AU$41,280 (2023 annual)
AU$42,240 (2024 annual)
Biomedical science forms the basis of our understanding of how human bodies function, and the responses of the body to various diseases, exercise, diet, internal disturbances and environmental influences.
The Bachelor of Biomedical Science has been designed to equip you with a fundamental understanding of the human body and how it interacts with disease: how it occurs, what happens, and how we can control, cure and prevent it.
Studying in purpose-built facilities, you'll develop an understanding of the research process and gain practical experience with the modern technologies used in biomedical research, ensuring you are job-ready when you graduate.
You'll have the flexibility to choose your specialisation. Specialist areas include cell biology, neuroscience, human anatomy, human physiology, and biochemistry and molecular biology.
This biomedical science degree is an ideal preparation for graduate entry into health sciences degrees such as medicine, physiotherapy and dentistry. It also prepares you for entry into postgraduate honours and higher degree research programs.
Study in our state-of-the-art Digital Health Hub, using the latest technology to drive health innovation.
Be taught by practising industry professionals, and benefit from their industry experience and contact networks.
Undertake an industry placement in a university research laboratory or professional organisation, gaining practical, hands-on experience.
In this flexible degree, you'll develop a broad understanding of human anatomy, physiology and pathology from cellular to systems level.
The Bachelor of Biomedical Science emphasises practical skills, using the latest technology in modern, well-equipped laboratories, including state-of-the-art digital facilities for learning in-depth anatomy and physiology.
As a biomedicine student, you will learn in small classes with excellent staff-student ratios in an intimate campus setting.
Lectures, tutorials and seminars are used extensively in the degree to communicate knowledge and ideas about the role of biomedical science.
Ongoing assessment throughout this degree includes tests, essays, reports, oral presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
Employers and industry professionals contribute to the ongoing development of the degree. Their involvement ensures that the degree remains relevant to your needs as a graduate and to the needs of employers.
Many of the academics within the degree are (or have been) practising industry professionals with extensive industry experience and contact networks.
During your first year of study, you will undertake a work integrated learning project, which will involve taking a project from concept through experimental design and action to communicating it in an industry standard poster presentation.
During your third year of study, you will undertake a research project (capstone project) in a university research laboratory or a professional organisation. With associated coursework, this runs for 120 hours. You will work in research and analytical laboratories in universities, hospitals and industry, gaining hands-on industry experience.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this associate degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
View the learning outcomes for each stream:
In addition to gaining a fundamental understanding of biomedical sciences, you will have the opportunity to choose electives in years two and three.
All areas provide a strong foundation for progression into research and other health-related careers.
You will study several general life sciences subjects to provide you with a sound scientific base. This will include chemistry and biochemistry, cell biology and anatomy and physiology. You will be introduced to the foundations of human health and begin developing skills in communication and professional practice.
This first year of study provides you with the skills to pursue a broad range of biomedical science careers and prepares you to transfer to other degrees offered by the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences.
In your second year you will study genetics, molecular biology, pharmacology and toxicology, developing a strong understanding of the origins and mechanisms of disease at the cellular, tissue, organ and systems level in human pathophysiology. You may select your area of interest from either Clinical Health and Disease or Medical Biotechnology.
You will study current health and disease topics in-depth with medical research academics and learn how to understand, interpret and apply research-based knowledge to the development of solutions to health and medical problems.
In your final year, a capstone experience will give you the opportunity to integrate, critically reflect on and consolidate what you have learnt in your degree and enable you to engage in an immersive work placement or research experience to put theory into professional practice.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Please note: From 2023, the BP231P10 plan is only available to RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program. All other applicants should apply for the BP231P23 plan.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
RMIT's Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree produces highly skilled graduates with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in selected areas of biochemical, biological, paramedical and related health sciences.
This biomed degree can lead you to work in leading health science fields like genetic engineering, cancer research, neuroscience, DNA profiling and stem cell research.
As a biomedical scientist, you will be able to pursue a career in:
You can also go on to postgraduate studies in biomedical science in universities and research institutes.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science may be eligible for membership of a number of Australian professional societies including the Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR), the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists (ASCEPT), and the Molecular and Experimental Pathology Society of Australasia (MEPSA).
Please note: From 2023, the BP231P10 plan is only available to RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program. All other applicants should apply for the BP231P23 plan. Admissions information for the BP231P23 plan is listed below.
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
AND
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
or equivalent studies.
AND
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
or equivalent studies.
This course has a Guaranteed ATAR (excluding adjustment factors).
This means that if you receive an ATAR equal to or above this and meet the course pre-requisites, we will guarantee you an offer in this course.
If you receive an ATAR below this guarantee, you may still receive an offer, depending on the availability of places in this course and whether you are eligible to receive any adjustment factors.
Please note: For VTAC applicants to receive an offer, this course must be your highest eligible preference.
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.
You may be eligible to receive adjustment factors which include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments to a maximum of 28 aggregate adjustment points. For more information about what adjustment factors RMIT considers visit Admission to RMIT.
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement. You will be ranked on your ATAR plus any adjustment factors.
A study score of 25 in any Information Technology, Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study.
Overall maximum of 8 points.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., level of TAFE qualification completed (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your highest completed qualification:
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., GPA (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility.
You must have satisfactorily completed at least four courses (subjects) (0.5 EFTSL) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent). You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
If you have been excluded from a program due to academic progress you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining the strategies you will adopt to ensure academic success.
If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
A study score of 25 in any Information Technology, Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study.
Overall maximum of 8 points.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.
The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
Please note: October intake is not available to students with advanced entry.
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
AND
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
or equivalent studies.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Graduates will be equipped to undertake a research degree in biomedical science.
You are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Biomedical Science when you successfully complete one of the following RMIT programs:
Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.
*Based on full-time study load of 96 credit points per year. Individual circumstances may vary and please be aware that not all courses are offered each semester. These circumstances may affect the total duration of a program.
RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.
If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.
Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT
If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Please note: any advanced standing or credit received may reduce the choice of majors or minors available in the program.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
When you successfully complete this program you may be eligible for entry to the Bachelor of Health and Biomedical Sciences (Honours).
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or postgraduate degrees.
In 2024, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*.
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
From 2022, there are new government rules about eligibility for higher education student funding as part of the Australian Government’s Job-ready Graduates legislation. If you're starting a program in or after 2022 and are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or have a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan, these changes affect you. For details, please see Low completion rate and government funding.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2024. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024 |
---|---|
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $4,445 per standard year $555 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology | $8,948 per standard year $1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $12,720 per standard year $1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $16,323 per standard year $2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course |
On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).
For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.
The SSAF fees information for the 2024 intake has been delayed by the Australian government and will be updated when it is available.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$41,280.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$126,720.
The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$42,240.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$132,480.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.