Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Course

The course provides specialist training in medical bioscience with a focus on molecular diagnostics and biotechnology. Students study a wide range of topics including anatomy, biochemistry, cellular metabolism, immunology, medical microbiology, human physiology, pharmacology and pathology. The program offers a regionally appropriate perspective relevant to the local geographical and healthcare context; this is primarily achieved by the inclusion of suitable examples and case studies. An applied research project is available as an elective unit, enabling qualified students to undertake meaningful research and further develop technical skills.

Upon completion of this course, students will have knowledge of science across a range of disciplines, with a high level of understanding and appreciation in a broad spectrum of areas relating to medical bioscience. Students will have developed quantitative and qualitative research skills and will have an understanding of the importance of an ethical base for scientific research and development activity particularly in the context of areas such as bioengineering and human health.

Course progression requirements

Students must complete the mathematics/statistics requirement at stage one before enrolling in level two science units.

Students must complete the equivalent of six weeks professional training via an approved placement in a clinical or medical laboratory or community health organisation in order to complete the requirements for this course.

This course comprises core and elective units.

Students complete all of the following:

• ANT2331 Introduction to anatomy and medical terminology
• BIO1011 Biology I or BIO1711 Vertebrate biology
• BIO1022 Biology II or BIO1722 Cell biology
• BTH1802 Fundamentals of biotechnology
• BTH2732 Recombinant DNA technology
• BTH2741 Biochemistry
• BTH3741 Medical cell biology
• BTH3752 Molecular biology and biotechnology
• CHM1011 Chemistry
• MIC2011 Introduction to microbiology and microbial biotechnology
• SCI1020 Introduction to statistical reasoning
• SCI2010 The practice and application of science
• 6 points of level one psychology
• 6 points of level two physiology (PHY) units
• at least four of BTH3722 (Medical microbiology), IMM3802 (Essentials of applied immunology), MBS3010 (Population health and healthcare), PHA3801 (Principles of pharmacology), and SCI3716 (Laboratory and workplace management)
• additional elective units chosen from any faculty, including units offered for other science courses, to take the total credit points to 144.

Note: Students must complete:

• at least 36 points of science units at level one and at least 24 points of science units at level three
• no more than 60 points of level one units overall.

Recommended program of study

Stage one

• BTH1802
• CHM1011
• SCI1020
• level one biology sequence (12 points)
• 6 points of level one psychology
• two 6-point elective units

Stage two

• ANT2331
• BTH2732 and BTH2741
• MIC2011
• SCI2010
• 6 points of level two physiology
• two 6-point elective units

Stage three

• BTH3741 and BTH3752
• at least four of BTH3722, IMM3802, MBS3010, PHA3801, SCI3716
• two 6-point elective units

Bachelor of Science (Medical Bioscience)