Bachelor of Biomedical Science / Bachelor of Health Promotion

School of Health Sciences

Are you interested in Biomedical Science and community health? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Bachelor of Health Promotion double degree could give you valuable skills sought by employers. Employers value graduates with a broad education and specific skills in certain areas. By combining studies in two or more locations, you can increase your job prospects, extend your general education and pursue more than one interest. The double degree combines two complementary disciplines but only requires one additional year of study. Contact us today to find out more.

• Why study this degree?

  A Biomedical Science program at Notre Dame is a gateway to a rewarding career in various health-related fields. The Bachelor of Biomedical Science consists of a prescribed series of courses designed to impart theoretical and practical skills that form a reasonable basis for subsequent professional employment. This degree is also excellent pre-clinical preparation for postgraduate studies in the health and medical fields.

  The Bachelor of Health Promotion focuses on promoting individual and community health and well-being. You will clearly understand how social and other health determinants impact health and well-being and the effectiveness of socio-environmental, population, and community approaches to health promotion.

  Throughout the course, you explore the psychological aspects of health behaviour, behavioural aspects of change, health promotion principles, frameworks, planning and implementation; social marketing; principles of community development, project management, and health-related research and evaluation. Graduates can pursue careers in health promotion, community development, health education and research.

• Program summary

  Year One

  • Human Structure & Function
  • Academic Research & Writing in Health Sciences
  • Introduction to Chemistry
  • Physical Activity and Health
  • Cellular Biology and Genetics
  • Anatomy & Physiology of Body Systems
  • Foundations of Wisdom
  • Health Issues and Preventative Approaches

  Year Two

  • Introduction to Applied Psychology A
  • Microbiology
  • Data Analysis & Experimental Design
  • Health Promotion Industry Practicum 1
  • Cellular and Systems Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry
  • Exercise, Health and Disease
  • Health Promotion Industry Practicum 2
  • Aboriginal People

  Year Three

  • Theories and Approaches to Counselling
  • Organisational Behaviour
  • The Pathological Basis of Disease
  • Core Elective
  • Psychosocial Aspects of Sport & Physical Activity
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Community Approaches to Health Promotion
  • Developmental and Reproductive Biology

  Year Four

  • Population Approaches to Health
  • Biomedical Science Techniques and Practicum
  • Immunology
  • Human Genetics
  • Health Sciences Research
  • Drug Innovation, Delivery and Evaluation
  • Infectious Disease
  • Clinical and Applied Neuroscience

  Core Curriculum

  • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
  • CORE II: Elective
    • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
    • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
    • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
    • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
    • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions page.

  Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• Entry requirements

  Entry requirements WA

  Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

  Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70

  OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education

  • Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

  OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

  * Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

  Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

  Applicants with Work and Life Experience

  Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.

  OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section*.

  OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

  *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate and apply thorough scientific knowledge gained through in-depth study of Biomedical Sciences
  2. Plan, implement and undertake scientific methodology and experimentation
  3. Apply research skills to critically appraise the scientific literature
  4. Analyse, evaluate and interpret scientific data and effectively communicate results in written and oral presentations
  5. Demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and a collaborative approach to teamwork in the Biomedical profession
  6. Integrate and apply professional knowledge and interpersonal skills gained through work integrated learning during professional practicum experiences
  7. Articulate objective and universal truth, appreciate the intrinsic dignity of the human person, and exhibit good intellectual, moral, and theological habits

  Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Health Promotion graduates will be able to:

  1. Interpret and apply information regarding health-related determinants, behaviours, and interventions from a multi-disciplinary perspective
  2. Apply research skills that builds capacity to update health related professional knowledge as a basis for independent lifelong learning
  3. Critically appraise the evidence relating to preventive health interventions to identify effective and ineffective ways to address health issues and their contributing factors
  4. Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate preventive health projects that address priority health issues for people of diverse backgrounds and in a range of settings
  5. Critically analyse and interpret research literature, quantitative and qualitative data and effectively communicate results both orally and written for a variety of purposes and audiences
  6. Exemplify professional standards in a variety of practical, interpersonal, and theoretical contexts related to preventive health and its associated fields; and
  7. Articulate objective and universal truth, appreciate the intrinsic dignity of the human person, and exhibit good intellectual, moral, and theological habits.

• Practical component

  Students are required to complete a Biomedical Science practicum and 100 hours of Health Promotion practicum.

  In the Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Bachelor of Health Promotion Industry Practicums are taught across the whole academic year but are structured as multi-term courses in which students enrol into HLTH3002 Biomedical Science Practicum A and HLTH3003 Biomedical Science Practicum B courses.

• Career opportunities

  Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors; the following careers are open to graduates: Biochemist, biomedical scientist, researcher, biomedical sales, health provider or insurance companies, medical research specialist, and biomedical business development.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

• Opportunities and experiences

  At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education. We offer various opportunities for students to study abroad and become active global citizens. These opportunities include exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit Opportunities and experiences to find out more.

• Scholarships

  Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

  These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

  Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Undergraduate students.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
  A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.

  In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

  The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.

  The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• Student profile data

  ATAR and selection rank profile

  The University of Notre Dame Australia offers clear and transparent information regarding ATAR and selection rank for domestic students beginning in Semester 1. This data includes the highest, median and lowest ranks required for admission to assist you in making informed study decisions.

  Explore our detailed overview of ATAR offers and student profiles to find the ideal degree that matches your interests and aspirations.

  View our ATAR and selection rank profile data.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session.

  Phone: 1800 878 916
  Email: future@nd.edu.au
  Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160