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Course Overview
The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) will qualify you to work as a medical laboratory scientist. You will gain theoretical and technical knowledge in the clinical disciplines of laboratory medicine for application in the diagnostic setting. Throughout your study you will build technical and evaluative skills to assess and implement recommendations for best practice in patient testing, monitoring and education. This course will enable you to develop an advanced level of communication skill to interact positively with patients and other health professionals ready for the clinical or scientific work environment. Clinical decision-making and problem-solving abilities are key skills for the medical laboratory scientist. You will develop these skills through opportunities in professional practice, case-based studies and research projects. This course is undergoing accreditation by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists to enable you to apply for full membership upon completion.
Career Information
A Medical Laboratory Scientist is a health professional who conducts medical laboratory tests to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. They require specialised education and skills to prepare tissue sections for microscopic examination, analyse samples to study the effects of microbial infections and develop techniques to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. A Medical Laboratory Scientist has a degree of responsibility in the diagnostic process through the provision of advice to Medical Practitioners on the interpretation of tests, methods for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. They can undertake research and prepare scientific papers and reports. They ensure quality management processes and safety standards are followed in medical laboratories and undertake research in their area of expertise. Communication skills and exemplary professional attitude are all critical to success in this field.
| Duration | 4 years full-time or 8 years part-time |
|---|---|
| Credit Points that Must be Earned | 192 |
| Number of Units Required | CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24). |
| Expected Hours of Study | One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term. |
| Course Type | Undergraduate Award |
| Qualification (post nominal) | BMedLabSci (Hon) |
| AQF Level | Level 8: Bachelor Honours Degree |
| Course Fees |
Indicative Year - 2026
Indicative Year - 2025
Indicative Year - 2024
Indicative Year - 2023
Indicative Year - 2022
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Admission Codes
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
Domestic Availability
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Term 2 - 2027
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Term 1 - 2027
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Term 2 - 2026
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Term 1 - 2026
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Term 2 - 2025
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Term 1 - 2025
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Term 2 - 2024
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Term 1 - 2024
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Term 2 - 2023
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Term 1 - 2023
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Term 2 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2022
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Term 2 - 2021
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Term 1 - 2021
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Term 2 - 2020
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Term 1 - 2020
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Term 2 - 2019
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Term 1 - 2019There are compulsory residential schools in Rockhampton and work integrated learning placement in some units in this course.
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Term 2 - 2018
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Term 1 - 2018
International Availability
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Term 2 - 2027
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Term 1 - 2027
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Term 2 - 2026
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Term 1 - 2026
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Term 2 - 2025
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Term 1 - 2025
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Term 2 - 2024
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Term 1 - 2024
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Term 2 - 2023
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Term 1 - 2023
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Term 2 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2022
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Term 2 - 2021
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Term 1 - 2021
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Term 2 - 2020
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Term 1 - 2020
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Term 2 - 2019
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Term 1 - 2019There are compulsory residential schools in Rockhampton and work integrated learning placement in some units in this course.
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Term 2 - 2018
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Term 1 - 2018
| Rank Threshold | SR 69 | ATAR 69 |
Pre-requisite
Course entry through QTAC is based on Australian Tertiary Admission Rank.Students not born in Australia are required to meet an English Language Prerequisite by:
- an academic IELTS completed within the last 2 years (from the term you are applying to start) with a minimum achievement of 7.0 overall; or
- a secondary or university qualification which is not more than 5 years old (from the term you are applying for entry into) with a satisfactory level of achievement of at least 2 years in duration from Australia.
The English Language Proficiency requirements may also be satisfied by an Occupational Test Result of 'A' or 'B' (results are to be no older than 2 years from the start of term).
English (4, SA), Maths B (4, SA), Chemistry, Biology, Science
Awards and Accreditation
| Interim Awards | CG93 - Bachelor of Medical Science (Specialisation) CB25 - Associate Degree of Medical Science |
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| Exit Awards | CG93 - Bachelor of Medical Science (Specialisation) CB25 - Associate Degree of Medical Science |
| Accreditation |
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Residential School Requirements
| Compulsory Residential School | Many units in the course have compulsory residential schools in Rockhampton to ensure students acquire the technical skills of the medical laboratory scientist. |
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| Click here to view all Residential Schools | |
Practicum/Work Placement
| BMSC14002 - 180 hours of work placement. Student learning supported by clinical supervisors on-site and academics at CQUniversity |
| BMSC12005 - 180 hours of work placement. Student learning supported by clinical supervisors on-site and academics at CQUniversity. |
| BMSC13012 - 180 hours of work placement. Student learning supported by clinical supervisors on-site and academics at CQUniversity |
| BMSC14004 - 180 hours of work placement. Student learning supported by clinical supervisors on-site and academics at CQUniversity |
Previous and Current Enrolments
| Year | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 67 |
| 2024 | 66 |
| 2023 | 78 |
| 2022 | 75 |
| 2021 | 63 |
Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.
If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.
- Comply with academic and non-academic policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s 'Student Conduct Policy and Procedure', 'Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)' and 'Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure'.
- Treating personal information obtained in classroom, clinical and practice settings as private and confidential.
- Respecting an individual's/group's diversity by demonstrating sensitivity to religious, cultural and individual differences.
- Demonstrating an ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues and taking responsibility for ensuring awareness of ethical behaviour.
- Being governed by codes, guidelines and policies outlined by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS).
- Complying with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australian Research Council (ARC) and Universities Australia (UA)) and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (NHMRC).
- Interacting positively and effectively with other students, health practitioners and members of the public while attending activities related to the course.
- Being receptive and responding appropriately to different viewpoints, constructive feedback and direction from academics, clinical staff and practice supervisors.
- Coping effectively with your own emotions, responses and behaviour when dealing with challenging situations in the classroom, clinical and practice settings.
- Complying with relevant child protection and safety legislation including mandatory reporting requirements.
- Understanding and adhering to professional policy around the use of social media.
- Knowing, understanding and complying with legislative and regulatory requirements which are necessary pre-requisites to clinical placements in order to reduce the risk of harm to self and others.
- Actively participating in discussion activities related to the course.
- Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual or group.
- Verbally communicating your knowledge and skills with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness.
- Providing team members with clear concise verbal reports which relate to clients or patients.
- Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of all persons encountered during interactions and activities included in the course and responding appropriately.
- Using appropriate facial expressions, eye contact and gestures while being mindful of interpersonal space.
- Constructing your assessment work to academic standards with attention to correct grammar and punctuation and structure.
- Constructing fluent summarised written text from complex and detailed information.
- Constructing legible reports in a timely manner to meet professional standards and clearly communicating the intended message.
- Accurately documenting charts, records and reports to meet legal and professional requirements.
- Accessing a computer for your studies.
- Regularly accessing the Internet for research and email for communication with peers and lecturers.
- Analysing, manipulating and displaying scientific information.
- Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
- Applying knowledge of policy and procedures in the classroom, clinical and practice settings.
- Performing your duties within set time frames.
- Applying theoretical knowledge to understand best-practice when providing care or services.
- Paraphrasing, summarising and referencing in accordance with appropriate academic conventions.
- Actively listening to information within a variety of academic, clinical and practice settings.
- Reading and accurately interpreting information related to patients and/or clients.
- Completing documentation that is accurate, clear and concise.
- Demonstrating effective use of numeracy skills to record data accurately.
- Applying numeracy skills to interpret and solve problems in a range of education, clinical and practice settings.
- Focussing on and recognising objects that are either near or far.
- Ability to visually distinguish colour in order to interpret results of investigations.
- Safely operating laboratory equipment.
- Sufficiently hearing verbal communication from other students, academics, clinical staff and practice supervisors during activities related to the course.
- Having sufficient auditory ability to consistently and accurately monitor, access and manage, and respond to patient and client needs.
- Accurately interpreting verbal communications and directions from staff.
- Using touch in an appropriate manner when conveying positive messages for emotional support during difficult circumstances.
- Conducting physical assessments and detecting anatomical abnormalities.
- Rapidly building rapport with people from all walks of life, as well as with colleagues and/or research participants and/or clients in the professional context.
- Maintaining positive working relationships when under stressful circumstances.
- Maintaining confidentiality in all contexts.
- Reflecting critically on topics taught during the course.
- Identifying when your practice may be negatively affected by personal experience and/or reactions and be able to reflect and learn from this experience.
- Reflecting on situations that may be difficult and sensitive.
- Identifying, reflecting and learning from successful situations as well as opportunities for improvement.
- Incorporating a range of gross motor skills while participating effectively in activities related to the course.
- Maintaining balance while safely transferring delicate equipment.
- Moving with ease around patients and equipment items while performing delivery of care.
- Safely retrieving and utilising stock and equipment.
- Manipulating delicate, breakable equipment with ease and care.
- Manipulating syringes and needles with precision and care avoiding harm to self and others.
- Manipulating microscopes and specialty laboratory equipment wiht precision and care avoiding harm to self and others.
- Demonstrating the skills of collaborating with fellow students and colleagues, modifying and reflecting on practice during a project, or modifying and reflecting on work integrated learning in response to supervisor feedback.
- Critically self-reflecting on situations that may/may not have gone well, and taking the learning point(s) from that situation.
- Interacting and engaging with individuals and groups in clinical practice and/or work placement in a respectful and culturally competent manner in a wide variety of contexts.
- Competently using a desktop operating system such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X.
- Accessing a computer and having sufficient computer skills to engage in on-line learning, reading and responding as required to emails, and completing relevant assessments for the course.
- Regularly accessing the Internet for research and email for communication with peers and lecturers.
- Using a variety of computer programs to analyse, manipulate and display scientific information applicable to your course of study.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements apply to this course and as such are subject to compulsory pre-placement conditions referred to as mandatory checks and are outlined in the health, security and other compulsory requirements sections. Mandatory checks are determined by industry, organisations, legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures. To be eligible for a WIL placement, students must first achieve compliance with mandatory checks by each closing date prior to a WIL placement and maintain current evidence for the duration of the course.
Mandatory health requirements include immunisation and vaccination evidence (and serology where required) to the following diseases: Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Varicella, Pertussis, Influenza, and Tuberculosis screening. Additional vaccinations and screening are subject to the site or state health authority.
Effective 25 September 2023, updates have been made to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Queensland Health sites and the Queensland Ambulance Service. While Queensland Health does not currently mandate evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, it's essential to recognise that other organisations within and outside of Queensland may enforce their own vaccination specific criteria. Students must ensure they meet all Mandatory Checks described in Sonia. Failure to meet an organisation’s vaccination requirements may result in delays in completing required placements.
Mandatory security requirements include an Australian Federal Police clearance.
Other mandatory requirements include a First Aid and CPR certificate, student agreement to privacy and confidentiality, fitness to participate in WIL student declaration, jurisdictional and site-specific compulsory requirements, and other training modules.
- 1. Practice competently as a medical laboratory scientist
- 2. Apply a broad and coherent body of medical (laboratory) science knowledge to professional practice
- 3. Behave professionally, using knowledge of quality management, legislation and personal skills, to ensure safe practice as a medical laboratory scientist
- 4. Perform medical laboratory science-based research and report the outcomes.
| Course Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines and knowledge of research principles and methods | ||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence | ||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of a body of knowledge and theoretical concepts with advanced understanding in some areas | ||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in developing new understanding | ||||
| 5. SKILLS Have technical skills to design and use research in a project | ||||
| 6. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences | ||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in professional practice and/or scholarship | ||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | ||||
| 9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | ||||
| 10. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Plan and execute project work and/or a piece of research and scholarship with some independence | ||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner | ||||
- Complete the core structure
| Number of units: 30 | Total credit points: 192 |
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To be eligible to graduate with the Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours) students must complete the 30 core units (192 units of credit) and complete professional placement requirements.
Professional Placement
Prior to placement, each student must satisfy specific pre-clinical health, safety, security and licensing requirements, including a clear criminal record check, and must disclose any condition that may put themselves, or the public, at significant risk whilst on placement. Due to limited availability of placements, some block placements have start and/or end dates that fall outside standard term start and end dates. As placements are located throughout Queensland and availability is limited in each community, students may be placed at locations that are not of their choosing. Students will be required to complete the requisite number of professional placement hours. Students must prepare financially and personally to relocate for placements, and are responsible for any associated costs.
Residential School
There are residential schools in this course which students are required to attend. These are based in Rockhampton so students must prepare financially and personally to attend, and are responsible for any associated costs
| Year 1 - Term 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| BMSC11003 | Professional Practice in Medical Sciences | |
| BMSC11001 | Human Body Systems 1 | |
| ESSC11004 | Study and Research Skills for Health Science | |
| CHEM11041 | Chemistry for the Life Sciences | |
| Year 1 - Term 2 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| BMSC11002 | Human Body Systems 2 | |
| BMSC11006 | Food, Nutrition and Health | |
| ESSC11002 | Measurement and Evaluation in Health Science | |
| BMSC11005 | Foundations of Biochemistry | |
| Year 2 - Term 1 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| BIOL12106 | Molecular Biology | |
| BMSC12005 | Work Integrated Learning | |
| BMSC12003 | Haematology and Transfusion Science | |
| MBIO19012 | Microbiology | |
| Year 2 - Term 2 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| BMSC12010 | Clinical Biochemistry | |
| BMSC12001 | Histological and Cytological Techniques | |
| BMSC12011 | Medical Microbiology 1 | |
| BMSC12012 | Molecular Cell Biology | |
| Year 3 - Term 1 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| BMSC13009 | Immunology | |
| BMSC13001 | Advanced Haematology | |
| BMSC13002 | Advanced Clinical Biochemistry | |
| BMSC13010 | Pharmacology | |
| Year 3 - Term 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| BMSC13011 | Advanced Transfusion Science | |
| BMSC13003 | Medical Microbiology 2 | |
| BMSC13012 | Advanced Work Integrated Learning | |
| BMSC13016 | Advanced Histopathology and Cytopathology | |
| Year 4 - Term 1 | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| MEDS14001 | Medical Science Research 1 | |
| BMSC14002 | Specialised Work Integrated Learning 1 | |
| BMSC14001 | Integrated Pathology 1 | |
| Year 4 - Term 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| MEDS14002 | Medical Science Research 2 | |
| BMSC14004 | Specialised Work Integrated Learning | |
| BMSC14003 | Integrated Pathology 2 | |
Work Placement
Students are required to undertake work placements in an accredited Pathology Laboratory for a total 560 hours.
Experience in authentic work environments is very valuable as it develops the professional skills and 'work readiness' of graduates.
Work placements are currently required for the following units:
Second Year BMSC12005 180 hours
Third Year BMSC13012 180 hours
Fourth Year BMSC14004 200 hours
Before commencing work placement or Work Integrated Learning units, students must provide evidence of Immunisations as per the CQUniversity Policy for Vaccination of Students in Health Courses.
Laboratory Classes
All students will be required to attend laboratory classes (either weekly or as practical intensive classes) on Rockhampton campus to promote the development of course learning outcomes.
Computing Requirements
It is a requirement of enrolment in this course that students have access to the CQUniversity website. Students may be required to undertake various components of study in the course using email and the Internet.
It is strongly recommended that students have access to a broadband connection or higher to access online student resources that would include but not limited to, email, internet, video streaming, electronic assessment submission.
Recognition of prior learning and application for credit transfer
Course credit may be granted to students who are able to demonstrate appropriate prior learning or experience. Credit transfer will only be granted where a student is able to demonstrate that tertiary studies, equivalent in content and depth to the CQUniversity course, have been successfully completed.
Refer to the Credit Transfer website at http://www.cqu.edu.au/credittransfer for further details on the guidelines and application process.
You can apply for a direct credit against CQUniversity units if an equivalent tertiary level study has been completed. You must supply relevant documentation (Study guides, unit profiles, etc) to do this. If your study was undertaken more than 10 years ago, you may not be eligible for the credit.