Bachelor of Health and Biomedical Sciences (Honours)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 1 year, Part-time 2 years -
Location
Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
February Entry score
6.5 IELTS
Duration
Full-time 1 year Location
Bundoora
Overview
An RMIT honours program provides you with foundation research skills to underpin your future career as a scientist or researcher in the biomedical sciences.
Specifically, honours students develop :
- scientific communication skills
- critical thinking capability
- experience in scientific analysis and problem solving
- knowledge of research theory and practical methods
- research independence and capacity for self-directed learning
Research experience gained as part of an honours program is required for future higher degree by research study, most academic and research positions, and increasingly for positions in other sectors of industry.
In consultation with the program coordinator and your potential supervisor, you will be allocated a project that aims to complement your skills and areas of interest.
Honours projects
The projects are developed specifically for honours students and may be a preliminary exploration, a smaller component of a bigger research project or may also be part of an existing collaboration with industry. All projects draw from the wide range of disciplines taught across RMIT's biomedical science programs.
Research areas include:
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular biology
- Comparative endocrinology
- Cell biology and signalling
- Drug delivery
- Exercise metabolism and physiology
- Growth and development
- Gut neuroscience
- Haematology
- Immunology
- Inflammation
- Medical radiations
- Molecular biology
- Natural products
- Neuroscience
- Neuropharmacology
- Nursing
- Obesity and diabetes
- Pathology/Histopathology
- Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences
- Physical activity and disability
- Physiology
- Skin cancer
- Thrombosis and vascular diseases
- Toxicology
- Transfusion/transplantation science
- Wound repair
View the list of current honours projects (PDF 406KB) available.
Research community
This research extension to your undergraduate degree is closely aligned with RMIT's research community. Depending on your project, you will work with a supervisor who is actively contributing to RMIT's research strength area of biomedical and health innovation and is connected to recognised local and international research groups and institutes.
You may also have the opportunity to use RMIT's extensive biomedical and biotechnical equipment and facilities and to work collaboratively with professional technicians and staff from these facilities.
Details
Honours students work predominantly on an individual research project with the guidance of a supervisor.
You will undertake a series of coursework modules to develop skills in research methods, research practice and communication. In consultation with your supervisor you will develop your research plan.
You will conduct your research as prescribed in your plan, and document your findings in a thesis that will be presented to an audience consisting of peers and project supervisors.
Honours supervisors are connected to industry through RMIT’s many programs, research centres and groups.
In some cases, honours research projects are part of a larger industry collaboration, including projects with other research institutions, forensics, sporting associations and hospitals.
The honours year is a research project, with the major assessment being the presentation of a thesis.
This program will build on your existing academic capabilities and develop your research skills so that you gain a broader understanding of biomedical research.
This program consists of 96 credit points.
You will undertake a series of coursework modules to develop skills in research methods, research practice and communication. In consultation with your supervisor you will develop your research plan.
You will conduct your research as prescribed in your plan, and document your findings in a thesis that will be presented to an audience consisting of peers and project supervisors. Other assessment includes a literature review and seminar presentations.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: BH058
Career
Graduates of this honours program frequently advance to a Masters or PhD program and undertake further research in their particular area of interest.
This pathway can also build a solid foundation for a future career in biomedical sciences, including:
- basic and applied research
- diagnostic services
- industry
- government.
Honours students may be eligible to join various Australian scientific and biomedical professional societies. Your honours supervisor can provide further advice.
Admissions
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.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
To get a better understanding of admissions at RMIT, view our admissions information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Applicants with Higher Education study
To be accepted into this honours program you need to satisfy the following three criteria:
- A bachelor's degree in one of the following cognate areas: biomedical science, laboratory medicine, medical radiation, exercise science, physical science, pharmaceutical science, Chinese medicine or a closely related undergraduate degree in the sciences
- A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 out of 4.0 from a university
- Your research proposal will be considered on a case-by-case basis by both the program coordinator and proposed supervisor. Their decision will determine your eligibility to be accepted into this program.
Applicants who completed their undergraduate program more than five years ago should submit a portfolio of evidence of professional development related to industry experience. International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Secondary education (Year 12) is not considered for entry into this program.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training
Vocational education and training (VET) is not considered for entry into this program.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Work and life experience is not considered for entry into this program.
The Honours program has a significant research component. Prior to submitting your application, you must contact the School and confirm a supervisor and a research topic.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
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 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.
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:
- understand more about the program
- determine if you may need support during your studies
- make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you
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.
Pathways
Fees
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. 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.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 per standard year |
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. 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.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 per standard year |
HECS-HELP
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 100% of their student contribution.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-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 will 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 2019 is $303.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA‑HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
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.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$36,480.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.