Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Biomedical Science is an exciting undergraduate degree designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to confidently work in a range of biomedical science fields.
Our three-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) course develops your fundamental knowledge in key areas including cell biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, This will provide you with an understanding of the structure and function of both the healthy and diseased body at the system, cellular, and molecular level. You will also gain a breadth of knowledge in research design and methodology as well as Indigenous, rural, and remote health, enabling you to consider health issues from global, regional, and societal perspectives.
Your choice of specialisation allows you to develop specific knowledge and skills in an area of study that aligns with your interests- Medical Science, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Science, or Health. This includes a choice of units with hands-on laboratory classes will develop your skills and understanding of specialised areas such as microbiology, immunology, haematology, clinical chemistry, and histology. The breadth of your studies can be broadened with your choice of general electives from across the university's offerings.
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science you will be ready for a career in advancing modern healthcare and medicine, including roles in medical research, diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, public health, and academia.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science may have careers in a wide variety of areas including biomedical research, diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, public health and government agencies, education and science communication, and academia. Students will have a qualification that can also lead them to higher level studies in research or health workforce specialisations such as Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, and Occupational Therapy.
Practical experience
Students will gain perspectives on professional practice in biomedical science through problem-based and project-based learning, and insights from industry and research professionals through guest lectures and laboratory visits. Students may also choose specialist elective units that include laboratory based practical classes which will give them the skills and experience that they need to confidently perform a variety of key routine techniques used in biomedical science laboratories.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline, subject to meeting criteria. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $36,480.00. This equates to $ $4,560.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study medicine at CDU?
Embark on a transformative journey in medicine at CDU, where innovation meets opportunity.
Enjoy a unique educational experience that is deeply connected to Central and Northern Australia’s distinctive health challenges and opportunities, all while benefiting from personalised support and mentorship.
- Pioneering new perspectives: Join the next generation of NT medical professionals to make a real difference in Indigenous health, tropical medicine, and rural and remote healthcare.
- Immersive learning experience: Enjoy a highly personalised, face-to-face, supportive and immersive educational experience at CDU’s campus and partnered health services.
- Real-world experience: Gain hands-on experience with clinical placements throughout the NT.
- Community impact: Join a program committed to improving health outcomes in some of the most challenging environments.
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
The Bachelor of Biomedical Science is a structured but flexible undergraduate degree that students can tailor to their interests and skills as they progress through the course.
Course structure
The compulsory core units cover fundamental scientific and biomedical concepts including studies in cell biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, research design and methodology, and remote, Indigenous, and global health. In many of these units you will study alongside students from other courses including paramedicine. exercise and sports science, and health science, broadening your perspective on the application of these core concepts.
Students also complete specialist electives from their choice of specialisation which aligns with their specific interests- Medical Science, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Science, or Health. Many units include laboratory classes to give students hands-on experience and understanding of a range of practical skills. Areas of study can include microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, haematology, clinical chemistry, histology, epidemiology, health promotion, and public health.
General Electives offer students a chance to broaden the scope of their studies, with the ability to choose from the range of units offered at the university.
The Bachelor of Biomedical Science is designed to be flexible with full-time and part-time study options and many units with flexible delivery options, enabling students to effective balance their studies alongside all the other important aspects of their lives.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (12 units) | 120cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 120 credit points as detailed below. SBI150 Cellular Biology |
| Specialist Elective Units (8 units) | 80cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 80 credit points as detailed below. The following groupings serve as a guide to help you choose units that align with your future study or career goals. You may select all specialist electives from a single specialisation or combine units from multiple specialisations. Medical Science (80 credit points) Microbiology (80 credit points) Health (80 credit points) Pharmaceutical Science (80 credit points) Customised Selection (80 credit points) |
| General Elective Units (4 units) | 40cp | General Elective units totalling 40 credit points selected from undergraduate units offered by the University. Students may choose undergraduate units from any available at the University, including additional units from the specialisations listed above. Undergraduate unit codes indicate the year level, with the first digit representing the year of study (e.g., SBI1xx for first-year, SBI2xx for second-year, and SBI3xx for third-year units). When selecting General Electives, students must ensure they will meet the overall course requirements which is a maximum of 100 credit points at 100 level and a minimum of 60 credit points at 300 level. |
| 40cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- No more than 100 credit points 100 level may be completed
- A minimum of 60 credit points at 300 level must be completed
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | GE = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI150 Cellular Biology | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | Specialist Elective 1 SBI183 Introduction to Microbiology OR SBI190 Microbiology for Healthcare Professionals | SE |
| SCH101 Chemical Concepts | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health (title change 2026) | CO | General Elective 1 | GE |
| Year 2 | |||
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies | CO |
| HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics | CO | SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO |
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
| General Elective 2 | GE | General Elective 3 | GE |
| Year 3 | |||
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | Specialist Elective 6 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 5 | SE | Specialist Elective 7 | SE |
| General Elective 4 | GE | Specialist Elective 8 | SE |
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | GE = General Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI150 Cellular Biology | CO | SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health (title change 2026) | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| SCH101 Chemical Concepts | CO | HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics | CO |
| General Elective 1 | GE | Specialist Elective 1 SBI183 Introduction to Microbiology OR SBI190 Microbiology for Healthcare Professionals | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies | CO |
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | General Elective 2 | GE |
| Year 4 | |||
| SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO | Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | General Elective 3 | GE |
| Year 5 | |||
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| Specialist Elective 5 | SE | Specialist Elective 6 | SE |
| Year 6 | |||
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | Specialist Elective 8 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 7 | SE | General Elective 4 | GE |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | GE = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | ||
| HSC133 Perspectives of First Nations Health (title change 2026) | CO | ||
| General Elective 1 | GE | ||
| General Elective 2 | GE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| SBI150 Cellular Biology | CO | SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies | CO |
| SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO |
| SCH101 Chemical Concepts | CO | Specialist Elective 1 SBI183 Introduction to Microbiology OR SBI190 Microbiology for Healthcare Professionals | SE |
| HSC233 Epidemiology and Statistics | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | HSC318 Rural and Remote Health | CO |
| HSC312 Global and Environmental Health | CO | Specialist Elective 5 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | Specialist Elective 6 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | General Elective 3 | GE |
| Year 4 | |||
| PHM301 Exploring Public Health | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 7 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 8 | SE | ||
| General Elective 4 | GE | ||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. All applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
CDU has been doing online study for so long they're really good at it. At CDU, everyone, online and on campus, is just a student.
Michelle
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
CDU has been doing online study for so long they're really good at it. At CDU, everyone, online and on campus, is just a student.
Michelle
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
Course details
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
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Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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