Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Biomedical science is one of the most contemporary areas of medicine - think IVF, a cure for cancer, and new life-saving vaccines. This rapidly-growing industry requires people with the skills to commercialise biomedical research, or apply commercial knowledge and understanding in research environments.

Within this double degree course you have the opportunity to develop the technical and research skills required in the biomedical fields, while also developing a strong understanding of the realities of research as a commercial endeavour.

You can combine your majors to explore areas of interest or develop new ones:

• Study human genetics and actuarial studies to look at the implications of genetic disease for health providers or insurance companies.
• Combine immunology with economics to gain an understanding of how disease impacts political, legal, social, cultural activities around the world.
• Use your marketing skills to promote medical research or health campaigns.
• Work in a business development role in international biomed companies to create new opportunities for research.

Double degree courses include the features of the component degree courses, except that electives may be reduced.

Commerce

B2001 Bachelor of Commerce is a comprehensive course, structured in three equal parts. In the double degree course you complete:

Part A. Commerce specified study

This will provide you with a broad foundation for your study of commerce and expose you to several commerce disciplines. This will contribute breadth to your knowledge of commerce and address the graduate course outcomes. It will also give you the opportunity to learn more about each discipline before finalising your choice of major.

Part B. Commerce listed major

This will provide you with a focused program of study that will develop your expertise in one discipline area. You will develop, apply and communicate an advanced level of understanding of the concepts and theoretical frameworks that constitute the knowledge base of your major area of study.

Biomedical science

M2003 Bachelor of Biomedical Science is a specialist course that provides an interdisciplinary approach to study of biomedical science, with five central themes: molecular and cellular biology, body systems, infection and immunity, disease and society and diagnostic and research tools. These themes are interwoven in units throughout the course.

Part A. Molecular and cellular biology

Through these studies you will learn how the cell functions and replicates itself in health and disease, particularly considering the structure of the cell and its evolution, the function of cells, DNA, genes and proteins, and the regulation of metabolism.

Part B. Body systems

This theme addresses the principles of major body systems. You will learn how cells come together to form tissues and organs and how they work together in the body to provide it with its metabolic needs and remove waste products. You will study how structure follows function; homeostasis; the nutritional and GI system; the neural system and senses; endocrine, reproductive and renal systems; and cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Part C. Infection and immunity

The focus of these studies is the functional immune system of multicellular organisms and the disease states that result from pathogen infection and from autoimmunity. You will learn about molecular genetics and recombinant DNA (both important tools for the study of microbial disease and immunity), inflammation and disease, and infection and infection control.

Part D. Disease and society

In these studies you will learn about disease states that result from abnormal function in various body systems, including the cellular, genetic and molecular causes of the disease, with a focus on mechanisms of disease and patterns of disease and treatment. In studying the basis for human disease, you will also consider the societal and personal impacts of past, present and future diseases and the social, economic and environmental factors that are determinants of health.

Part E. Diagnostic and research tools

These studies address both the molecular and cellular tools, including specialist imaging techniques, that can be used to study and diagnose diseases.

Students must complete 192 points, of which 96 points are from the Bachelor of Commerce (including all the requirements in Part A and B for the single degree) and 96 points are from the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (including all of the requirements in Part A, B, C, D and E for the single degree).

The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2016handbooks/maps/map-b2021.pdf) will assist you to plan to meet the course requirements, and guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Units are six credit points unless otherwise stated.

Students may be eligible to exit the double degree program and graduate with either a Bachelor of Commerce or a Bachelor of Biomedical Science after three years, depending on the units studied.

Students who wish to graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce prior to the completion of the double degree must have completed at least 144 points of studies, including all of the requirements in Part A and B for the Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Students who wish to graduate with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science prior to the completion of the double degree must have completed at least 144 points of studies, including all of the requirements in Part A, B, C, D and E for the Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree.