About the Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Biomedicine
Blend a law qualification and knowledge in biomedicine with La Trobe's Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Biomedicine. This future-focused double degree gives you the knowledge and skills to launch your career in the world of scientific advancement.
Your studies in law will give you a solid legal grounding and the flexibility and practical experience to shape your learning to your career goals. Explore the fundamentals of legal practice and hone your skills in advocacy, negotiation and dispute resolution through a mix of intellectual and skills-based training.
At the same time, delve into the diverse field of biomedicine with subjects in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, data analysis and disease control. Take your learnings into the lab, where you'll build your practical scientific skills under the supervision of our supportive academic staff.
There's plentiful opportunities for hands-on experience in this double degree. Law placements offer the chance to learn in a real-world environment, such as community legal centres, law firms, government agencies and building mentor relationships with judges, magistrates and coroners. Depending on the subjects you choose, you may also be able to put your skills to work with an internship in the biomedical industry.
Our range of electives allows you to tailor this double degree to your interests and career aspirations.
You will learn:
Evidence and criminal procedure
Build your understanding of the criminal legal system and procedure. Learn how to apply criminal law to real-world scenarios and provide legal advice.
Private and public law
Learn how to apply the legal principles underpinning contract law, develop the skills to specialise as a corporate legal expert and discover how government power is distributed, exercised and controlled.
Biochemistry, molecular and cell biology
Understand the function of various biological systems at the molecular and cellular levels and how they relate to medical research and biotechnology.
International entry requirements
Nepal: 90%
Subject prerequisites
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.
English language requirement
6.5 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Biomedicine intended learning outcomes
Demonstrate appropriate understanding and competence in the prescribed areas of knowledge required for admission into legal practice in Victoria, Australia, as determined by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board.
Effectively communicate evidence-based explanations of biomedical concepts to diverse audiences.
Formulate hypotheses, generate and interpret scientific data by applying advanced technical, quantitative and laboratory skills.
Critically analyse biomedical and scientific information to generate professionally-written scientific reports.
Work effectively and professionally to complete projects and tasks independently and in teams.
Integrate academic and research integrity, cultural respect and scientific rigour in conducting and evaluating biomedical research.
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of Australian legal systems, institutions and procedures, including fundamental legal principles and concepts in substantive areas of law.
Apply analytical and professional judgement in identifying legal issues, critically evaluating legal doctrine and providing innovative solutions to complex legal problems.
Coherently communicate legal knowledge, research, and analysis using a variety of modes to both legal and non-legal actors.
Demonstrate an advanced capacity to work independently, self-manage workload, foster personal and professional development, and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
Critically analyse, synthesise relevant legal sources and conduct research independently using technologies where appropriate.
Demonstrate awareness of and critically reflect on lawyers' professional and ethical responsibilities and the importance of integrity and service in legal analysis and practice.
Demonstrate awareness of and critically reflect on the historical, social, economic and cultural contexts and implications of laws and the role of lawyers in promoting justice and equity.
Devise and critique approaches addressing medical and health-related topics by applying a thorough understanding of human biology and advanced skills in biomedical science.
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Biomedicine career opportunities
La Trobe's Bachelor of Laws (Honours) satisfies the academic requirements for admission to practise law in Victoria. After graduation from this double degree, you could pursue a range of roles across law, health and biotechnology.
With the blend of legal and biomedical expertise you'll build in this degree, your potential roles include:
Research and development manager
Plan, organise and coordinate an organisation's research and development activities, then monitor their success to find improvements for the future.
Intellectual property lawyer
Work for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to protect their intellectual property rights, negotiate and prepare licence agreements, and represent them in claims.
Compliance manager
Ensure companies comply with laws and regulations, such as the Therapeutic Goods Act and Australian Consumer Law. Develop and implement compliance policies, oversee compliance-related activities, deliver employee training and provide reports to senior management and external regulatory bodies.
Estimated course fees for international students
Estimated fees per year (2024):
A$40 600 per 120 credit points.
Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.
International scholarships
Destination Australia – an Australian Government initiative
The Destination Australia scheme supports new international students to study in regional Australia and offers students a high-quality learning experience. For eligible applicants, these scholarships are worth up to A$15 000 per annum for up to four years.