311376 v.2 Bachelor of Science (Laboratory Medicine)

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

No prior study in a particular subject is required. Applicants must meet the University’s standard entry requirements, which include English competency. At least: Chemistry 3A/3B and/or Mathematics 3A/3B and/or Human Biological Science 3A/3B or Biological Sciences 3A/3B strongly recommended. STAT: E and either V or Q

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.

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

This course is the only degree of its kind in Western Australia accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists. This professional body provides recognition for employment in laboratory medicine as a medical scientist.

Career Opportunities

A degree in laboratory medicine offers diverse career opportunities in hospital laboratories, private pathology, the biomedical and biotechnology industries, academic research centres, veterinary pathology and forensic science. Graduates can also take advantage of a wide variety of international employment opportunities..

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.

Further Information

For more information please contact Curtin Future Students on (08) 9266 1000 or email futurestudents@health.curtin.edu.au course structure information is available by searching for the course in the University Handbook at http://www.handbook.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.

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.