impact our environment while understanding the rationale and practice of risk assessment.

In the Information Technology major, you will build on the strong health science base built in foundation year and in core courses, with experience of topics and themes expected to be key to health innovation, including data management, programming, and software and app design.

In the Communication and Media major you will gain specific expertise in strategic communication to develop and deliver health information and campaigns. Alongside journalism and media training, you will explore ethical communication, health and science communication and crisis and disaster management. You will gain a sophisticated understanding of the contemporary media landscape (including legacy, online and social media) and its essential role in 21st century public health practise. The skills developed in this major build upon the strong foundational health knowledge, and core courses in second and third year, providing complementary expertise in health, and science communication.

Honours is available through an additional year of study.

Related degrees

Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) – 2101

Progression is dependent upon satisfying admission requirements.

Program accreditation

The Environmental Health major is accredited by Environmental Health Australia (EHA).

Professional recognition

The following organisations recognise graduates of this award:

*Australian and New Zealand Society for Cell and Development Biology (ANZSCDB)

*Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)

*Australasian Society for Human Biology (ASHB)

*Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR)

*Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM)

*Environmental Health Australia (EHA)

Attendance information

The Bachelor of Health Science is offered full-time and on-campus at the Gold Coast.

Students commencing in this program from Trimester 2 are required to complete core courses in Trimester 3.

The Trimester 2 intake for this program will require students to undertake compulsory study in Trimester 3 in Year 1 of the program.

If you are an International student on a student visa, you must ensure that you enrol in a way that will allow you to complete your enrolment within the expected program duration as stated on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

My career opportunities

Our diverse electives will help equip you for careers in a range of scientific and allied professions including working as a scientific advisor, pathology technician, industry representative, technical sales specialist, laboratory technician or research assistant.

This degree can provide a foundation for postgraduate application to medicine or other postgraduate allied health degrees. You will also be eligible to apply for entry to a graduate entry teacher preparation program.

Graduates with the Environmental Health major will be prepared for a career as an environmental health officer working in areas such as food and drug safety, environmental monitoring, air and water quality, noise control and radiation monitoring. These areas of employment may also be available for graduates with the Environmental Toxicology major.