Course overview
This course explores areas of biology that are related to human health and disease. It also provides the flexibility to tailor your studies to your preferred career – from vaccine development to formulating new pharmaceuticals.
The course is ideal if you’re interested in combining biology with medicine for a career at the forefront of health science and innovation.
Career outcomes
Life scientists jobs across Australia are projected to grow by more than 19% by 2035.¹
Careers
- Clinical or life scientist/researcher
- Biotechnologist
- Molecular geneticist
- Anatomist
- Forensic scientist
- Physiologist
Industries
- Clinical health
- Clinical/medical research
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical infrastructure
- Pharmaceutics
- Health policy
- Tertiary education
¹ Source: Jobs and Skills Australia – Employment Projections.
Why study at Curtin?
Broad career options
Major or specialise in high-growth areas such as Human Biomedicine, Molecular Genetics, Microbiology and Pharmacology.
Hands-on learning
In our Physical Containment Level 2 Laboratory, you can analyse samples and report results in the same way as a real industry pathology laboratory.
Explore your interests
Let your interests guide you by studying optional units in reproductive technologies, bioinformatics, forensics and psychology.
Hear from our students
"From studying pharmacology and learning about biotech, to taking part in a global placement, I've enjoyed a broad range of experiences that will help build my career. I’m aiming to work in the development of new treatments to tackle the ever-changing challenges in global health."
Justin Chan
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
Your student experience
Work-integrated learning at Curtin: explore a Universe of opportunity
Develop real-world experience before you graduate. Learn how work-integrated learning helps you build career skills and connect with industry early.
How Curtin can help me get career-ready
At Curtin, we’re here to support you in boosting your employability and achieving your professional goals.
Discover why international students love Western Australia
Choosing where to study for your degree is a major decision. You want to enjoy your university years in a place that is welcoming, offers unique experiences, and will give you a globally recognised degree.
Course structure
What you’ll learn
In your first year, you will study human biology, genetics, cell biology, microbiology and immunology; and areas of biostatistics, chemistry and science communication.
You’ll then select either one or two majors, plus specialisations and optional units. All options combine theory with practical laboratory sessions, where you’ll work on real-world industry scenarios.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our .
Customise your degree
Design your studies to match your ambitions and interests with a choice of majors, specialisations and optional units.
Majors and specialisations
You can choose to study one or two majors from Human Biomedicine, Molecular Genetics or Pharmacology.
If you select a single major, you can add a health specialisation in Cell Biology, Human Genetics, Human Pathology, Immunology, Microbiology or Pharmacology. Or, you can choose another discipline specialisation, such as Corporate Governance.
Human Biomedicine
Biomedicine is the application of biological and physiological principles to clinical practice.
In this major, you will learn applied human anatomy, physiology and neuroscience, and gain laboratory experience using cadaveric specimens and physiology equipment.
If you study the Human Pathology specialisation, your learning will include clinical pathophysiology and neurophysiology, which will prepare you for a career as a clinical physiologist.
Molecular Genetics
In this major, you will learn about genetics and genomics, and how universal principles and advances in this area can improve health outcomes.
You'll study molecular biology, human genetic disease, bioinformatics and genetic engineering – learning theory alongside laboratory practice – and explore advanced technology for molecular and genetic analyses.
You'll also develop skills in critical thinking and science communication.
Pharmacology
Pharmacology explores the effects of drugs on organisms, and is the foundation for a career in drug discovery and development.
In this major, you'll learn about the action of drugs against microorganisms and the pharmacological management of health conditions.
You’ll undertake computer-based simulations and laboratory work covering molecular, cellular and physiological responses, and learn drug analysis techniques.
You’ll also explore drug design and development and study the dose–response relationship – including toxicity, drug metabolism and elimination, and how population genetic variation influences drug response.
Optional units
You can study optional units in career-specific areas such forensics, bioinformatics, psychology and reproductive technologies.
Entry requirements
To apply for entry into this course, you must have met:
- the course ATAR (Australian Tertiary Academic Rank) or equivalent recognised overseas qualification
- any course-specific requirements
- the English language requirement.
I am an domestic student
See entry requirement details for domestic students.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Academic equivalences
You’ll need to demonstrate ATAR equivalence using a recognised qualification. The table below shows common qualifications recognised by Curtin and their indicative equivalent cut-off scores for this course.
Admission cut-off scores by qualification
Australian qualification
Score
ATAR
70
Equivalent qualification
GCE A Level / STPM (best of 3)
5
HKDSE
15
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
24
Canadian Provincial High School Diploma %
60%
WAUFP (CPS)
54
India (CBSE and ISC) %
60%
India (HSC) %
65%
Sri Lanka GCE A level
5
Qualification not listed?
Find your qualification by searching for your home country to find the score you’ll require to demonstrate ATAR equivalence.
Select country:
-
Australia
-
Bangladesh
-
Botswana
-
Brazil
-
Brunei
-
Canada
-
China
-
Germany
-
Hong Kong
-
India
-
Indonesia
-
Iran
-
Japan
-
Kenya
-
Korea
-
Malaysia
-
Mauritius
-
Myanmar
-
Nepal
-
Norway
-
Oman
-
Pakistan
-
Philippines
-
Russia
-
Saudi Arabia
-
Singapore
-
South Africa
-
Spain
-
Sri Lanka
-
Taiwan
-
Tanzania
-
Thailand
-
US
-
United Arab Emirates
-
United Kingdom
-
Vietnam
-
Zambia
-
Zimbabwe
-
Other
Get credit towards your degree
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.
Check the for course-specific details about credits.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
2026 International indicative fees
Indicative year 1 fee
$42,834*
Total indicative course fee
$128,502*
2027 International indicative fees
Indicative year 1 fee
$47,116*
Total indicative course fee
$141,348*
Important information about fees
-
Fees are indicative only.
-
*First-year fees are based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credits. Your fees will vary depending on the units you choose.
-
Tuition fees may increase by up to 8 percent each year and are subject to legislative changes.Ìý
-
This indicative fee does not include other fees like administrative and incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks. Visit fees and charges for more information.
-
These fees apply to international students enrolled at one of Curtin’s Australian campuses. For information about fees at Curtin’s global locations, visit the relevant campus website.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
Curtin Global Future Leaders Scholarship
Curtin Global Future Leader Scholarship provides eligible students a one-off credit of AUD$12,500 against the tuition fee of the course they are undertaking.
Curtin English Scholarship
When you complete a Curtin English course as a pathway into a ºìÌÒÊÓƵ degree course, you will receive a one-off credit of up to AUD$7,496 towards your tuition fees.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Choose your application pathway
Apply through an agent
A registered Curtin agent will lodge your application to Curtin on your behalf. They can also answer any questions you may have about applying, courses, student visas and scholarships.
Apply directly to Curtin
Depending on your country’s requirements, you may be able to apply directly to Curtin without using an agent.
Application deadlines can vary by course. Make sure to check application deadlines before you apply.
Apply nowLocation and delivery
Thinking about starting soon? Course availability can vary by location and study period. for details on when and where you can start your studies.
For full entry requirements, fees and information for international students, visit the course page.
Explore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.