Overview 2023
Location
- What is an ATAR
- Course rules
- Course accredited by: Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS)
- CRICOS: 093679E
View archived years for this course
For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
View the current year's course page
The Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine is the perfect degree to prepare you for a career in specialised medical or pathology laboratories. Your studies will build foundation knowledge in chemistry, anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. Then you’ll gain knowledge and a variety of practical laboratory skills in clinical chemistry, haematology, blood transfusion science, microbiology, histopathology, human molecular biology, immunology and more.
In addition to helping you develop a breadth of laboratory medicine related knowledge, we prepares you for your future career by including hands-on laboratory experience right from first year. These experiences increases throughout your studies until, in third year, each unit contains an average of three hours of practical laboratory experience per week.
The three and half year course culminates with a seventh semester of clinical placement in an accredited laboratory in Australia. This clinical placement is undertaken off campus in an accredited diagnostic pathology laboratory. There, you’ll further develop your practical laboratory skills and contribute to patient care via the provision of laboratory results.
With the knowledge and practical skills developed in this course, you'll be ready to work in diagnostic pathology or medical research laboratories in Australia or around the world, and start making your own contributions to the medical science field.
Course objectives
The Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine is designed to prepare you to work in specialised medical and pathology laboratories that provide diagnostic services that are an essential part of the health care system. The tests performed provide valuable information that is used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
With the skills and knowledge delivered by this course, you may find yourself providing vital diagnostic services as part of a small remote team in a regional hospital, or contributing more specialised skills as part of the combined operations of a large laboratory in a major city.
This degree can also be used to launch a career in medical research, veterinary laboratories, diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies or health management. Your skills and knowledge are recognised internationally, and you can forge an exciting career in in pathology laboratories around the world.
Learning Outcomes
Practical experience
Professional experience placement
During the final semester of this course, you will participate in a Professional Experience Placement (PEP). This work integrated learning approach enables students to practise newly acquired skills, behaviours and knowledge in a workplace environment. The aim of PEP is to immerse you in a professional healthcare setting, to gain a better understanding of the roles of professionals within the health care system.
This placement is undertaken off campus in an accredited diagnostic pathology laboratory. There, you’ll further develop your practical laboratory skills and contribute to patient care via the provision of laboratory results. This placement also provided valuable networking opportunities, and may lead to employment after graduation.
Safety in Practice Compliance
All students enrolling in College of Health and Medicine programs which include a Professional Experience Placement component, laboratory and/or field activity are required to establish and maintain their capacity to practice safely via Safety in Practice Requirements documentation. Please note, students in Laboratory Medicine courses are required to either provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B or administration of at least the first dose of a three dose course of Hepatitis B vaccination, by the start of the second week of their degree. Students must bring all documentation relating to Hepatitis B vaccination and immunity (in English) with them when they commence the course. Details on Hepatitis B vaccination and immunity can be found here.
Work placement
Professional experience placement
During the final semester of this course, you will participate in a Professional Experience Placement (PEP). This work integrated learning approach enables students to practise newly acquired skills, behaviours and knowledge in a workplace environment. The aim of PEP is to immerse you in a professional healthcare setting, to gain a better understanding of the roles of professionals within the health care system.
This placement is undertaken off campus in an accredited diagnostic pathology laboratory. There, you’ll further develop your practical laboratory skills and contribute to patient care via the provision of laboratory results. This placement also provided valuable networking opportunities, and may lead to employment after graduation.
Career outcomes
Studying at the University of Tasmania is good because of the small class numbers, so you receive one on one tutoring which is beneficial. The lecturers are very helpful, and you have direct access throughout their studies for questions and support.
With the skills and knowledge delivered by this course, you may find yourself providing vital diagnostic services as part of a small remote team in a regional hospital, or contributing more specialised skills as part of the combined operations of a large laboratory in a major city.
This degree can also be used to launch a career in medical research, veterinary laboratories, diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies or health management. Your skills and knowledge are recognised internationally, and you can forge an exciting career in in pathology laboratories around the world.
"A career in biomedical science is an exciting and rewarding, yet challenging career, where no two days are ever the same. The Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) is an excellently rounded degree, which allows graduates to work in numerous scientific fields and apply your skills to a diverse collection of jobs."
– Dr Elizabeth Witherden, Post-doctoral research associate, Kings College London, Alumni, Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine), University of Tasmania.
Further study opportunities
This course provides an excellent foundation if you are hoping to enter postgraduate medicine and allied health courses.
Students interested in pursuing an honours course in Laboratory Medicine should contact Dr Kiran Ahuja (Honours Coordinator).
Professional Accreditation
The Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine is a professionally accredited degree. This course is accredited by Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS).
Graduates meet the requirements for Graduate membership of AIMS and can progress to full membership on the completion of 2-years postgraduate medical laboratory experience. For further membership requirements, please visit the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists website.
If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact us for further information.
Course structure
If you are starting in 2023 you can find your course planner here – this helps you plan what units to enrol in and when.
Year 1
Core Units
This unit equips you with introductory level clinical laboratory skills and theoretical knowledge in the disciplines of Haematology, Clinical Biochemistry and Microbiology. At the end of this unit, you will be competent in a range of basic laboratory techniques, using…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CXA101 Introduction to Medical Laboratory Sciences
This unit introduces the determinants of health and wellbeing including lifestyle factors. Students are introduced to the types of measures that are used in reporting health information and the ways in which this information is presented and utilised. Students will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CXA103 Health: Determinants and Analysis
This unit is designed to introduce students to human cells and tissues and the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, defence, musculoskeletal and neuroendocrine systems in the human body. The unit will include: (a) the basic facts and concepts relating…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Health Study Period 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Health Study Period 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Health Study Period 1 | ||||
| Rozelle - Sydney | Health Study Period 1 | ||||
This unit is designed to introduce you to the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and digestive systems of the human body. The regulation of body temperature will also be studied in the unit. The unit will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Health Study Period 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Health Study Period 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Health Study Period 2 | ||||
| Rozelle - Sydney | Health Study Period 2 | ||||
This unit introduces students to the fundamental concepts and methods relevant to health science and research literacy, offering perspectives from a range of health professions and fields of medical research. It will equip students with the skills to locate, evaluate,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Health Study Period 1 | ||||
This unit explores how historical, cultural and social elements, as well as previous and contemporary policy frameworks, shape the health and wellbeing of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. Cultural safety, self-determination and collaboration are central concepts within…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Nursing Study Period 3 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Nursing Study Period 3 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Nursing Study Period 3 | ||||
| Rozelle - Sydney | Nursing Study Period 3 | ||||
View all details for HGA246 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing
This unit (along with Chemistry 1B in Semester 2) is the required prerequisite for students intending to major in Chemistry and for those intending to proceed to any second-year chemistry unit.The unit builds on the introduction to chemistry given in…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit (along with Chemistry 1A in Semester 1) is the required prerequisite for students intending to major in Chemistry and for those intending to proceed to any second-year chemistry unit.The unit builds on the introduction to chemistry given in…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Year 2
Core units
This unit is designed to give the student a broad understanding of the immune system and its functions. Topics include: activation and regulation of innate and adaptive immunity and the principles governing vaccination; the molecular basis of antigen specificity; antibody…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit introduces students to the pathological processes underlying various human diseases. Students learn about common pathological conditions, their causes, including environmental factors and their consequences. A group project and presentation allows in-depth study of one disease process, its causes…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit introduces you to the pathological processes that underlie various human diseases. It enables students to recognise common pathological conditions. In addition, the histological methods used to demonstrate bacterial and fungal infections, amyloidosis, pigments, neoplasia and immunocytochemistry will be…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit will introduce you to the fundamental theoretical and practical concepts and principles of histology. The unit provides you with an in-depth study of histological methodologies including fixation, decalcification, processing and section cutting of normal tissues and techniques to…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Haematology is the study of blood, the blood-forming organs, and blood diseases. It includes the aetiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of blood diseases such as leukaemia, anaemia, haemophilia and deep vein thrombosis.The first half of the unit covers normal…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
In this unit you will explore how bacterial characteristics can be used as part of an identification strategy in a clinical microbiology laboratory. Module 1 examines how bacteria regulate their behaviour, communicate and multiply using various metabolic & genetic regulation…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CXA241 General and Medical Microbiology
The unit CXA 251, Clinical Chemistry 1, is designed to impart a thorough knowledge of: quality assurance, including sources of error; use and establishment of reference ranges; collection, preservation, transportation and storage of specimens for analysis; preparation of laboratory method…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Metabolic biochemistry entails the study of intermediary metabolism and the structures involved. This unit is concerned mainly with the metabolic processes involved in the inter-conversion and storage of metabolic energy, the regulation of these processes and the associated molecules. Specifically,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Year 3
Core units
This unit extends the student's understanding of the concepts of genetics and molecular biology obtained in CXA315 Cell and Molecular Biochemistry. The unit focuses on medical molecular genetics, providing detailed study of genetic mutations and inheritance patterns of genetic diseases.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Expands on the understanding of biochemistry obtained in CXA261 Metabolic Biochemistry, concentrated at a molecular level. The unit is a comprehensive study of regulation of cellular metabolism and signalling along with a detailed study of the molecular mechanisms of genetic…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
In this unit you will integrate and extend prior knowledge and skills about the laboratory differentiation of normal and abnormal haematological health conditions gained in CXA231 Haematology 1. You will systematically investigate the causes, laboratory investigations and treatment of anaemia…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit covers the major blood group systems of relevance to human blood transfusion and the theoretical basis of common transfusion testing practices. We explore the donation of blood products and the management of transfusion services and study in detail,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Introduces students to diagnostic medical bacteriology. Skills taught include: processing of clinical specimens, recognition of normal microbiota, identification of pathogens and the undertaking of appropriate antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Students learn: aspects of laboratory safety, epidemiology, pathogenesis and control of infectious…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit has been designed to systematically introduce the students to the common and diagnostically important fungal, parasitic and viral diseases of major organ systems in humans. The unit content is primarily concerned with laboratory diagnostic aspects of the above…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit continues from CXA251 and is designed to extend student theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of clinical biochemistry. The unit covers the pathological changes that occur in tissues and cells and how these changes can be detected…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Year 4
Core units
This is a professional experience placement (PEP) unit, undertaken while off campus in diagnostic pathology laboratories accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), or equivalent. Students develop an holistic view of the role of the diagnostic pathology laboratory…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Summer school (early) | ||||
Medical Laboratory Placement 1 & 2 (CXA412, CXA425) are two of three professional experience placement units (PEP) undertaken off campus in diagnostic pathology laboratories accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), or equivalent. Students experience core and specialised…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Summer school (early) | ||||
Medical Laboratory Placement 1 & 2 (CXA412, CXA425) are two of three professional experience placement units (PEP) undertaken off campus in diagnostic pathology laboratories accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), or equivalent. Students experience core and specialised…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Summer school (early) | ||||
Entry requirements
For Domestic students
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.
Applicants who have recently completed secondary education (in the past two years)
Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2022, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 82.60. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.
Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.
You must also meet the subject prerequisites listed below.
Applicants with previous higher education study
Completed course at Diploma level or above at any Australian higher education provider (or equivalent overseas qualification) OR Partially completed a relevant (refer to Prerequisites) course at Associate Degree level or higher at any Australian higher education provider (or have partially completed an equivalent overseas qualification). Applicants must have completed the equivalent of at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points).
If an applicant has failed any units, the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made.
Applicants with previous VET / TAFE study.
Completed relevant Certificate IV or above.
Applications on the basis of work or life experience
This course does accept applications based on work or life experience.
Prerequisites
CHM415115 Chemistry (or equivalent) or KRA161 Chemistry for Life Sciences or KRA001 Chemistry Foundation Unit and one of MTG315120 General Mathematics or MTM315117 Mathematics Methods – Foundation, or MTM415117 Mathematics Methods, or KMA002 Applied Mathematics Foundation, or KMA003 Mathematics Foundation Unit
SAFETY IN PRACTICE REQUIREMENTSAll students enrolling in College of Health and Medicine programs which include a Professional Experience Placement component, laboratory and/or field activity are required to establish and maintain their capacity to practice safely via Safety in Practice Requirements documentation. Please note, students in Laboratory Medicine courses are required to either provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B or administration of at least the first dose of a three dose course of Hepatitis B vaccination, by the start of the second week of their degree. Students must bring all documentation relating to Hepatitis B vaccination and immunity (in English) with them when they commence the course. Details on Hepatitis B vaccination and immunity can be found here.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.
We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.
For International students
All international students will need to meet the minimum English Language Requirements, University General Entry Requirements and any course specific requirements such as pre-requisite subjects, if applicable.
English Language RequirementsThis degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.5, with no individual band less than 6.5.
For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.
General Entry RequirementsAdmission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12th year of education in Australia.
Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.
Applicants are ranked by their academic scores and offers made based on the number of places available.
You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:
- Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques or a Diploma of Laboratory Technology.
- Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Bachelor level or higher
If you do not meet the minimum requirements, we offer the Foundation Studies Program.
Course Specific RequirementsThe following course specific requirements must be met to be eligible to study this degree. To be an eligible for an offer, you must have studies or experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in the following subjects:
CHM415115 Chemistry (or equivalent) or KRA161 Chemistry for Life Sciences or KRA001 Chemistry Foundation Unit and one of MTG315120 General Mathematics or MTM315117 Mathematics Methods – Foundation, or MTM415117 Mathematics Methods, or KMA002 Applied Mathematics Foundation, or KMA003 Mathematics Foundation Unit
SAFETY IN PRACTICE REQUIREMENTSAll students enrolling in College of Health and Medicine programs which include a professional experience placement component, laboratory and/or field activity are required to establish and maintain their capacity to practice safely via Safety in Practice Requirements documentation. Please note, students in Laboratory Medicine courses are required to either provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B or administration of at least the first dose of a three dose course of Hepatitis B vaccination, by the start of the second week of their degree. Students must bring all documentation relating to Hepatitis B vaccination and immunity (in English) with them when they commence the course. Details on Hepatitis B vaccination and immunity can be found here.
Credit transfer
Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.
Talk to us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online about your credit transfer.
Articulation
This course has an articulation pathway from 21A Diploma of University Studies (Health Science), providing students with up to 50 credit points of advanced standing.
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.
If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. This means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.
You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.
Further information is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.
Student contributionStudent contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.
Further informationDetailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
International students
2023 Total Course Fee (international students): $131,598 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $35,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).
* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.
International students
International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries