Skip to content
Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2015

This handbook contains information on courses and components (majors, minors, streams and units) at Curtin in 2015.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2014.

B-HUMBPC v.1 Bachelor of Science (Human Biology Preclinical)

BSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 064457D
Registered full-time Duration: 3 Years


Course Overview

Bachelor Degrees prepare students to develop broad and coherent knowledge and skills in a discipline for professional work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 7 qualifications.


The Bachelor of Science (Human Biology Preclinical) provides integrated studies in human biology with emphasis on applied human structure and function. It is designed to provide an ideal degree for graduate-entry programs in clinical disciplines such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, audiology and chiropractic. This degree is an excellent choice for students wanting a career in allied health but who are not yet ready to commit to a particular profession. Our graduates are able to access and critically evaluate scientific literature, are accomplished communicators and are well-equipped for a career in health-related research or education. The course emphasises the development of problem solving skills in a collaborative environment.


Career Opportunities

This course prepares you for prerequisite examinations for graduate entry into medicine and dentistry. Graduates may also apply for entry into professional master programs including those in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, chiropractic, nursing, speech pathology and audiology. You may also qualify to enter research programs leading to higher degrees in the life sciences.


Additional Course Expenses

Students must obtain an Anatomy License and will be required to purchase a laboratory coat and safety glasses which are required for the laboratory component. Students may also be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants for a Bachelor Degree are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au and include flexible entry pathways. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.


Specifically, it is desirable to have: Chemistry 3A/3B and Mathematics 3A/3B and Human Biological Science 3A/3B or Biological Sciences 3A/3B. STAT: WE and either V or Q Applicants with relevant TAFE qualifications are encouraged to contact the School to discuss entry qualification and any Credit for Recognised Learning.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to a Bachelor Degree with Honours and some Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.


Course Entry/Completion Note

Applicants for this course should refer to Clinical Health Sciences and Police Clearances



Course Organisation

Bachelor Degrees typically contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may contain a range of majors, streams and/or minors for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study.


The first year of the course provides a foundation in the life and general sciences with emphasis on the development of learning skills. Second year develops selected subject areas in depth consolidated by laboratory-based learning. In the third year students apply their learning to explore areas of current research in human biology and the life sciences.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply skills, concepts and principles in scientific investigation and professional practice in the context of the life sciences

2. apply critical thinking skills in problem solving and generate innovative evidence-based solutions

3. access, critically evaluate, synthesise and integrate information from a variety of sources relevant to the life sciences

4. communicate effectively through framework of ethical scientific practice

5. select, access and apply appropriate technologies to generate, retrieve, analyse and present data according to scientific principles

6. sustain intellectual curiosity by updating knowledge and expertise in the life sciences through a range of learning activities

7. recognise the international nature of scientific knowledge and the development of international standards of scientific practice

8. demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in the practice of the life sciences

9. demonstrate initiative, leadership and ethical practice when working independently and collaboratively


Duration and Availability

This course is three years full-time or equivalent study.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2015 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2015 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
CHEM1003 v.1   Introduction to Chemistry 4.5 25.0
  OR  
CHEM1001 v.1   Biological Chemistry 6.0 25.0
HUMB1000 v.1   Human Structure and Function 4.0 25.0
CMHL1000 v.1   Foundations for Professional Health Practice 3.0 25.0
CMHL1001 v.1   Evidence Informed Health Practice 2.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
MEDI1000 v.1   Foundations of Biomedical Science 4.0 25.0
CHEM1005 v.1   Introduction to Biological Chemistry 6.0 25.0
  OR  
CHEM1002 v.1   Reactivity and Function in Chemistry 6.0 25.0
CMHL1003 v.1   Health and Health Behaviour 3.0 12.5
INDH1000 v.1   Indigenous Cultures and Health 2.0 12.5
HUMB1001 v.1   Integrated Systems Anatomy and Physiology 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
BCCB2000 v.1   Foundations of Biochemistry 5.0 25.0
HUMB2003 v.1   Physiological Concepts 5.0 25.0
HUMB2002 v.1   Anatomy of the Limbs 5.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
HUMB2001 v.1   Anatomy of the Trunk 5.0 25.0
BCCB2001 v.1   Biochemistry and Cell Biology 4.0 25.0
HUMB2004 v.1   Integrative Physiology 5.0 25.0
HUMB2000 v.1   Anatomy and Neuroscience 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   100.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   100.0
  100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 2 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
GENE2000 v.1   Molecular Genetics 5.0 25.0
MEDI2003 v.1   Foundations of Medical Microbiology 5.0 25.0
PATH2000 v.1   Foundations of Histopathology 5.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 3 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
HUMB3000 v.1   Anatomical Techniques 5.0 25.0
ECEV3000 v.1   Foundations of Human Evolution 5.0 25.0
HUMB3004 v.1   Work Physiology 5.0 25.0
MEDS3000 v.1   Reproductive Biology and Technology 5.0 25.0
HUMB3003 v.1   Neuroscience 5.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 3 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
HUMB3005 v.1   Human Biology Research Project 20.0 25.0
MEDI3001 v.1   Pathophysiology 5.0 25.0
HUMB3002 v.1   Human Developmental Biology 5.0 25.0
HUMB3001 v.1   Environmental Physiology 5.0 25.0
ANTH3000 v.1   Evolutionary Anthropology 5.0 25.0



Further Information

If you need more course information, you may contact the relevant areas: For Current Students: Student Services Office, please click here for further details: For Domestic Future Students: Future Students Centre, email: futurestudents@curtin.edu.au Tel: +61-8-9266 1000 For International Future Students: Curtin International, email: international@curtin.edu.au Tel: +61-8-9266 7331


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook

The Courses Handbook is the repository of Curtin University ("Curtin") course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavours to keep this handbook up to date, information on this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the: course structure and contents, student assessment, tuition fees and to: withdraw any course or its components which it offers, impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or vary arrangements for any course without notification via the website.

For course and enrolment information please visit our Future Students website.