Skip to content
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.

305735 v.2 Bachelor of Science (Human Biology Preclinical)

BSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 064457D
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 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 may also be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials. Students must obtain an Anatomy License and will require a laboratory coat.



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 and include flexible entry pathways.


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 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#
2014 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.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
313391 v.3   Human Structure and Function 100 4.0 25.0
313394 v.3   Foundations for Professional Health Practice 100 4.0 25.0
314512 v.1   Evidence Informed Health Practice 130 2.0 25.0
314449 v.1   Biological Chemistry 110 6.0 25.0
  OR  
314451 v.1   Introduction to Chemistry 180 6.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
312649 v.4   Indigenous Cultures and Health 130 2.0 12.5
313399 v.3   Integrated Systems Anatomy and Physiology 100 4.0 25.0
313400 v.2   Biomedical Science 100 4.0 25.0
314510 v.1   Health and Health Behaviour 130 3.0 12.5
314450 v.1   Reactivity and Function in Chemistry 120 6.0 25.0
  OR  
314453 v.1   Introduction to Biological Chemistry 190 6.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
311406 v.1   Biochemistry 233 5.0 25.0
7689 v.9   Anatomy 232 5.0 25.0
8472 v.12   Physiology 231 5.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
311425 v.1   Biochemistry 234 4.0 25.0
314236 v.1   Anatomy and Neuroscience 234 5.0 25.0
7671 v.11   Anatomy 233 5.0 25.0
8846 v.8   Physiology 232 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
311378 v.1   Histopathology 233 5.0 25.0
311405 v.1   Medical Microbiology 235 5.0 25.0
311420 v.1   Molecular Genetics 233 5.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 3 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
12647 v.2   Human Evolution 331 5.0 25.0
301282 v.3   Anatomical Techniques 331 5.0 25.0
301298 v.3   Neuroscience 332 5.0 25.0
301300 v.2   Reproductive Biology and Technology 332 5.0 25.0
301301 v.3   Work Physiology 331 5.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 3 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
12648 v.3   Human Evolution 332 5.0 25.0
301289 v.3   Environmental Physiology 331 5.0 25.0
301290 v.3   Human Development 332 5.0 25.0
301299 v.2   Pathophysiology 331 5.0 25.0
6937 v.6   Research Project 334 20.0 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.