Student in lab coat with microscope

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July

  • Duration

    4 years full-time; 8 years part-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

  • Course abbreviation

    BMedLabSc

  • Course code

    3007322

  • Credit points

    384

  • Equivalent units

    32

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

  • Duration

    4 years full-time

  • Location

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science provides foundational knowledge in medical diagnoses and disease management. Students will gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience in laboratories, using modern technologies to analyse and inform the diagnosis of medical conditions.
 
The course covers foundational medical science topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, genetics, microbiology, histology, biochemistry and haematology. It then progresses to advanced studies in immunohaematology, infectious disease, histopathology and genetic pathology.
 
Students will acquire practical skills and knowledge to prepare them for work in pathology and clinical laboratories. Graduates will be capable of performing clinical testing, analysis, and reporting accurate results to physicians for their patients, supported by critical and clinical reasoning.
 
microscope

"Medical Laboratory Science is an essential and rewarding field in healthcare. In this course, you will develop the skills and knowledge to work as a medical scientist, supporting patient-focused healthcare, including disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment."

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Apply evidence-based concepts to explain the physiological, environmental and social determinants of human health and disease, in individuals and as applicable to public health matters.

Demonstrate the highest standard of scientific and academic integrity, ethical conduct and legal requirements in the medical science profession.

GA2: Creativity

Adapt to unpredictable and complex problems through critical reasoning and problem-solving skills in all professional disciplines of medical science, individually and in collaboration.

GA3: Ethical practice

Critically evaluate scientific investigations, and safely and accurately generate, analyse, interpret and report results in all professional disciplines of medical science.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate professional knowledge, efficiency and attributes in health states, disease diagnosis and research across all professional disciplines of medical science.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Demonstrate well-developed judgement and responsibility in self-directed learning and reflective practice for professional development in the medical science profession.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Communicate in verbal and written forms effectively and professionally in all disciplines of medical science and broader health field.

GA7: Cultural competence

Demonstrate social and cultural diversity and respect for the identity of all people in all professional settings.

To practice as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, students must successfully complete the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, including 560 hours of medical laboratory placement embedded in the second and fourth years of the program.

Students progress to clinical and advanced studies in biochemistry, immunohaematology, infectious disease, histopathology and genetic pathology.

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3

Career Outcomes

Graduates will be well-prepared to work as Medical Laboratory Scientists in pathology and forensic laboratories. Graduates will also be qualified for scientist and quality assurance positions in biomedical, hospital, veterinary, university and government research laboratories and offices.

The University is seeking accreditation from the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) in 2025.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.0
Listeningminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.5
Speakingminimum 5.5
Writingminimum 5.5

Credit for prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for this course. For more information please view the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science RPL Guide.

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising:

  • 27 core units (348 credit points); and
  • 2 option units (24 credit points); and
  • 1 elective unit (12 credit points).

Professional Experience Learning

This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement.   All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity & Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Other things to consider

The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.

Learn more

There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.

Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.

SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.

Learn more

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete the following to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

HLTH1004The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
Term1,3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Lismore
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3
Term1,3
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Lismore
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Anti-requisitesCannot be taken if already completed or enrolling in SCIN1001 - Nature of Science.
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Term2,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,5
Term2,5
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Lismore
Term2,5
Term2,5
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7. Details will be provided closer to the time.
CHEM1001Chemistry
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
Enrolment informationThere will be a 2-day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore Campus (Terms 2 and 4) or the National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour (Term 2 only). Please refer to http://scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables.
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
Summer Term
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Lismore
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Pre-requisitesHBIO1001 - Human Anatomy AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I; OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL1006Introduction to Medical Science
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Enrolment informationThis unit contains laboratory activities that require students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements. Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
STAT2001Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
Term1,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,4
Term1,4
Gold Coast
Term1,4
Term1,4
Lismore
Term1,4
Term1,4
Online
Term1,4
Term1,4
Pre-requisites36 credit points
BIOL2007Biochemistry
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Pre-requisitesHBIO1008 - Human Physiology II OR HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology

Second Year

CHEM2002Organic Chemistry
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisitesCHEM1002 - Chemistry for Health Sciences OR CHEM1001 - Chemistry
Enrolment informationOnline students must attend a three-day residential at the Gold Coast Campus. Further details, including dates, will be advised via the Blackboard site.
MICR2001Microbiology
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisitesBIOL1006 - Introduction to Medical Science AND BIOL2007 - Biochemistry; OR BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HBIO2005Human Pathophysiology
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesHBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND; either HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy OR HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy OR PHTY1002 - Foundational Physiotherapy Practice
BIOL2002Molecular Genetics
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
N/A
Pre-requisitesBIOL1006 - Introduction to Medical Science AND BIOL2007 - Biochemistry; OR BIOL1005 - Cells and Molecules
Enrolment informationOnline, Lismore and Gold Coast students must attend a three-day residential at the Gold Coast Campus. Further details, including dates, will be advised via the Blackboard site.
BIOL2012Introductory Histopathology and Cytopathology
Summer Term
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Pre-requisitesBIOL1006 - Introduction to Medical Science AND HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7, which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
BIOL2008Haematology I
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesBIOL2002 - Molecular Genetics AND HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology
Anti-requisitesBIOL2004 - Haematology
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has an assessment scheduled in Week 7. Details will be provided closer to the time. This unit contains laboratory activities that requires students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
BIOL2006Clinical Biochemistry
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesBIOL1006 - Introduction to Medical Science AND BIOL2007 - Biochemistry AND HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time. This unit contains laboratory activities that requires students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
BIOL3002Professional Experience in the Biomedical Setting
Dual Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Dual Term4
Dual Term4
Pre-requisitesHave completed 168 credit points in 3007312 - Bachelor of Biomedical Science OR 3007322 - Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science including: BIOL2008 - Haematology I OR BIOL2004 - Haematology;
Co-requisitesBIOL2006 - Clinical Biochemistry
Enrolment informationThis unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that requires students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.

Third Year

PBHL2001Epidemiology
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites48 credit points in any SCU unit
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7, which will require attendance online. Details will be provided closer to the time.
PHAR2001Introductory Pharmacology
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Lismore
Term3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Pre-requisitesBe admitted to 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry); OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
MEDC2001Immunology
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites BIOL1006 - Introduction to Medical Science AND HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND; either HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy OR HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy
Enrolment informationThis unit contains laboratory activities that requires students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
Option Units
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
NUTR2001Nutritional Medicine
NATM2001Botanical Medicine
HLTH4001Literature Review
HLTH4005Research Design
STAT1002Scientific Data Management and Analysis
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Lismore
Term3
Term3
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Option Units
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
NUTR2001Nutritional Medicine
NATM2001Botanical Medicine
HLTH4001Literature Review
HLTH4005Research Design
MICR2002Clinical Microbiology
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesMICR2001 - Microbiology
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time. This unit contains laboratory activities that requires students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4

Fourth Year

BIOL3003Haematology II
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisitesBIOL3002 - Professional Experience in the Biomedical Setting OR BIOL2008 - Haematology I
Enrolment informationThis unit contains laboratory activities that requires students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
BIOL3004Advanced Histopathology and Cytopathology
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisitesBIOL2012 - Introductory Histopathology and Cytopathology
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
BIOL3005Genetic Pathology
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesBIOL2002 - Molecular Genetics
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7, which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
MEDC2002Transfusion Science
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesMEDC2001 - Immunology
Enrolment informationThis unit contains laboratory activities that require students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply by the compliance deadline may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
Elective Unit - select any University-wide Elective
BIOL3006Integrated Pathology
Dual Term3
36 Note 1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Pre-requisites336 credit points in 3007322 - Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science including BIOL3003 - Haematology II AND BIOL3005 - Genetic Pathology AND BIOL3002 - Professional Experience in the Biomedical Setting AND BIOL3004 - Advanced Histopathology and Cytopathology AND MEDC2002 - Transfusion Science
Enrolment informationThis unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL and you will not be permitted to continue in this unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/health/work-integrated-learning.


Note 1:

Triple-weighted unit

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Core Units
HLTH1004The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
HLTH1001Introduction to Science for Health Professions
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
CHEM1001Chemistry
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL1006Introduction to Medical Science
STAT2001Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
BIOL2007Biochemistry
MICR2001Microbiology
BIOL2002Molecular Genetics
HBIO2005Human Pathophysiology
BIOL2008Haematology I
BIOL2012Introductory Histopathology and Cytopathology
BIOL2006Clinical Biochemistry
BIOL3002Professional Experience in the Biomedical Setting
PHAR2001Introductory Pharmacology
PBHL2001Epidemiology
MEDC2001Immunology
STAT1002Scientific Data Management and Analysis
CHEM2002Organic Chemistry
MICR2002Clinical Microbiology
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
BIOL3003Haematology II
BIOL3004Advanced Histopathology and Cytopathology
BIOL3005Genetic Pathology
MEDC2002Transfusion Science
BIOL3006Integrated Pathology Note 1

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Select the Nutrition OR Research units as your option units

Nutrition units

NUTR2001Nutritional Medicine
NATM2001Botanical Medicine

Research units

HLTH4001Literature Review
HLTH4005Research Design
Elective Unit
Select one (1) unit from the undergraduate university-wide electives

Why Health at SCU

One of the best clinical lab facilities in Australia

Health Clinics on-campus provide safe and supervised environments for practicums

5-star health ratings

We are 5-star rated in psychology, nursing and health services and support

(GUG 2023)

Graduates in very high demand

Health graduates in very high demand as Health Care and Social Assistance is Australia's largest and fastest growing industry

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate (your first degree), postgraduate, Indigenous Australian students as well as international students. There are also scholarships available to help you study overseas for a short period as an international exchange student. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate (your first degree), postgraduate, Indigenous Australian students as well as international students. There are also scholarships available to help you study overseas for a short period as an international exchange student. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

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  3. Choose where and when from the available options

Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

Early offer

If you're a current year 12 student you can register for our Early Offer program. You may be eligible to receive an early offer based on your School Principal's recommendation.

Apply now for your early offer

Choose where you want to study

Gold Coast

Notice: The Summer Term availability is only available for application by graduates of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science. Eligible students can apply in My Enrolment by choosing Application -> Apply for a course.

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway