This double degree course will provide a comprehensive foundation in fundamental sciences complemented by specialist biomedical sciences.
In the right environment, the simplest ideas can grow to have great impact on the way we live. Monash researchers have achieved the world's first IVF pregnancy, developed anti-flu drugs and turned human kidney cells back into embryonic stem cells.
This course will give you the best of both worlds - the knowledge and skills of the applied aspects of biomedical science and the more theoretical focus, available from the science course. It will set you on your way to making a difference to people's lives.
NOTE: For learning outcomes and other relevant information of this double degree, refer to the single degree entries:
The requirements below detail what you must study in order to complete this double-degree course and receive the awards.
The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2019handbooks/maps/map-s2007.pdf) provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.
Units are 6 points unless otherwise specified. You must complete 192 points:
1. 96 points must be completed in Parts A and B as described below in Bachelor of Science component, of which:
- 36 points of level 1 units must be completed
- at least 60 points must be completed at levels 2 and 3
- at least 24 points must be completed at level 3
- you must complete the level one sequences at stage one before enrolling in level two science units
Note 1: the Science listed minors, majors and extended majors are restricted to the list under Part B. below.
2. 96 points must be completed in Parts A, B, C, D and E as described below in Bachelor of Biomedical Science component.
Science component
Bachelor of Science is a comprehensive course and it will provide you with a broad, general science education, as well as specialist training in one or more science disciplines.
Part A. Science specified study (48 points)
Although the requirements in Part A appear to exceed 48 points, a level 1 sequence is typically counted towards your major (Part B) and not towards Part A.
You must complete:
Level 1 sequences
a. At least two level 1 approved science sequencesapproved science sequences (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2019handbooks/undergrad/sci-level-1-sequences.html) (24 points)
Normally, the units in a level 1 sequence are required for the completion of a related minor or major. The choice of level 1 sequences will influence your choice of level 2 and level 3 units and will lay the foundation for your major.
Note 1: Some level 1 units in the Biomedical Science component overlap with the Science component. Refer to the level 1 approved science sequences for how to complete your level 1 sequence.
Mathematics and statistics unit
b. At least one of the following level 1 mathematics or statistics units (6 points) if not already taken as part of a level 1 approved sequence:
- MTH1020 Analysis of change
- MTH1030 Techniques for modelling
- MTH1035 Techniques for modelling (advanced)
- SCI1020 Introduction to statistical reasoning
- STA1010 Statistical methods for science
Note 2: The unit required in b. will depend on your mathematics background and interests.
SCI1020 Introduction to statistical reasoning and STA1010 Statistical methods for science
- Recommended for students planning to study areas where experimental design and data analysis skills are particularly important, such as the life sciences. SCI1020 is for students without a strong mathematics background, while STA1010 requires students to have studied VCE Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 (or equivalent).
MTH1020 Analysis of change and MTH1030 Techniques for modelling
- Recommended for students with an interest in mathematics and/or physics. MTH1020 requires students to have studied VCE Mathematical Methods (or equivalent). MTH1030 requires students to have studied VCE Specialist Mathematics (or equivalent) or MTH1020.
Students with a strong mathematics background and a keen interest in the subject
- could replace the unit MTH1030 with the advanced version MTH1035, and should seek permission to enrol in this unit at the Science Student Services office.
Additional level 1 units
c. Any additional level 1 units required to take the total level 1 science listed units to either 30 or 36 points. Level 1 science listed units are chosen from units listed under any major, extended major or minor offered in the Bachelor of Science or level 1 mathematics and statistics units listed above or from the following:
- MTH1010 Functions and their applications
- SCI1200 Humans, evolution and modern society
- SCI1300 Climate change: From science to society
- SCI1800 The sustainable planet
Note 3: If you are in a double degree course you can replace one level 1 science listed unit with a level 2 or level 3 science listed unit.
Level 2/3 units
d. One unit (6 points) from:
- SCI2010 Scientific practice and communication
- SCI2015 Scientific practice and communication (advanced).
e. Any additional units required to make the total level 2 and 3 Bachelor of Science listed units to at least 60 points (inclusive of the unit in d. and the units in your major in Part B), with at least 24 points at level 3, chosen from:
- SCI2400 From Galileo to GPS: How astronomy shapes our lives
- SCI3910 Schools science project
- SCI3920 Science internship
- SCI3930 Career skills for scientists
- units listed under any major, extended major or minor offered in S2000 Bachelor of Science
Part B. Science listed major (48 points)
You must complete one science listed major from those listed below. A major requires eight units with no more than two units at level 1 (12 points) and at least three units (18 points) at level 3. You may replace the major with an extended major by using the elective units available in Part A.
It is recommended that you consider completing level 2 units in more than one area of science to maximise your choice of major at level 3.
If you intend to undertake an honours year you should ensure you complete the specific units required as a pre-requisite for honours in your chosen major area of study.
Minors, majors and extended majors
NOTE: Developmental biology and Immunology can only be taken as a minor. Psychology is taught by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.
The table of minors and majors by campusminors and majors by campus (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2019handbooks/undergrad/sci-bsc-minor-major-extended-major.html) indicates if an area of study is available as a minor, major or extended major.
Biomedical science component
The biomedical science component of this double degree course develops through five central themes covering: Part A. Molecular and cellular biology, Part B. Body systems, Part C. Infection and immunity, Part D. Disease and society, and Part E. Diagnostic and research tools. These themes are interwoven in units throughout the course.
You must complete the following units (96 points):
- BMS1011 Biomedical chemistry
- BMS1021 Cells, tissues and organisms
- BMS1031 Medical biophysics
- BMS1042 Public health and preventive medicine
- BMS1052 Human neurobiology
- BMS1062 Molecular biology
- BMS2011 Structure of the human body: An evolutionary and functional perspective
- BMS2021 Human molecular cell biology
- BMS2031 Body systems
- BMS2042 Human genetics
- BMS2052 Microbes in health and disease
- BMS2062 Introduction to bioinformatics
- BMS3031 Molecular mechanisms of disease (12 points)
- BMS3052 Biomedical basis and epidemiology of human disease (12 points)
You may be eligible to exit the double degree program and graduate with either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Biomedical Science after three years, depending on the units studied.
If you wish to graduate with a Bachelor of Science prior to the completion of the double degree you must have completed at least 144 points of studies, including all of the requirements in Parts A and B for the Bachelor of Science degree.
If you wish to graduate with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science prior to the completion of the double degree you must have completed at least 144 points of studies, including all of the requirements in Parts A, B, C, D and E for the Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree.
Honours
You may be eligible to apply for a one-year honours course once you have successfully completed this double degree, or have completed all of the requirements for one of the single degrees including a total of 144 points. The following honours courses apply:
- S3701 Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- M3702 Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours)
You are usually eligible to apply for honours if you achieve a distinction grade average (70 percent) or above in 24 points of studies in relevant discipline units at level 3. This sometimes also means you need to have completed specific units. If you are a Science student you should refer to the honours prerequisites table.
Graduate coursework
If you successfully complete the Bachelor of Science you may proceed to:
- S5003 Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Malaysia only)
- S6000 Master of Science (from 2019)
- S6001 Master of Financial Mathematics*
- S6002 Master of Environment and Sustainability**
- S6003 Master of Mathematics (from 2019)
