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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

310599 v.3 Master of Biomedical Science

MBSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 058864F
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 2 Years


Course Overview

Master degrees (coursework) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.


Biomedical science is a rapidly growing field of science, with increasing global application to everyday life. It affects everyone in many ways, from the development of new medicines and drugs to the creation and delivery of diagnostic technologies and progress towards revolutionary clinical therapies. This course is designed for those seeking to understand the application of the most recent laboratory, computer, and industrial technology developments in the biological sciences, within a medical context. It examines the latest knowledge and technologies in research, diagnosis, epidemiology, microbiology, biotechnology, and data analysis, and combines this with hands-on laboratory work through a laboratory master-class and through individual projects of either theoretical or laboratory-based research. This course encourages professional and personal development through active learning. Among the different units, students apply and test the knowledge gained through information gathering and analysis, and develop practical research skills through a professional development laboratory workshop, laboratory research projects, report writing, and professional level oral presentations.


Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Biotechnology Association and equivalent industry organisations internationally.


Career Opportunities

Graduates may seek employment in medical biotechnology and allied industries, in government, hospital and university research and development laboratories and in other professions that require an advanced understanding of molecular biosciences.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of text books and other essential study materials. Laboratory coats will be provided for practical work within the Biomedical Science Practicum unit and for research laboratory based project work.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a bachelor degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate or graduate diploma.


Specifically, applicants require a Bachelor of Science degree with an appropriate major. Candidates holding qualifications other than those specified are assessed on an individual basis.


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.


Intermediate Awards

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate awards approved for this course:


Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Science


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to doctoral degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Master degrees (coursework) contain a series of units in a specialised area of study which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may also contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from.


Students follow a progressively advancing program of subjects that cover the basis of molecular genetic technologies, the science of microbial control, health challenges and the development of their solutions. Laboratory skills are learned and enhanced through an advanced laboratory unit and through individual research projects involving theoretical or practical research. Key laboratory techniques include molecular genetic analysis and manipulation, techniques in cell biology, advanced data analysis and the application of these capabilities in medical sciences. Essential components of the research components include developing capabilities in experimental design, technique selection and practical problem solving in the laboratory.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply advanced principles of biological and life sciences as they relate to molecular biotechnology

2. plan and conduct a research project and evaluate outcomes

3. apply rational processes to critically analyse issues in science and generate innovative solutions

4. locate, extract and critically appraise relevant evidence and information from a range of resources (and apply to practice)

5. relate the significance of science to the public and scientific community using effective written and verbal communication skills

6. effectively utilise new and existing biotechnology at an advanced level

7. demonstrate self-directed learning and professional development

8. recognise international issues relevant to biotechnology and develop appropriate strategies

9. demonstrate respect for individual human rights and cultural diversity


Duration and Availability

This course is two years full time or equivalent part-time study.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y        
2014 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
310669 v.3   Emerging and Hospital Acquired Pathogens 631 3.0 25.0
310157 v.2   Medical Biotechnology and Drug Development 631 4.0 25.0
6756 v.6   Molecular Genetics 631 3.0 25.0
  75.0
Year 1 Semester 2
310166 v.2   Biomedical Science Practicum 632 10.0 75.0
  75.0
Year 2 Semester 1
5511 v.8   Research Project 633 3.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  75.0
Year 2 Semester 2
5515 v.8   Research Project 634 3.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  75.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 2 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
13371 v.4   Bioinformatics 633 5.0 25.0
310168 v.2   Molecular Techniques and Diagnostics 633 4.0 25.0
310172 v.2   Molecular Microbiology 633 4.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 2 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
310162 v.2   Vaccine Science 634 3.0 25.0
314220 v.2   High Throughput Sequence Analysis 634 4.0 25.0
314409 v.1   Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine 634 5.0 25.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Health Sciences on telephone (08) 9266 1000, email futurestudents@health.curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au


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 Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.