311376 v.1 Bachelor of Science (Laboratory Medicine)

BSc(Curtin), BSc(Hons)(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 064464E
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 4 Years

Introduction

Laboratory Medicine is divided into six major areas of study: clinical biochemistry, haematology and blood transfusion serology, histopathology, diagnostic cytology, medical microbiology, medical biotechnology and immunology. All disciplines involve the study, examination and analysis of body fluids and tissues by physical, chemical, biochemical and biological methods to provide information essential for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Course Entry Requirements

None. Chemistry, Applicable Mathematics and Human Biology or Biology desirable. STAT Written English and MC Verbal or Quantitative.

Specific Requirements

Applicants with relevant TAFE qualifications are encouraged to contact the School to discuss entry qualification and any recognition of prior learning. STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q. Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening and Clearance Section of this Publication.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This course is four years full-time or equivalent part-time study. International onshore students on student visas are not permitted to study part-time.

Intermediate Awards 1

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 award(s) approved for this course are:

Intermediate Awards II

Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Techniques

Course Organisation

First year of the course provides a foundation in life and general sciences together with attention to communication skills. The first year medical laboratory science units form a basis for the study of individual disciplines in the second year. The second year of the course introduces cellular and tissue aspects of pathology and study of the individual discipline areas of laboratory medicine. In the third year there is opportunity to specialise in three major disciplines along with study of general subjects important across medical sciences. The second half of third year involves full-time clinical placements in a hospital or private pathology laboratory. This clinical placement continues in the first semester of the fourth year. The final semester of the course continues study in the chosen discipline along with opportunity to study core topics and case studies that draw together student knowledge and learning experiences from all discipline areas.

Professional Recognition

The Australian Institute of Medical Scientists and other appropriate professional societies recognise the bachelor degree as fulfilling academic requirements for membership. However, for admission to full membership of the Australian Institute of MedicalScientists, graduates must complete a professional component of postgraduate employment in an approved laboratory.

Career Opportunities

A degree in laboratory medicine may offer a diversity of career opportunities in hospital laboratories, academic research centres, private pathology, veterinary pathology, forensic science, the biomedical and biotechnology industries as well as employment opportunities overseas.

Additional Course Expenses

Students must obtain an Anatomy License and will require a laboratory coat. Students may also be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.

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.

Course Structure			Hrs/Wk	Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
1643	v.7	Human Biology 133	4.0	25.0
311399	v.1	Measurement in Laboratory Science 133	1.0	12.5
4715	v.5	Medical Laboratory Science 131	4.0	25.0
7076	v.5	Chemistry 123	5.5	25.0
		OR
7230	v.6	Chemistry 181	6.0	25.0
7713	v.9	Health Science Communication 180	2.0	12.5
				100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
1644	v.7	Human Biology 134	4.0	25.0
302467	v.2	Introduction to Microbiology 132	3.0	12.5
307590	v.2	Statistical Data Analysis 101	3.0	12.5
7077	v.5	Chemistry 124	5.5	25.0
		OR
7231	v.6	Chemistry 182	6.0	25.0
7842	v.5	Medical Laboratory Science 132	4.0	25.0
				100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
311378	v.1	Histopathology 233	5.0	25.0
311405	v.1	Medical Microbiology 235	5.0	25.0
311406	v.1	Biochemistry 233	5.0	25.0
311420	v.1	Molecular Genetics 233	5.0	25.0
				100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
311379	v.1	Pathology 232	5.0	25.0
311380	v.1	Immunobiology 234	5.0	25.0
311403	v.1	Haematology 234	5.0	25.0
311410	v.1	Clinical Biochemistry 234	5.0	25.0
				100.0
Year 3
311392	v.1	Laboratory Medicine Third and Fourth Year Stream		400.0
		OR
311398	v.1	Honours Third and Fourth Year Laboratory Medicine Stream		400.0
				400.0

The Laboratory Medicine Third and Fourth Year Stream and Honours Third and Fourth Year Laboratory Medicine Stream are taken over third and fourth year.

Availability

Year	Location	Period	All*	Internal	Partially Online Internal^	External	Fully Online#
2010	Bentley Campus	Semester 1		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.