Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2024
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 72.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2023 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 72.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they
fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank
(ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any
remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects. OR
Higher education study
Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education
institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience
Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
Students commencing in July will require additional time to complete the degree due to course scheduling and degree structure. Students may be limited to studying at a maximum of 75% of the required courses per semester in their first two years. SP5 intake is not available for international students.
Degree overview
- Use your interest in medical biology and human health to help cure disease and improve health outcomes.
- Study at the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers in health,1 maths and science.2
- Learn in state-of-the-art, purpose-built tutorial spaces and fully equipped laboratories.
- Practice your hands-on skills in real-world environments with 13 weeks of research laboratory experience.
- Be trained by internationally recognised researchers in cancer biology, vaccine development and genetics, as well as experts in the area of clinical trials.
- Graduate with practical skills and confidence to work in the fast-growing biomedical science industry with pathways into growing areas like biotechnology, bioanalytics, and clinical trials.
- Use this degree as a stepping stone into further studies and research careers.
- Study at a university with above world-class research in health and medical sciences.3
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,4 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Health Services and Support – Overall Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 2ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 32018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 4Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
In the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, you’ll explore the complex world of human health and disease under the guidance of industry experts.
Biomedical science explores human disease from cause and diagnosis to treatment and cure. Professionals in this field have strong knowledge in science, healthcare and research methologies to contribute to a variety of health industries, with knowledge that underpins many areas of the health sector.
In this three-year program, you'll develop advanced knowledge in physiology, biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology, molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics. You’ll get to learn alongside internationally recognised researchers and academics in cancer biology, vaccine development and genetics, as well as experts in the area of clinical trials throughout your degree.
You’ll graduate with the skills to join the fast-paced and innovative biomedical research industry, and gain skills to be used in clinical trials and growing areas of industry need.
What you'll need
While this program has no prerequisites for entry, you will benefit from background knowledge studying subjects such as Year 12 Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. We offer the ScienceReady Short Course to prepare you for your first year of undergraduate studies.
What you'll learn
Along with fundamental knowledge in biomedical sciences, you can choose pathways into further study in biomedical research and other health professions. During your studies, you’ll:
- explore the complex world of human health and disease
- study core courses in chemistry, biology and anatomy
- develop advanced knowledge in physiology, molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics, biochemistry, immunology, genetics, pharmacology, and cancer biology
- gain research experience, which forms a great foundation for pathways in bioinformatics, genomics, and clinical trials.
During your final year, you'll complete an industry research project for 13 weeks in an active research laboratory.
Throughout your studies, you’ll benefit from a flexible learning environment with face-to-face and online courses.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Biomedical scientists play a key role in our health system by investigating the causes and effect of disease on the normal structure and functions of the human body.
Biomedical science explores human disease from cause and diagnosis to treatment and cure. Professionals in this field have strong knowledge in science, healthcare and research methologies to contribute to healthcare at large.
Designed to align with the needs of industry, this degree prepares you for an exciting career in growing fields of medical research, clinical trials, or the broader disciplines of biomedical and life sciences.
You’ll learn from internationally recognised researchers in cancer biology, vaccine development, genetics and bioinformatics using the latest techniques, at a university with above world-class research in health and medical sciences.1
Graduates can work across a variety of health settings including hospitals, universities and medical research institutes. Job roles can range from data management and lab management to policy, data, ethics, medical research and higher education.
Along with the establishment of the Adelaide Biomed City in the West End and projected job growth in biotechnology, toxicology and science, graduates can benefit from South Australia’s position at the forefront of translational health research. As Australia’s University of Enterprise, UniSA has become a renowned centre of innovation in the sectors driving Australia's future forward, including health and biomedicine. This is your chance to position yourself with advanced scientific knowledge in an era of rapid change.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Your career
The Bachelor of Biomedical Science has been designed to meet the needs of the ever-changing biomedical sciences industry.
Graduates can be employed in research and laboratories with varied roles, such as laboratory technicians, research assistants or scientists. Graduates can even apply their skills in unexpected careers such as business analytics or intelligence, science communications, policy and ethics, and more.
The work of a biomedical scientist underpins much of modern medicine, with biomedical research a critical step in the development and discovery of the knowledge, interventions and technologies used to fight disease.
You could find yourself working in a variety of areas, including:
- biotechnology
- medical and biomedical informatics
- medical and scientific laboratories
- biomedical research
- health management, education, and corporate
Completing this degree will enable you to pursue a career in research by studying UniSA’s Bachelor of Biomedical Research (Honours). You can also apply for higher degrees by research or go on to postgraduate study in other health disciplines.
Through further study, the Bachelor of Biomedical Science can even open doors to employment in areas including allied health, public health and health policy.
Applying to study with us:
- Go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply.
- You will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in Health (Biomedical Science)
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Health)
- SAIBT Diploma of Health Science
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
Deferment
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- career services and mentoring
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your program director
Along with being Program Director for this degree, I am a senior scientist in the Mechanisms in Cell Biology and Disease research group at UniSA. I have had the privilege to attend and present our research findings at several international conferences, interacting with many amazing patients and their families, clinicians and scientists. This truly reinforces to me why I continue to do what I do. I bring this passion through to my teaching, both with research degree supervision and courses in Human Physiology.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
What others are saying
The highlight of my studies was the hands-on laboratory skills and practical work, which sparked a passion for biomedical research. My degree helped me find my niche interests in cancer research. Who would have thought 50 years ago that we’d be able to 3D print organs or genetically modify an immune system to fight cancer? Every week in research brings something new but much of my time is spent growing human cell lines, working with patient tissue samples and collaborating on projects. It’s a rewarding feeling to work on something which can positively impact patients.
Courtney Moore
Biomedical Science
Research Assistant
