Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
320Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science qualifies you to work as a medical laboratory scientist in a range of areas in pathology, including haematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, histology and serology.
This professionally-oriented, four-year, full-time course (or part-time equivalent), combines theoretical and laboratory-based study, along with industry placements in world-leading institutes.
This course is recognised by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS). Graduates enjoy employment opportunities in the identification and diagnosis of disease and pathogens, medical research, forensic pathology, public health and the pharmaceutical industry, both within Australia and Internationally.
You'll graduate ready to perform tests on both human and veterinary specimens, such as blood, tissues and bodily fluids to assist in the diagnosis of disease and provide information about the treatment options. The results of these tests provide physicians with the essential information they need to treat, monitor and prevent disease.
Professional recognition
This course is recognised by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS). Graduates of this course will be eligible to apply directly to AIMS for professional recognition.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Guaranteed 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. 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
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) Australian Citizenship; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident visa holder who will be resident within Australia for the duration of the unit.
2022: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $31,000.00. This equates to $3,875.00 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 health at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- #2 Australian uni for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2022)
- Study online, on campus, full-time or part-time as it suits you
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous health, tropical medicine and other issues of regional and national importance
What will I study?
In the first year, you will study foundation sciences providing you with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the subsequent years. The second year includes biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, haematology, histology and biotechnology.
Course structure
In third year, you will study transfusion medicine, clinical biochemistry, clinical microbiology and cell pathology, gaining the required knowledge and skills of the major disciplines of a diagnostic laboratory, before commencing clinical placements in diagnostic, forensic and world leading research laboratories within Darwin in your fourth year.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 320 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (25 units) |
290cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 290 credit points as per the list of units detailed below.
MLS101 Haematology 1 |
| Electives (3 units) |
30cp | Elective units totalling 30 credit points selected from undergraduate units offered by the University |
| 320cp | Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
Of the total 320 credit points: (unless specified in the specific course structure above)
* not more than 120 credit points may be taken from 100 level units
* a minimum of 80 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
2021 Course Changes and Transition Arrangements
HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction has replaced HSC230 Cultural Safety in Health from 2021. Students have completed HSC230 do not need to complete HSC220.
SBI182 Microbiology and Immunology has replaced SBI173 Microbiology from 2021 and is equivalent. Students who have completed SBI173 do not need to complete SBI182.
SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare (previous title Bioscience for Healthcare Practice) has replaced SCH102 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry from 2021. Students who have completed SCH102 count this as an elective unit and must also complete SBI241.
MLS283 Clinical Immunology has replaced SBI283 Immunology from 2021 and is equivalent. Students who have completed SBI283 do not need to complete MLS283.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or 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:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| MLS110 Introduction to Diagnostic Pathology | CO | SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| SBI150 Cellular Biology | CO | SBI182 Microbiology and Immunology (replaces SBI173 from 2021) | CO |
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies | CO |
| SCH101 Chemical Concepts | CO | HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| MLS101 Haematology 1 | CO | MLS202 Haematology 2 | CO |
| SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare (replaces SCH102) | CO | PHA214 Biotechnology and Pharmacogenomics | CO |
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | MLS283 Clinical Immunology (replaces SBI283 from 2021) | CO |
| SBI282 Clinical Microbiology 1 | CO | SBI284 Histology and Histochemistry | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| MLS300 Cell Pathology | CO |
MLS401 Laboratory Placement 1 (20 cp) |
CO |
| MLS301 Transfusion Medicine | CO | ||
| SBI302 Clinical Microbiology 2 | CO |
MLS402 Laboratory Placement 2 (20 cp) |
CO |
| PHA311 Clinical Biochemistry | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||
|
MLS411 Laboratory Placement 3 (20cp) |
CO | MLS415 Laboratory Placement 4 (20cp) | CO |
| MLS410 Professional Practice Consolidation | CO | Elective | E |
| Elective | E | Elective | E |
Students commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or 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:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | ||
| SBI182 Microbiology and Immunology (replaces SBI173 from 2021) | CO | ||
| SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies | CO | ||
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230 from 2021) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| SBI150 Cellular Biology | CO | MLS283 Clinical Immunology (replaces SBI283 from 2021) | CO |
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI284 Histology and Histochemistry | CO |
| SCH101 Chemical Concepts | CO | PHA214 Biotechnology and Pharmacogenomics | CO |
| MLS110 Introduction to Diagnostic Pathology | CO | SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare (replaces SCH102) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| MLS245 Medical Biochemistry | CO | MLS202 Haematology 2 | CO |
| SBI282 Clinical Microbiology 1 | CO | Elective | E |
| MLS101 Haematology 1 | CO | Elective | E |
| Elective | E | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| MLS300 Cell Pathology | CO | MLS401 Laboratory Placement 1 (20 cp) | CO |
| MLS301 Transfusion Medicine | CO | ||
| SBI302 Clinical Microbiology 2 | CO | MLS402 Laboratory Placement 2 (20 cp) | CO |
| PHA311 Clinical Biochemistry | CO | ||
| Year 5 | |||
|
MLS411 Laboratory Placement 3 (20cp) |
CO | MLS415 Laboratory Placement 4 (20cp) | CO |
| MLS410 Professional Practice Consolidation | CO | ||
Entry requirements
Quota
Assumed Knowledge:
Stage 2 Chemistry or equivalent.
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.
- Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
~Air Force: Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman
~Army: Corporal, Lance Corporal, Private
~Navy: Able Seaman, Leading Seaman, Seaman
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
Criminal History Check
You must have cleared a Police Check before undertaking any placements. Students whose Police Checks are not cleared will not be able to undertake placements and will not be able to complete the requirements for this course.
English language requirements
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. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | 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
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2021
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) |
Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 60.50 | 66.30 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 85.48 | 92.88 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 99.55 | 99.95 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
Assumed knowledge
Stage 2 Chemistry or equivalent
I've had the unique opportunity to explore tropical and rural health, which I may not have had the exposure to had I studied elsewhere.
Katie
CDU Student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2021.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2021) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
|---|---|---|
| A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) |
9 | 47.0 |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | N/P |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) |
<5 | N/P |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) |
7 | 37.0 |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) |
<5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) |
<5 | N/P |
| International students | <5 | N/P |
| All students | 19 | 100.0 |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
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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 or TAS.
UAC
UAC is the application channel for residents of NSW.
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 or UAC.
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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