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 / 2025
- 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 and Dr Nicole Smith
- 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.
Example Study Plans
- Master of Biomedical Science Biochemistry (72pt 1.5 years) [xlsx]
- Master of Biomedical Science Biochemistry (96 points, 2 years) [xlsx]
- Master of Biomedical Science Food Biochemistry (96 points 2 years) [xlsx]
- Master of Biomedical Science Food Biochemistry (72 points 1.5 years) [xlsx]
- Master of Biomedical Science Neuroscience (72 points 1.5 years) [xlsx]
- Master of Biomedical Science Neuroscience (96 points 2 years) (3) [xlsx]
See study plans for more information.
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
- N/A
- not available in 2025 – may be available in 2026 or 2027
- NS
- non-standard teaching period
All units have a value of six points unless otherwise stated.
Take all units (12 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | SCIE5002 | Human Evolutionary Biology |
| 1 hour lecture; 2 hour laboratory (analysis) from week 1-12. |
| S1, S2 | SCIE5515 | Global Challenges in Biomedical Science |
| 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):
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | SCIE5004 | Professional Skills in Science |
| |
| S1, S2 | SCIE5005 | Science in Practice |
| 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:
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | BIOC4003 | Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II | lectures: 29 x 40 - 60 minute online lectures; workshops: 6 x 1.5 - 2 hour workshops per semester. | |
| S1, S2 | SCIE4401 | Data Use in Science |
| 24 hours. The total workload for this unit is 150 hours. |
| S1, S2 | SCIE4403 | Ethical Conduct and Communication in Science | Weekly face-to-face OR online workshops. This unit runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2, and can be taken in either semester. | |
| NS | SCIE4404 | Techniques in Molecular Sciences |
| 1x 1 hour Introduction Workshop 7x 3 hour Laboratory Sessions 5x 1 hour Post-laboratory Workshop |
Take all units (30 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | BIOC4001 | Advanced Studies in 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 |
| S1, S2 | BIOC5001 | Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Techniques |
| tutorials/workshops: 24 hours per semester |
| S1 | MSCI4006 | Advanced Techniques in Molecular Sciences |
| lectures and tutorials: 24 hours per semester |
| S1, S2 | PUBH4403 | Epidemiology I | None | lectures: 60-70 minutes recorded lectures per week; online tutorial worksheets: ~ 2-3 hours per week |
| S1, S2 | SCIE4001 | Collecting, Analysing and Interpreting Big Data in Biology |
| Lectures and Seminars: 27 hours |
For students in course by coursework and dissertation only, take all units (24 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | MSCI5560 | Molecular Sciences Master's Project Literature Review and Research Proposal |
| Students are advised to attend information sessions as detailed in the unit outline. |
| S1, S2 | MSCI5561 | Molecular Sciences Master's Research Project Part 1 | a 3-day block, a 1-day block and a 2-day block, plus independent project work and consultation with supervisor | |
| S1, S2 | MSCI5562 | Molecular Sciences Master's Research Project Part 2 | Independent project work and consultation with supervisor | |
| S1, S2 | MSCI5563 | Molecular Sciences Master's 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 |
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.
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | APHB5501 | Developmental Origins of Health and Disease |
| seminars: 12 hours; presentations: 6 hours (depending on number of students) |
| S2 | APHB5503 | Neuroendocrinology |
| seminars: 1 hour per week (for 13 weeks); tutorials: 2 hours per week (for 9 weeks) depending on number of students |
| S2 | SCIE4481 | Good, Bogus and Corrupted Science |
| 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, S2 | SCIE5304 | Science Practicum |
| 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. |
| S2 | SCIE5507 | Food Fibre and Fuel Security |
| lectures, tutorials and/or workshops: 6 hours per week |
| S2 | SCIE5508 | Synthetic Biology: Solving Global Challenges |
| lectures, tutorials / workshops; 5 hours per week |
| NS, S1, S2 | SVLG5001 | McCusker Centre for Citizenship 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):
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | BIOC4003 | Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II | lectures: 29 x 40 - 60 minute online lectures; workshops: 6 x 1.5 - 2 hour workshops per semester. | |
| S1, S2 | SCIE4401 | Data Use in Science |
| 24 hours. The total workload for this unit is 150 hours. |
| S1, S2 | SCIE4403 | Ethical Conduct and Communication in Science | Weekly face-to-face OR online workshops. This unit runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2, and can be taken in either semester. | |
| NS | SCIE4404 | Techniques in Molecular Sciences |
| 1x 1 hour Introduction Workshop 7x 3 hour Laboratory Sessions 5x 1 hour Post-laboratory Workshop |
Take all units (30 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | BIOC4001 | Advanced Studies in 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 |
| S1 | MSCI4006 | Advanced Techniques in Molecular Sciences |
| lectures and tutorials: 24 hours per semester |
| S1, S2 | SCIE4001 | Collecting, Analysing and Interpreting Big Data in Biology |
| Lectures and Seminars: 27 hours |
| S2 | SCIE5006 | Nutrition and its Applications |
| lectures: one 45 minute lecture per week; workshops/seminars: 1.5 hours per fortnight for up to 12 weeks |
| S2 | SCIE5507 | Food Fibre and Fuel Security |
| lectures, tutorials and/or workshops: 6 hours per week |
For students in course by coursework and dissertation only, take all units (24 points).
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | MSCI5560 | Molecular Sciences Master's Project Literature Review and Research Proposal |
| Students are advised to attend information sessions as detailed in the unit outline. |
| S1, S2 | MSCI5561 | Molecular Sciences Master's Research Project Part 1 | a 3-day block, a 1-day block and a 2-day block, plus independent project work and consultation with supervisor | |
| S1, S2 | MSCI5562 | Molecular Sciences Master's Research Project Part 2 | Independent project work and consultation with supervisor | |
| S1, S2 | MSCI5563 | Molecular Sciences Master's 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 |
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.
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | APHB5501 | Developmental Origins of Health and Disease |
| seminars: 12 hours; presentations: 6 hours (depending on number of students) |
| N/A | PUBH5804 | Food and Nutrition in Population Health |
| 1 week full-time |
| S2 | SCIE4481 | Good, Bogus and Corrupted Science |
| 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. |
| S2 | SCIE5508 | Synthetic Biology: Solving Global Challenges |
| lectures, tutorials / workshops; 5 hours per week |
| NS, S1, S2 | SVLG5001 | McCusker Centre for Citizenship 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).
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | ANHB2217 | Human Neurobiology |
| lectures: 2 hours per week; labs: 2 hours per week |
| S1 | ANIM3320 | Comparative Neurobiology |
| lectures: 1 hour per week; labs: 3 hours per week for 8 weeks |
| S2 | NEUR3301 | Advanced Neuroscience 1 |
| lectures: 3 hours per week |
| S2 | PHYL2002 | Cellular Physiology | lectures: 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, S2 | SCIE4403 | Ethical Conduct and Communication in Science | 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):
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | APHB5503 | Neuroendocrinology |
| seminars: 1 hour per week (for 13 weeks); tutorials: 2 hours per week (for 9 weeks) depending on number of students |
| S1 | HMSC5005 | Data Analysis in Human Sciences |
| lectures: 1.5 hours per week; labs: 2 hours per week |
| S2 | NEUR4010 | Modern Research Tools in Neuroscience |
| 1 day per fortnight |
| S2 | NEUR5011 | Neurological Disorders | 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.
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | SSEH5644 | Neurological Rehabilitation |
| 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. |
| S1 | SSEH5647 | Brain and Behaviours |
| 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).
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | APHB5520 | Literature Review and Research Proposal | no formal contact—students work under the guidance of their project supervisor to develop their research proposal and literature review. | |
| S1, S2 | APHB5521 | Science Research Project Part 1 |
| a 3-day block, a 1-day block and a 2-day block, plus independent project work and consultation with supervisor |
| S1, S2 | 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 |
| S1, S2 | 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 |
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.
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | HMSC5004 | Research Methods in Human Sciences |
| lectures: 2 hours per week; labs: 1 hour per week |
| S1, S2 | PUBH4403 | Epidemiology I | None | lectures: 60-70 minutes recorded lectures per week; online tutorial worksheets: ~ 2-3 hours per week |
| S1, S2 | SCIE4001 | Collecting, Analysing and Interpreting Big Data in Biology |
| Lectures and Seminars: 27 hours |
| S2 | SCIE4002 | Bioinformatics and Data Analysis for Genomics |
| lectures and tutorials: 24 hours per semester; presentation sessions: approx. 6 (depending on student enrolment) |
| S2 | SCIE4481 | Good, Bogus and Corrupted Science |
| 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, S2 | SCIE5304 | Science Practicum |
| 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, S2 | SVLG5001 | McCusker Centre for Citizenship 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) 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 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.