Overview 2021
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- Course accredited by: Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS)
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For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
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Formerly known as The Bachelor of Biomedical Science, the newly titled Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine is the perfect degree for anyone looking to work in specialised medical or pathology laboratories. This degree is professionally accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS), so employers will recognise that graduates from the course have been specifically trained for the industry – and are ready to be employed as medical scientists.
The three and half year course consists of six semesters of on-campus study, plus a seventh semester of clinical placement in an accredited lab in Australia.
This program is structured to build your knowledge in chemistry, anatomy, physiology, histology, immunology, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, haematology, clinical biochemistry and medical microbiology.
With this knowledge, you'll be ready to work in diagnostic pathology or medical research laboratories, and start making your own contributions to the medical science field.
Course objectives
The Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine is designed to prepare students 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.
Many graduates continue into postgraduate study and conduct research in the areas of molecular biology, clinical chemistry, medical microbiology and haematology.
Students will gain knowledge and a variety of skills in professional areas such as: clinical chemistry, endocrinology, haematology, blood transfusion science, histopathology, microbiology, human molecular biology, and immunology.
Practical experience
During the final semester of this course, you will participate in a Professional Experience Placement (PEP). This work integrated learning approach enables students to practice newly acquired skills, behaviours and knowledge in a workplace environment. The aim of PEP is to immerse students in a professional healthcare setting, to gain a better understanding of the roles of professionals within the health care system.
This clinical placement is undertaken off campus in an accredited diagnostic pathology laboratory, where you will develop practical laboratory skills and contribute to patient healthcare via diagnostic techniques within the laboratory.
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.
Work placement
The University of Tasmania is integrated into all areas of industry locally, nationally and internationally be it through research or work placement programs. Talk to your course coordinator about finding an opportunity to take part in a work experience, placement, or extracurricular activities during your degree.
Career outcomes
Studying at UTAS is good because of the small class numbers, so you receive one on one tutoring which is beneficial. The lecturers in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) are very helpful, and student have direct access to lecturers.
On graduation you will be ready to undertake an exciting career at the forefront of laboratory medicine. The opportunities are broad, including roles with diagnostic pathology labs – both public and private facilities, or within the medical research field.
This degree can also be used to launch a career in medical research, veterinary laboratories, diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies or health management.
A number of graduates have used their degree internationally, working in pathology laboratories across South East Asia and Europe.
"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.
Professional Recognition
The Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine is accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).
Graduates from this course meet the academic requirements for direct entry into the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists.
Further study opportunities
This course provides an excellent foundation if you are hoping to enter undergraduate and postgraduate medicine and other allied health courses across Australia. A number of students use the knowledge they've gained in this course to enter undergraduate and postgraduate medicine courses across the country.
Students interested in pursuing an honours course in Laboratory Medicine should contact Dr Kiran Ahuja (Honours Coordinator).
Course structure
Entry requirements
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
International students
International students should refer to the International Students course fees page to get an indicative course cost.
Scholarships
Domestic
Each year the University of Tasmania administers an estimated $7 million in scholarships to students from all walks of life, including those who have achieved high academic results; those from low socio-economic backgrounds; students with sporting ability; students undertaking overseas study; and students with a disability.
Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior.
For more information on scholarships and to view the full range of scholarships available to you, head to the scholarships website.
International Students
There are a huge range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania. For more information on these, visit International Scholarships.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 13 8827 (13 UTAS)
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries