Bachelor of Biomedical Science - IHCAP

Biomedical sciences underpin human and veterinary medicine clinical practice. The degree will prepare you for a career in universities, hospital laboratories, research centres, and in the food, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

Biomedical sciences form the basis of our understanding of how human and animal bodies function, and the responses of the body to disease, physiological and biochemical changes, and environmental factors.

The Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences at JCU covers the foundation science subjects of biology, chemistry and molecular genetics, as well as foundation health science subjects, such as physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, anatomy and histology. It also explores allied paramedical sciences, including pathology and pathobiology.

Indigenous Health Careers

The Indigenous Health Careers Access Program (IHCAP) is designed to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success in pursuing a health career. This program is the only one of its kind in Australia and provides a free one-month orientation course where you will complete the subject English for Academic Purposes.

IHCAP then continues to provide you with the practical skills and knowledge to better cope with the demands of university study.

Career Opportunities

Biomedical Scientists can work in a wide range of areas. These include:

Laboratories, research	Working as a Research Assistant in University and Hospital laboratories, Biomedical Research Centres, CSIRO, Department of Primary Industry, Medical and Pharmaceutical development companies, conducting research into cancer, stem cells, or viral diseases, such as HIV-AIDS; the control of parasites; drug research and development or Honours and Postgraduate studies in Universities or research institutes
Laboratories, general	For example, working as a Laboratory Technician
Laboratories, specialised	For example, IVF laboratories, forensics, veterinary laboratories (disease-monitoring)
Public Health	For example, with water or foodstuffs, investigating areas such as, the health impact of various foods
Health promotion or Administration	For example, helping to develop health policies
Media	For example, as a scientific journalist
Industry	Scientific, biotechnology, diagnostic and pharmaceutical sales and marketting
Education	Secondary or tertiary teaching (with further study)
Legal issues	For example, as a patent attorney writing and developing patent applications (with further study)
Postgraduate entry into	Medicine Veterinary Science Physiotherapy Dentistry Other health sciences

Read about what some Graduates have done with their degree.

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Professional Recognition

Depending upon your area of major, Biomedical Sciences graduates may apply for membership of the following Societies:

• AusBiotech: AusBiotech is “Australia's Biotechnology Industry Organisation, which represents over 3,000 members, covering the human health, agricultural, medical device, bioinformatics, environmental and industrial sectors in biotechnology”.

• Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists: ASCEPT is the “professional and independent Society in Australia and New Zealand with expertise in the use and toxicity of medicines and chemicals”.

• Australian and New Zealand Society for Cell & Developmental Biology: ANZSCDB exists to “advance research and education in cell and developmental biology through the provision of a dynamic framework for collaboration and support. One of Australia's oldest Scientific Societies, the ANZSCDB works to support Australian and New Zealand research in cell and developmental biology across the board - senior and early career researchers, and students” .

• Australian Physiological Society: AuPS is the professional association for Australian physiologists. The key objectives are: “To promote the advancement of the science of Physiology; the encouragement of all aspects of research and teaching in this discipline; the general dissemination of knowledge of this and related disciplines”.

• Australian Society for Medical Research: ASMR is the “peak professional society representing Australian health and medical research. In addition to direct members, ASMR represents an additional 18,000 people actively involved in health and medical research through fifty-six (57) affiliated professional societies and Medical Colleges…The Society has a long established role in public, political and scientific advocacy”.

• Australian Society for Microbiology: The main objective of the ASM is to “advance the science of microbiology in Australia. The society does this through the production and promotion of reading material, lectures, seminars, symposia and demonstrations on topics relevant to microbiology, as well as establishing and maintaining suitable standards for the practice of microbiology as a profession. The ASM also promotes the awareness of microbiology and its role in everyday life, and actively liaises with governments and other professional bodies at both State and Federal levels in support of its members and the profession”.

• Australian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: ASBMB aims to “advance biochemistry and molecular in Australia, facilitating research and education, and interfacing with business and the community”.

• Genetics Society of Australia: The object of the GSA is to “promote the interests of the Science of Genetics. The Society may be affiliated with other organisations”.

• Human Genetics Society of Australasia: The HGSA was formed to “provide a forum for the various disciplines collected under the title of Human Genetics, clinical genetics, cytogenetics, genetic counselling, molecular genetics, biochemical genetics, neurogenetics, and cancer genetics… The body of the membership consists of ordinary members who hold a recognised qualification in a discipline relevant to Human Genetics and are employed in a position appropriate to this discipline, whether it be as a teacher, clinician, laboratory scientist, counsellor or in pure research”.

• Mutagenesis and Experimental Pathology Society of Australia: MEPSA serves to “bring together people interested in all aspects of experimental pathology including environmental mutagenesis”.

• Society for Reproductive Biology: The stated aim of SRB is "Leading and promoting basic and applied research in reproduction, fertility and development toward improving health, agriculture and conservation."

All of the above Societies also have special interest groups which are targeted at students. Student membership involves a reduced membership fee.