Overview

Medical scientists perform diagnostic tests of blood, tissues and other bodily fluids to help doctors diagnose diseases such as glandular fever, diabetes, swine flu and even cancer. Medical scientists can also recommend treatment options and help manage clinical trials.

In this degree, you will develop the knowledge and skills to work as a medical scientist. In your first year, you will take courses in chemistry, cell biology, anatomy and physiology. You will learn about the body's structure, how it functions under normal circumstances and general health challenges.

From your second year, you will start to focus on specialist courses in medical laboratory science and learn how the body functions under diseased conditions.

In your fourth year, you will gain more in-depth knowledge of medical laboratory science and undertake full-time clinical placements in each of the areas of medical science.

Honours is available through an additional year of study.

Related degrees

Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) – 2116

Progression is dependent upon satisfying admission requirements.

Program accreditation

The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science is provisionally accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) and accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Professional recognition

The Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) and the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) recognises graduates of this award.

Attendance information

This program will be offered full-time and on-campus at the Gold Coast. The program is completed in eight trimesters.

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

You may find opportunities in hospital laboratories, private pathology laboratories, state health laboratories, universities, veterinary sciences, forensic laboratories, food and cosmetic industry with specialisation in haematology, transfusion science, histopathology, clinical microbiology, clinical biochemistry and molecular diagnostics.