Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Learn about the human body and the processes associated with disease to improve human health.
Course essentials
ATAR
Guaranteed ATAR: 60.00
Entry requirements
Credit
Study mode
Online
Duration
Start dates
01 March 2027
19 July 2027
Locations
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Course overview
Biomedicine is an exciting area that plays a major role in helping people lead healthier lives. It's an industry that is constantly evolving. You'll learn about anatomy, pathophysiology, genetic sciences and can go on to work in areas like genome biology, genetic mapping, stem cell research and biological pharmaceuticals. Studies range from lifespan nutrition, to food microbiology, metabolism to applied biochemistry.
Graduates of this program will pursue a career in biomedical research, laboratory technology, medical sales, research and pharmaceuticals.
This degree is a pathway to postgraduate studies in medicine, physiotherapy, dentistry, pharmacy and other allied health programs, as well as veterinary science.
Please note: All online-enrolled students are required to attend a limited number of on-campus intensive labs and compulsory fieldtrips as part of their course.
This course is available via Online Learning, in combination with one to two weeks (depending on your program) of compulsory on-campus laboratory sessions. These lab sessions are held in semester one and semester two in each year of your course. You will also be required to complete examinations either on-campus, or at an approved remote exam location in your region, under supervision.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Science
Course co-ordinator
Berwick (on campus) - Indu Somasundara Panicker
Gippsland (on campus) - Indu Somasundara Panicker
Mt Helen (on campus) - Morgan Wallace
Online - Morgan Wallace
Career paths
Professional recognition
Although completion does not automatically guarantee entry into a Graduate Medical School, it does fulfill the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry pre-requisites required for entry into graduate medicine at some institutions
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised by the Australian Government. The tuition fee is called the student contribution amount. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses the certificate fee is displayed. Your fee will depend on the units you chose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it's calculated
The government sets the fee each year. The amount depends on the discipline area and band of each unit. 2026 annual student contribution amounts for 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) range from $4,738 (Band 1) to $17,399 (Band 4). The sample course structure below link to the EFTSL, Band and fee for each unit or you can use our unit search to find these details.
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Other study costs
Lab coat and safety glasses
Fee assistance
If you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, you can defer the payment of all or part of your student contribution fee. If you’re also eligible for a SA-HELP loan, you can defer your SSAF payment too. You won’t have to start paying either loan back until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 2, 2026
20 July 2026
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Semester 1, 2027
1 March 2027
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Semester 2, 2027
19 July 2027
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat. Testing.
- Online learning is only an option if you’re not studying on an international student visa. Testing
Contact hours
Approximately 16-20 hours per week
Sample course structure
Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.
- Introduction to Nutrition15 credit pointsSCBCH1001
- Principles of Biology15 credit pointsSCBIO1001
- Chemistry 115 credit pointsSCCHM1001
- Scientific Communication15 credit pointsSCCOR1200
- Systems Biology15 credit pointsSCBIO1020
- Chemistry 215 credit pointsSCCHM1002
- Scientific Practice15 credit pointsSCCOR1300
- Professional Identity (Science)15 credit pointsCOOPS1001
- Biochemistry15 credit pointsSCBCH2001
- Analytical Techniques15 credit pointsSCCHM2001
- Pathophysiology 115 credit pointsSCMED2010
- General Microbiology15 credit pointsSCMIC2001
- Nutrition and Metabolism15 credit pointsSCBCH2002
- Pathophysiology 215 credit pointsSCMED2011
- Biotechnology Laboratory Techniques15 credit pointsSCMOL2001
- Mammalian Genetics15 credit pointsSCMOL2010
- Immunology15 credit pointsSCMOL3020
Elective
- Clinical Microbiology15 credit pointsSCMIC3003
Elective
Meet us at Open Day
Open Day is your chance to explore all that Federation has to offer. Meet current lecturers and students, ask course questions, learn about our support services and explore campus spaces.
We’ve got heaps of activities, tours and presentations planned. Basically, we want you to get a real feel for Federation. The atmosphere. The opportunities. The community.
Oh – and there’s no need to pack a sandwich. Lunch is on us.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (year 12)
Admissions Criteria for current Year 12 students and recent secondary graduates (the past 2 years)
Prerequisites
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics or at least 20 in any Science;
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any English
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Guaranteed ATAR
This program has a guaranteed ATAR.
If you meet the program pre-requisites and any ‘Essential Requirements for Admission’, we will guarantee you a place in this program with this ATAR. We use the adjusted ATAR, factoring in subject adjustments and SEAS as detailed below.
Subject Adjustments
A study score of 35 in Biology, Chemistry or Physics equals 3 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 5 points.
SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme)
Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for the Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS). Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, a SEAS application may provide support for your course application study score of 35 in Biology, Chemistry or Physics equals 3 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 5 points.
Entry requirements (non year 12)
Admission criteria for applicants with a Higher Education Study
Previous higher education studies with results at a pass level, including any 'single subjects of study', or successful completion of a tertiary preparatory program such as the Federation Access Studies (FAST) course.
Admission criteria for applications with a Vocational Education and Training study
Successful completion of a VET qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
Admission criteria for applications with work and life experience
Applicants who have not completed secondary education or undertaken any TAFE of university studies will not be eligible for entry into this program. Applicants in this category should consider a pathway program such as Federation Access Studies (FAST) course.
English language requirements
Overall IELTS band score of 6.0, with no band less than 6.0 or equivalent
How you apply will depend on your current situation – school leaver, tertiary background or life experience – and whether you’re also applying for courses at other institutions. Visit our how to apply page to find out more.
Ready to fill out your application? You might need these codes:
- VTAC application
- Yes
- VTAC code
- 3701837041 - Berwick (on campus)
3700737041 - Gippsland (on campus)
3700537041 - Mt Helen (on campus)
3700837041 - Online - Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- SB5
Credit will be considered if you have successfully completed higher education or TAFE studies. Advanced standing will be determined on an individual basis, depending on your eligibility for credit transfer, prior experience and qualifications.
If you are seeking alternative entry into the Bachelor of Biomedical Science you can consider applying for the following program:
Foundation Access Studies (FAST) Program - designed to provide you with an alternative entry method into tertiary study.
Further study options
Further opportunities exist in Biomedical Science through an Honours research course comprising a focus on genetics/genomics, molecular and cellular biology, immunology, public health or health informatics.
The graduate medical course at Deakin University and graduate medical, physiotherapy, dentistry, veterinary science and other courses at other interstate universities provide opportunities for further study and specialisation for those graduates that satisfy the selection criteria upon completion of this degree.