Course overview

Description

The course is for students who have completed an undergraduate degree with a major in a biomedical science discipline. It provides these students with the opportunity to pursue advanced study in one of more of these disciplines. Emphasis is placed on cutting-edge research and its translation to healthy living and to clinical settings of diagnosis and treatment of disease. While research training within a specific discipline is available as part of the course (e.g. advanced laboratory skills and their application within an independent research project), this is not obligatory. Thus, students are able to focus on building their discipline-specific knowledge and an understanding of how this knowledge is applied. Regardless of the amount of research training undertaken, the course places strong emphasis on developing research literacy, with thorough interrogation of the scientific literature and its communication.

Course title
Master of Biomedical Science (coursework or coursework and dissertation)
Award abbreviation
MBiomedSc
Course code
71520
Course type
Master's degree by coursework or by coursework and dissertation
Status
Current / 2024
Administered by
Molecular Sciences
CRICOS code
083856J

Course details

Intake periods
Beginning of year and mid-year
Attendance type
Full- or part-time (Student visa holders should read Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 for more information.)
Articulation
The Master of Biomedical Science has the following exit awards: 73220 Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Science (24 points) (24 points), 73320 Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Science (48 points) (48 points)
Credit points required
96
A standard full-time load is 24 points per semester.
Standard course duration
1.5 years full-time (or equivalent part-time) comprising 72 points of taught units and 24 points of admission credit, as recognised and granted by the School
Maximum course duration
2 years full-time (or equivalent part-time) comprising up to 96 points of taught study (see Rule 5 for further information)
Time limit
5 years
Delivery mode
Internal
Locations offered
UWA (Perth)
Domestic fee type
Commonwealth supported and/or HECS-HELP; or postgraduate fee-paying/FEE-HELP
Available to international students
Yes. For information on international student fees see 'Student Procedures: Fees'. (Enquiries: https://www.uwa.edu.au/askuwa)
Course Coordinator(s)
Dr Nicolas Taylor
Fees
Visit the fees calculator.

Prospective students should see the Future Students website for details on admission requirements, intake periods, fees, availability to international students, careers information etc.

Specialisations

SP-BCHMB Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
SP-NEURS Neuroscience
SP-SCIFD Food Biochemistry

Course structure

Key to availability of units:
S1
Semester 1
S2
Semester 2
NS
non-standard teaching period

All units have a value of six points unless otherwise stated.

Take all units (12 points):

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1, S2SCIE5002Human Evolutionary Biology
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science (ID 359)
or 70550 Master of Bioinformatics (ID 1490)
1 hour lecture; 2 hour laboratory (analysis) from week 1-12.
S1, S2SCIE5515Global Challenges in Biomedical Science
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or 71580 Master of Biotechnology
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or CM004 Bachelor of Molecular Sciences and Master of Biomedical Science
or CM024 Bachelor of Molecular Sciences and Master of Bioinformatics
or CM021 Bachelor of Human Sciences and Master of Bioinformatics
or CM007 Bachelor of Molecular Sciences and Master of Biotechnology
or 62550 Master of Professional Engineering Biomedical Engineering specialisation
lectures: 2 hours per week; tutorials: 2 hours per week

Students in the course by coursework only take 12 all units from this group (12 points):

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1, S2SCIE5004Professional Skills in Science
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
72530 Master of Environmental Science
or 72510 Master of Agricultural Science
or 74540 Master of Marine Biology
or 73530 Master of Agricultural Economics
or 51580 Master of Science Communication
or 70550 Master of Bioinformatics
or 71580 Master of Biotechnology
or 72520 Master of Biological Science 71520 Master of Biomedical Science
and Successful completion of
48 points in your chosen degree
S1, S2SCIE5005Science in Practice
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
one Unit(s) SCIE5004 Professional Skills in Science
1x 2hr session per week contact by consultation as required

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology specialisation

Students may be required to take conversion units, up to a value of 24 points based on an assessment of prior learning by the University, including but not limited to the following units:

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1, S2BIOC4003Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science
and Successful completion of
two Unit(s) BIOC2001 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Cell or equivalent
and Unit(s) BIOC2002 Biochemical Regulation of Cell Function or equivalent
Incompatibility
Unit(s) BIOC3003 Omics—Global Approaches to Cell Function
and Unit(s) BIOC3005 Cellular Biochemistry
lectures: 29 x 40 - 60 minute online lectures; workshops: 6 x 1.5 - 2 hour workshops per semester.
S1, S2SCIE4401Data Use in Science
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
72510 Master of Agricultural Science
or 72520 Master of Biological Science
or 72530 Master of Environmental Science
or 72550 Master of Geoscience
or 72540 Master of Hydrogeology
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or 71580 Master of Biotechnology
or 71570 Master of Geographic Information Science
or 73530 Master of Agricultural Economics
or 73550 Master of Business Psychology
or 70550 Master of Bioinformatics
or 71590 Master of Oceanography
or 74540 Master of Marine Biology
Incompatibility
STAT1400 Statistics for Science
or STAX1400 Statistics for Science
and
STAT1520 Economic and Business Statistics
or STAX1520 Economic and Business Statistics
and SCIE1104 Science, Society and Data Analysis
24 hours. The total workload for this unit is 150 hours.
S1, S2SCIE4403Ethical Conduct and Communication of Science
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
73660 Master of Medical Physics
Incompatibility
SCOM1101 Communicating Science (ID 1553)
or SCOX1101 Communicating Science
and SCOM2208 Science Writing (ID 1559)
Weekly face-to-face OR online workshops. This unit runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2, and can be taken in either semester.
NSSCIE4404Techniques in Molecular Sciences
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or 71580 Master of Biotechnology
1x 1 hour Introduction Workshop 7x 3 hour Laboratory Sessions 5x 1 hour Post-laboratory Workshop

Take all units (30 points):

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1BIOC4001Advanced Studies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71580 Master of Biotechnology
or 71540 Master of Health Science
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or BH004 Bachelor of Science (Honours)
and Successful completion of
Unit(s) BIOC4003 Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II (ID 6620)
or Major(s) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
workshops: 12 hours; presentation sessions: approx. 6 hours (depending on number of students); consultation with academic staff during presentation planning approx. 0.5 hours
S2BIOC5001Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Techniques
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71580 Master of Biotechnology
or 71540 Master of Health Science
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science
and Successful completion of
one Unit(s) BIOC4003 Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II (ID 6620)
or Major(s) MJD-BCHMB Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
tutorials/workshops: 24 hours per semester
S1MSCI4006Advanced Techniques in Molecular Sciences
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71580 Master of Biotechnology
or 71540 Master of Health Science
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or BH004 Bachelor of Science (Honours)
and Successful completion of
one Unit(s) BIOC4003 Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II
or Unit(s) GENE4003 Integrated Topics in Genetics II
or Successful completion of
Major(s) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
or Major(s) Chemistry
or Major(s) Genetics
lectures and tutorials: 24 hours per semester
S1, S2PUBH4403Epidemiology INonelectures: 60-70 minutes recorded lectures per week; online tutorial worksheets: ~ 2-3 hours per week
S1, S2SCIE4001Collecting, Analysing and Interpreting Big Data in Biology
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
62550 Master of Professional Engineering
or 72510 Master of Agricultural Science
or 72520 Master of Biological Science
or 71580 Master of Biotechnology
or 70550 Master of Bioinformatics
Lectures and Seminars: 27 hours

For students in course by coursework and dissertation only, take all units (24 points):

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1, S2MSCI5560Molecular Sciences Master's Project Literature Review and Research Proposal
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science and satisfy eligibility criteria for research project
or dissertation
Students are advised to attend information sessions as detailed in the unit outline.
S1, S2MSCI5561Molecular Sciences Master's Research Project Part 1
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science and satisfy eligibility criteria for research project
or dissertation
Co-requisites
Successful completion of
or Enrolment in
Unit(s) MSCI5560 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Literature Review and Research Proposal
a 3-day block, a 1-day block and a 2-day block, plus independent project work and consultation with supervisor
S1, S2MSCI5562Molecular Sciences Master's Research Project Part 2
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science and satisfy eligibility criteria for research project
or dissertation
Co-requisites
Successful completion of
or Enrolment in
Unit(s) MSCI5561 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Project Part 1
Independent project work and consultation with supervisor
S1, S2MSCI5563Molecular Sciences Master's Research Project Part 3
Co-requisites
Successful completion of
or Enrolment in
Unit(s) MSCI5562 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Project Part 2
a 3-day block, a 1-day block and a 2-day block, plus independent project work and consultation with supervisor

For students in course by coursework only, take unit(s) to the value of 18 points. Students in the course by coursework and dissertation take unit(s( to the value of 6 points.

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1APHB5501Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
Major(s) MJD-BIOMS Biomedical Science
or 92550 Master of Public Health
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or 71540 Master of Health Science
seminars: 12 hours; presentations: 6 hours (depending on number of students)
S2APHB5503Neuroendocrinology
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or 71540 Master of Health Science
seminars: 1 hour per week (for 13 weeks); tutorials: 2 hours per week (for 9 weeks) depending on number of students
S2SCIE4481Good, Bogus and Corrupted Science
Prerequisites
enrolment in
honours
or postgraduate course
seminars: 3 hours per week for 12 weeks—theory is provided by the unit coordinators and guest speakers; tutorials: 2 hour per week for 12 weeks—students present cases of bogus and corrupted science in classes, discuss further the material covered in the seminars, and are asked to support their learning with examples of their choice, thus guaranteeing a multidisciplinary flavour to this unit. The advanced academic training and research experience required of the postgraduate and honours students attending this unit provide the grounds for scholarly and informed discussions during the tutorials.
S1, S2SCIE5304Science Practicum
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
51580 Master of Science Communication
or 73530 Master of Agricultural Economics
or 72510 Master of Agricultural Science
or 71530 Master of Biological Arts
or 72520 Master of Biological Science
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or 73550 Master of Business Psychology
or 72530 Master of Environmental Science
or 52510 Master of Exercise Science
or 71570 Master of Geographic Information Science
or 74540 Master of Marine Biology
or 71590 Master of Oceanography and approval of the unit coordinator
100 hours of work placement paired with learning content and assessment. Contact hours in Practicum placement (the majority of student time in the unit) as arranged with the unit coordinator and host/supervisor. Additional, minor, contact hours for initial and post-placement discussions with coordinator, and final presentation and review.
S2SCIE5507Food Fibre and Fuel Security
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71580 Master of Biotechnology
or 72510 Master of Agricultural Science
or 74230 Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics
lectures, tutorials and/or workshops: 6 hours per week
S2SCIE5508Synthetic Biology: Solving Global Challenges
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71580 Master of Biotechnology (ID 389)
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science (ID 359)
or 70550 Master of Bioinformatics (ID 1490)
lectures, tutorials / workshops; 5 hours per week
NS, S1, S2SVLG5001McCusker Centre for Citizenship Internship
Prerequisites
All of the following LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering
and LAWS4102 Criminal Law
and LAWS4103 Contract
and LAWS4104 Property
and LAWS4106 Torts
and LAWS4109 Legal Theory and Ethics for Juris Doctor students only
Incompatibility
for Juris Doctor students: LAWS5174 Legal Internship
Internship experience: approximately 100 hours; McCusker Centre attendance: approximately 8 hours

Food Biochemistry specialisation

Students who have not completed tertiary units that are deemed equivalent to the conversion units for the chosen specialisation must complete relevant conversion units up to the value of 24 points from this group, as advised by the School(s):

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1, S2BIOC4003Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science
and Successful completion of
two Unit(s) BIOC2001 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Cell or equivalent
and Unit(s) BIOC2002 Biochemical Regulation of Cell Function or equivalent
Incompatibility
Unit(s) BIOC3003 Omics—Global Approaches to Cell Function
and Unit(s) BIOC3005 Cellular Biochemistry
lectures: 29 x 40 - 60 minute online lectures; workshops: 6 x 1.5 - 2 hour workshops per semester.
S1, S2SCIE4401Data Use in Science
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
72510 Master of Agricultural Science
or 72520 Master of Biological Science
or 72530 Master of Environmental Science
or 72550 Master of Geoscience
or 72540 Master of Hydrogeology
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or 71580 Master of Biotechnology
or 71570 Master of Geographic Information Science
or 73530 Master of Agricultural Economics
or 73550 Master of Business Psychology
or 70550 Master of Bioinformatics
or 71590 Master of Oceanography
or 74540 Master of Marine Biology
Incompatibility
STAT1400 Statistics for Science
or STAX1400 Statistics for Science
and
STAT1520 Economic and Business Statistics
or STAX1520 Economic and Business Statistics
and SCIE1104 Science, Society and Data Analysis
24 hours. The total workload for this unit is 150 hours.
S1, S2SCIE4403Ethical Conduct and Communication of Science
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
73660 Master of Medical Physics
Incompatibility
SCOM1101 Communicating Science (ID 1553)
or SCOX1101 Communicating Science
and SCOM2208 Science Writing (ID 1559)
Weekly face-to-face OR online workshops. This unit runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2, and can be taken in either semester.
NSSCIE4404Techniques in Molecular Sciences
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or 71580 Master of Biotechnology
1x 1 hour Introduction Workshop 7x 3 hour Laboratory Sessions 5x 1 hour Post-laboratory Workshop

Take all units (30 points):

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1BIOC4001Advanced Studies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71580 Master of Biotechnology
or 71540 Master of Health Science
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or BH004 Bachelor of Science (Honours)
and Successful completion of
Unit(s) BIOC4003 Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II (ID 6620)
or Major(s) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
workshops: 12 hours; presentation sessions: approx. 6 hours (depending on number of students); consultation with academic staff during presentation planning approx. 0.5 hours
S1MSCI4006Advanced Techniques in Molecular Sciences
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71580 Master of Biotechnology
or 71540 Master of Health Science
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or BH004 Bachelor of Science (Honours)
and Successful completion of
one Unit(s) BIOC4003 Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II
or Unit(s) GENE4003 Integrated Topics in Genetics II
or Successful completion of
Major(s) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
or Major(s) Chemistry
or Major(s) Genetics
lectures and tutorials: 24 hours per semester
S1, S2SCIE4001Collecting, Analysing and Interpreting Big Data in Biology
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
62550 Master of Professional Engineering
or 72510 Master of Agricultural Science
or 72520 Master of Biological Science
or 71580 Master of Biotechnology
or 70550 Master of Bioinformatics
Lectures and Seminars: 27 hours
S2SCIE5006Nutrition and its Applications
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or CM004 Bachelor of Science and Master of Biomedical Science
lectures: one 45 minute lecture per week; workshops/seminars: 1.5 hours per fortnight for up to 12 weeks
S2SCIE5507Food Fibre and Fuel Security
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71580 Master of Biotechnology
or 72510 Master of Agricultural Science
or 74230 Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics
lectures, tutorials and/or workshops: 6 hours per week

For students in course by coursework and dissertation only, take all units (24 points).

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1, S2MSCI5560Molecular Sciences Master's Project Literature Review and Research Proposal
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science and satisfy eligibility criteria for research project
or dissertation
Students are advised to attend information sessions as detailed in the unit outline.
S1, S2MSCI5561Molecular Sciences Master's Research Project Part 1
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science and satisfy eligibility criteria for research project
or dissertation
Co-requisites
Successful completion of
or Enrolment in
Unit(s) MSCI5560 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Literature Review and Research Proposal
a 3-day block, a 1-day block and a 2-day block, plus independent project work and consultation with supervisor
S1, S2MSCI5562Molecular Sciences Master's Research Project Part 2
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science and satisfy eligibility criteria for research project
or dissertation
Co-requisites
Successful completion of
or Enrolment in
Unit(s) MSCI5561 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Project Part 1
Independent project work and consultation with supervisor
S1, S2MSCI5563Molecular Sciences Master's Research Project Part 3
Co-requisites
Successful completion of
or Enrolment in
Unit(s) MSCI5562 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Project Part 2
a 3-day block, a 1-day block and a 2-day block, plus independent project work and consultation with supervisor

For students in course by coursework only, take unit(s) to the value of 18 points. Students in course by coursework and dissertation, take unit(s) to the value of 6 points.

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1APHB5501Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
Major(s) MJD-BIOMS Biomedical Science
or 92550 Master of Public Health
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or 71540 Master of Health Science
seminars: 12 hours; presentations: 6 hours (depending on number of students)
NSPUBH5804Food and Nutrition in Population Health
Incompatibility
PUBH2208 Food and Nutrition in Population Health (ID 694)
1 week full-time
S2SCIE4481Good, Bogus and Corrupted Science
Prerequisites
enrolment in
honours
or postgraduate course
seminars: 3 hours per week for 12 weeks—theory is provided by the unit coordinators and guest speakers; tutorials: 2 hour per week for 12 weeks—students present cases of bogus and corrupted science in classes, discuss further the material covered in the seminars, and are asked to support their learning with examples of their choice, thus guaranteeing a multidisciplinary flavour to this unit. The advanced academic training and research experience required of the postgraduate and honours students attending this unit provide the grounds for scholarly and informed discussions during the tutorials.
S2SCIE5508Synthetic Biology: Solving Global Challenges
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71580 Master of Biotechnology (ID 389)
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science (ID 359)
or 70550 Master of Bioinformatics (ID 1490)
lectures, tutorials / workshops; 5 hours per week
NS, S1, S2SVLG5001McCusker Centre for Citizenship Internship
Prerequisites
All of the following LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering
and LAWS4102 Criminal Law
and LAWS4103 Contract
and LAWS4104 Property
and LAWS4106 Torts
and LAWS4109 Legal Theory and Ethics for Juris Doctor students only
Incompatibility
for Juris Doctor students: LAWS5174 Legal Internship
Internship experience: approximately 100 hours; McCusker Centre attendance: approximately 8 hours

Neuroscience specialisation

Students may be required to take conversion units, up to a value of 24 points based on an assessment of prior learning by the Faculty, including but not limited to the following units:

Note: Students must do ANHB2217 (Sem1) AND PHYL2002 (Sem2). Students can choose to do either NEUR3301 (Sem2) or ANIM3320 (Sem1).

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1ANHB2217Human Neurobiology
Prerequisites
Successful completion of any two Unit(s)
ANHB1101 Human Biology I: Becoming Human
or ANHX1101 Human Biology 1 (Becoming Human)
or ANHB1102 Human Biology II: Being Human
or ANHX1102 Human Biology 2 (Being Human)
or BIOL1130 Frontiers in Biology
or SCIE1106 Molecular Biology of the Cell
or SCIX1106 Molecular Biology of the Cell
or IMED1001 Form and Function
or Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science
lectures: 2 hours per week; labs: 2 hours per week
S1ANIM3320Comparative Neurobiology
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
or Enrolment in
one level 2 Unit(s) BIOL2xxx
or PHYL2xxx
or ANHB2xxx
or ANIM2xxx
or PSYC2xxx
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science
lectures: 1 hour per week; labs: 3 hours per week for 8 weeks
S2NEUR3301Advanced Neuroscience 1
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
two Unit(s) ANHB2217 Human Neurobiology
and Unit(s) PHYL2002 Physiology of Cells
lectures: 3 hours per week; tutorials: 1 hour per week (from week 3)
S2PHYL2002Physiology of CellsNonelectures: 2 hours per week; labs: 3 hours per week (for 5 weeks); tutorials: 2 hours per week (for 6 weeks) (alternating with lab classes)
S1, S2SCIE4403Ethical Conduct and Communication of Science
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
73660 Master of Medical Physics
Incompatibility
SCOM1101 Communicating Science (ID 1553)
or SCOX1101 Communicating Science
and SCOM2208 Science Writing (ID 1559)
Weekly face-to-face OR online workshops. This unit runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2, and can be taken in either semester.

Take all units (24 points):

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S2APHB5503Neuroendocrinology
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or 71540 Master of Health Science
seminars: 1 hour per week (for 13 weeks); tutorials: 2 hours per week (for 9 weeks) depending on number of students
S1HMSC5005Data Analysis in Human Sciences
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
HON-ANHBY Anatomy & Human Biology
or HON-NEURS Neuroscience
or HON-PHYGY Physiology
or HON-SSCEH Sport Science, Exercise and Health
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or 73570 Master of Applied Human Performance Science
or 51610 Master of Exercise Science
Incompatibility
Successful completion of
Unit(s) APHB4003 Research Design and Analysis Part 2
or Unit(s) SSEH5655 Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Sport Science, Exercise and Health
or Unit(s) SSEH4603 Data Analysis
lectures: 1.5 hours per week; labs: 2 hours per week
S2NEUR4010Modern Research Tools in Neuroscience
Prerequisites
Enrolment in 71520 Master of Biomedical Science and
NEUR3301 Advanced Neuroscience 1
or ANIM3320 Comparative Neurobiology
or ( ANHB2217 Human Neurobiology
and PHYL2002 Physiology of Cells
)
1 day per fortnight
S2NEUR5011Neurological Disorders
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or 71540 Master of Health Science
or Major(s) MJD-NEURS Neuroscience
and Successful completion of
two Unit(s) ANHB2217 Human Neurobiology
and Unit(s) PHYL2002 Physiology of Cells
and Successful completion of
one Unit(s) NEUR3301 Advanced Neuroscience 1
or Unit(s) ANIM3320 Comparative Neurobiology
Lectures 2 consecutive hours (1 hour lecture, 1 hour discussion) per week Contact with patients up to 3 hours per week for several weeks during semester, arranged on an individual basis

Take units to the value of 6 points.

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1SSEH5644Neurological Rehabilitation
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
73520 Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or CM018 Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Sciences and Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
This unit is delivered in a blocked, structure based on alignment with Postgraduate and MCEP course requirements. Week 1= face-to-face teaching on campus (multiple sessions) Week 2 - 11 = asynchronous online learning modules (e.g., self-paced learning) via LMS; face-to-face workshops on campus (see unit Syllabus); and unit assessment items Week 12 = face-to-face teaching on campus (multiple sessions) Exams = online exam administered via LMS.
S1SSEH5647Brain and Behaviours
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
73520 Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or CM018 Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Sciences and Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
This unit is delivered in a blocked, structure based on alignment with Postgraduate and MCEP course requirements. Week 1= face-to-face teaching on campus (multiple sessions) Week 2 - 11 = asynchronous online learning modules (e.g., self-paced learning) via LMS; face-to-face workshops on campus (see unit Syllabus); and unit assessment items Week 12 = face-to-face teaching on campus (multiple sessions) Exams = online exam administered via LMS.

For students in course by coursework and dissertation only, take all units (24 points).

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1, S2APHB5520Literature Review and Research Proposal
Prerequisites
satisfy eligibility criteria for research project
or dissertation for course and Course Enrolment 71520 Master of Biomedical Science (ID 359)
Co-requisites
APHB5521 Science Research Project Part 1
no formal contact—students work under the guidance of their project supervisor to develop their research proposal and literature review.
S1, S2APHB5521Science Research Project Part 1
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71520 Master of Biomedical Science and satisfy eligibility criteria for research project
or dissertation
a 3-day block, a 1-day block and a 2-day block, plus independent project work and consultation with supervisor
S1, S2APHB5522Science Research Project Part 2
Prerequisites
satisfy eligibility criteria for research project
or dissertation for course and Course Enrolment 71520 Master of Biomedical Science (ID 359) and Enrolment (other than course) specialisation in Human Biology
or Physiology
or Neuroscience
Co-requisites
APHB5523 Science Research Project Part 3
a 3-day block, a 1-day block and a 2-day block, plus independent project work and consultation with supervisor
S1, S2APHB5523Science Research Project Part 3
Co-requisites
APHB5522 Science Research Project Part 2
a 3-day block, a 1-day block and a 2-day block, plus independent project work and consultation with supervisor

For students in course by coursework only, take unit(s) to the value of 18 points. Students in course by coursework and dissertation, take unit(s) to the value of 6 points.

AvailabilityUnit codeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1HMSC5004Research Methods in Human Sciences
Incompatibility
Successful completion of
APHB5500 Advanced Research Techniques
or SSEH4602 Research Methods
or APHB4002 Research Design and Analysis Part 1
lectures: 2 hours per week; labs: 1 hour per week
S1, S2PUBH4403Epidemiology INonelectures: 60-70 minutes recorded lectures per week; online tutorial worksheets: ~ 2-3 hours per week
S1, S2SCIE4001Collecting, Analysing and Interpreting Big Data in Biology
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
62550 Master of Professional Engineering
or 72510 Master of Agricultural Science
or 72520 Master of Biological Science
or 71580 Master of Biotechnology
or 70550 Master of Bioinformatics
Lectures and Seminars: 27 hours
S2SCIE4002Bioinformatics and Data Analysis for Genomics
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71580 Master of Biotechnology
or 71540 Master of Health Science
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or BH004 Bachelor of Science (Honours)
or 62550 Master of Professional Engineering
or 70550 Master of Bioinformatics
and Successful completion of
one Unit(s) SCIE4001 Collecting, Analysing and Interpreting Big Data in Biology
lectures and tutorials: 24 hours per semester; presentation sessions: approx. 6 (depending on student enrolment)
S2SCIE4481Good, Bogus and Corrupted Science
Prerequisites
enrolment in
honours
or postgraduate course
seminars: 3 hours per week for 12 weeks—theory is provided by the unit coordinators and guest speakers; tutorials: 2 hour per week for 12 weeks—students present cases of bogus and corrupted science in classes, discuss further the material covered in the seminars, and are asked to support their learning with examples of their choice, thus guaranteeing a multidisciplinary flavour to this unit. The advanced academic training and research experience required of the postgraduate and honours students attending this unit provide the grounds for scholarly and informed discussions during the tutorials.
S1, S2SCIE5304Science Practicum
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
51580 Master of Science Communication
or 73530 Master of Agricultural Economics
or 72510 Master of Agricultural Science
or 71530 Master of Biological Arts
or 72520 Master of Biological Science
or 71520 Master of Biomedical Science
or 73550 Master of Business Psychology
or 72530 Master of Environmental Science
or 52510 Master of Exercise Science
or 71570 Master of Geographic Information Science
or 74540 Master of Marine Biology
or 71590 Master of Oceanography and approval of the unit coordinator
100 hours of work placement paired with learning content and assessment. Contact hours in Practicum placement (the majority of student time in the unit) as arranged with the unit coordinator and host/supervisor. Additional, minor, contact hours for initial and post-placement discussions with coordinator, and final presentation and review.
NS, S1, S2SVLG5001McCusker Centre for Citizenship Internship
Prerequisites
All of the following LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering
and LAWS4102 Criminal Law
and LAWS4103 Contract
and LAWS4104 Property
and LAWS4106 Torts
and LAWS4109 Legal Theory and Ethics for Juris Doctor students only
Incompatibility
for Juris Doctor students: LAWS5174 Legal Internship
Internship experience: approximately 100 hours; McCusker Centre attendance: approximately 8 hours

See also the rules for the course and the Student Rules.

Rules

Applicability of the Student Rules, policies and procedures

1.(1) The Student Rules apply to students in this course.

(2) The policy, policy statements and guidance documents and student procedures apply, except as otherwise indicated in the rules for this course.

Academic Conduct Essentials and Communication and Research Skills modules

2.(1) Except as stated in (2), a student who enrols in this course for the first time irrespective of whether they have previously been enrolled in another course of the University, must undertake the Academic Conduct Essentials module (the ACE module) and the Communication and Research Skills module (the CARS module).

(2) A student who has previously achieved a result of Ungraded Pass (UP) for the CARS module is not required to repeat the module.

(3) A student must successfully complete the ACE module within the first teaching period of their enrolment. Failure to complete the module within this timeframe will result in the student's unit results from this teaching period being withheld. These results will continue to be withheld until students avail themselves of a subsequent opportunity to achieve a passing grade in the ACE module. In the event that students complete units in subsequent teaching periods without completing the ACE module, these results will similarly be withheld. Students will not be permitted to submit late review or appeal applications regarding results which have been withheld for this reason and which they were unable to access in the normally permitted review period.

English Language competency requirements

3. To be considered eligible for consideration for admission to this course an applicant must satisfy the University's English language competence requirement as set out in the University Policy on Admission: Coursework.

Admission requirements

4. To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—

(a) a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;

and

(b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent; and

(c) successfully completed prior tertiary study in—

(i) biochemistry and molecular biology for the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or Food Biochemistry specialisations; or

(ii) biological, medical, or biomedical sciences for the Neuroscience specialisation; or

(iii) a related cognate discipline as recognised by UWA.

Admission ranking and selection

5. Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.

Articulations and exit awards

6.(1) This course has the following exit awards:

  • 73220 Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Science (24 points)
  • 73320 Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Science (48 points)

(2) A student who withdraws from the Master of Biomedical Science course before completing it, but after having completed 24 at level 4 or level 5 points of the minimum volume of learning, including the two core units, may apply to the School to be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Science.

(3) A student who withdraws from the Master of Biomedical Science course before completing it, but after having completed 48 points at level 4 or level 5 of the minimum volume of learning, including the two core units and at least four specialisation units, may apply to the School to be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Science.

Course structure

7.(1) The course consists of units to a total value of 96 points (maximum value) which includes conversion units to a value of 24 points, course core units and specialisation units. The course comprises the following specialisations :

  • SP-BCHMB Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • SP-NEURS Neuroscience
  • SP-SCIFD Food Biochemistry

(2) Units must be selected in accordance with the course structure, as set out in these rules.

(3) Students who have completed tertiary units that are deemed equivalent to the conversion units for the chosen specialisation are granted credit for conversion units up to a value of 24 points.

Satisfactory progress

8. To make satisfactory progress a student must pass units to a point value greater than half the total value of units in which they remain enrolled after the final date for withdrawal without academic penalty.

9. A student who has not achieved a result of Ungraded Pass (UP) for the Communication and Research Skills module (the CARS module) when their progress status is assessed will not have made satisfactory progress even if they have met the other requirements for satisfactory progress in Rule 8.

Progress status

10.(1) A student who makes satisfactory progress in terms of Rule 8 is assigned the status of 'Good Standing'.

(2) Unless the relevant board determines otherwise because of exceptional circumstances—

(a) a student who does not make satisfactory progress for the first time under Rule 8 is assigned a progress status of 'On Probation';

(b) a student who does not make satisfactory progress for the second time under Rule 8 is assigned a progress status of 'Suspended';

(c) a student who does not make satisfactory progress for the third time under Rule 8 is assigned a progress status of 'Excluded'.

11. A student who does not make satisfactory progress in terms of Rule 9 is assigned the progress status of 'On Probation', unless they have been assigned a progress status of 'Suspended' or 'Excluded' for failure to meet other satisfactory progress requirements in Rule 8.

Award with distinction

12. To be awarded the degree with distinction a student must achieve a course weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 80 per cent which is calculated based on—

(a) all units above Level 3 attempted as part of the course that are awarded a final percentage mark;

(b) all relevant units above Level 3 undertaken in articulating courses of this University that are awarded a final percentage mark;

and

(c) all units above Level 3 completed at this University that are credited to the master's degree course.

Deferrals

13. Applicants awarded admission to the course are entitled to a deferral of up to 12 months, as per the University Policy on: Admissions (Coursework).

Additional rules
Research project

14. Students in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Food Biochemistry specialisations who request approval to undertake a research project as an option in this course must—

(i) have a weighted average mark of at least 65 per cent in at least 24 points of Level 3 units in their UWA undergraduate major. These units must be relevant to the master's specialisation; or

(ii) have a weighted average mark of at least 65 per cent in at least 24 points of Level 3, 4 and 5 units completed within the course; or equivalent as recognised by the coordinator of the Master of Biomedical Sciences; and

(iii) must have a supervisor, approved by the coordinator of the Master of Biomedical Sciences, who has confirmed their willingness and availability to supervise the research project.

(iv) Students in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Food Biochemistry specialisations who were required to complete SCIE4404 Techniques in Molecular Sciences must have achieved a mark of at least 70% in this unit.

Students in the Neuroscience specialisation who request approval to undertake a research project as an optional in this course must—

(i) have a weighted average mark of at least 65 per cent in at least 12 points of Level 3 units in their UWA undergraduate major or equivalent as recognised by the Neuroscience Specialisation coordinator. These units must be must be neuroscience core units or units from other universities that are equivalent to UWA neuroscience core units.

(ii) have a weighted average mark of at least 65 per cent in at least 12 points of Level 4 or 5 units completed within the course; as recognised by the Neuroscience Specialisation Coordinator

(iii) must have a project and, supervisor who has confirmed their willingness and availability to supervise the research project, approved by the Neuroscience Specialisation coordinator.