Faculty of Science : Guide to courses 10. Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBiomedSc)

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10. Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBiomedSc)
    10.1. Course objectives
    10.2. Duration
    10.3. Course requirements
    10.4. Specialist streams
        10.4.1. Stream 1: Functional, computational and applied genomics
        10.4.2. Stream 2: Physiological genomics
        10.4.3. Stream 3: Biotechnology and therapeutics
        10.4.4. Stream 4: Molecular biology of the cell in health and disease
        10.4.5. Stream 5: Reproductive and developmental biology
        10.4.6. Stream 6: Neuroscience
        10.4.7. Stream 7: Microorganisms, infection and immunity
        10.4.8. Stream 8: Biomedical physics and chemistry
    10.5. Course planning
        10.5.1. First year course planning
        10.5.2. Course planning in later years
        10.5.3. Quota subjects
    10.6. Honours program
    10.7. Course coordinators

10. Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBiomedSc)

This course aims to produce flexible and well-informed graduates with specific training in a wide range of biomedical applications of the basic sciences. The course provides strategic training in the fundamentals of state-of-the-art biomedical science and a unique blend of genome science, whole animal systems biology and bioinformatics.

The Bachelor of Biomedical Science course is jointly offered by the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. The course is administered by the Faculty of Science, with the academic business of the degree program being implemented on the advice of the Joint Faculty Biomedical Science Course Advisory Committee. Enquiries regarding selection, subject changes, course planning and other course-related matters should be directed to the Faculty of Science office.

10.1. Course objectives

Upon completion of the course students will:

• have a broad knowledge of science across a range of disciplines, with a high level of understanding and appreciation in specialist areas of the biomedical sciences;

• have an appreciation of integrated cellular tissue and whole body systems, particularly in the context of the new age of cell and molecular biology, genetic manipulation, rational drug design and therapeutics;

• have an appreciation of comparative biology and the value of a range of single cell organisms (e.g. yeasts) as model systems for investigating biomedically-relevant cellular processes;

• have well developed skills in bioinformatics (computational molecular biology) and state-of-the-art laboratory techniques of biomedical relevance;

• when solving scientific problems:

  • be capable of applying appropriate knowledge,

  • be able to access relevant information particularly through the use of information technology and traditional libraries,

  • understand the principles of project and experimental design,

  • have a capacity to apply practical skills, technology and computational systems;

• be able to communicate the results of their studies in both written and oral form and through computer-based presentations;

• have experience in teamwork and leadership;

• have an appreciation of the historical background and evolution of scientific concepts; and

• have an awareness of bioethics, particularly in the context of areas such as the new genetics and animal cloning investigations.

10.2. Duration

The Bachelor of Biomedical Science course requires a minimum of three years full-time study, or the equivalent on a part-time basis.

10.3. Course requirements

A total of 300 points must be obtained comprising:

• 125 points of core subjects,

• 75 points of subjects specified in one of eight specialist streams at the third year level,

• 100 points from selected science subjects including 25 points of prescribed 100-level physics, 12.5 points of prescribed 100-level mathematics and 12.5 points of prescribed 100-level statistics. Science subjects are any subjects listed in the Faculty of Science entry of this Handbook, except those specifically labelled as non-science.

The selection of subjects outside the core subjects at the 200 and 300-levels of the course will depend on the requirements of the individual specialist stream of interest to the student. The design of the 300-level streams requires that students select the necessary prerequisite(s) at the 200-level. In addition to the two 200-level generic core subjects, students must take 200-level subjects in individual discipline areas currently offered in the BSc course. A requirement of no more than two 12.5 point prerequisite subjects (total of 25 points) within any one discipline at the 200-level exists for any 300-level subjects offered with the BBiomedSc degree. With this provision a student will be able to select from at least two possible streams at the third year level.

Due to the multidisciplinary content of the 200-level Integrated Biomedical Science generic core subjects, students enrolled in the BBiomedSc degree will be excluded from the following 200-level BSc subjects:

• 516-201 Cell Biology: Tissues and Organs

• 521-211 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part A

• 521-212 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part B

• 521-220 Techniques in Protein & Gene Technology

• 606-205 Cell Biology

• 536-201 Principles of Physiology

• 536-202 Physiology (General Practical)

• 536-211 Physiology:Control of Body Function

• 652-215 Genes and Genomes

10.4. Specialist streams

The following specialist streams are available. Course structures may be subject to minor modifications.

• Stream 1: Functional, computational and applied genomics

• Stream 2: Physiological genomics

• Stream 3: Biotechnology and therapeutics

• Stream 4: Molecular biology of the cell in health and disease

• Stream 5: Reproductive and developmental biology

• Stream 6: Neuroscience

• Stream 7: Microorganisms, infection and immunity

• Stream 8: Biomedical physics and chemistry

In the course structures lised below, the total points listed to be completed under each year level is 100. Where appropriate, additional subjects must be completed to make up this total.

10.4.1. Stream 1: Functional, computational and applied genomics

Coordinators: Professor M-J Gething and Associate Professor J Camakaris

Students completing this stream will achieve an understanding of the organisation and expression of the human genome and other eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes, and acquire valuable skills in several areas of molecular biology including functional genomics, genetic analysis, bioinformatics, and analysis of protein structure and function. Basic knowledge will be integrated with applications such as gene mapping (as part of gene discovery), gene therapy, biotechnology and understanding the molecular basis of genetic diseases and cancer. This stream provides an excellent grounding for careers in basic science, medical research and biotechnology. Employment opportunities will exist in university departments, research institutes and hospitals, and in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

10.4.2. Stream 2: Physiological genomics

Coordinators: Professor S Harrap and Dr M Wlodek

This stream is for students wishing to enter the rapidly expanding world of physiological genomics. This new post-genomic discipline defines the function of genes in living tissues. Physiological genomics is important in tracing the effects of newly discovered genes and mutations and provides insights into new means of preventing or treating genetic diseases. It combines molecular and physiological skills in the context of complex living systems. Students will develop an understanding of the interactions that characterise the integrated and coordinated way in which genetic codes are translated into the function of cells, tissues, organs and the organism. With the emerging application of genomic discoveries graduates could consider careers to both basic science as well as clinical research. Employment opportunities exist in university academic departments, research institutes, hospitals, pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology companies.

10.4.3. Stream 3: Biotechnology and therapeutics

Coordinator (Biotechnology): Dr D Tribe

Coordinator (Therapeutics): Associate Professor A Stewart

Within Stream 3 there are two themes of study which are designed to provide insight into the rapidly developing interdisciplinary approaches that are generating new chemicals to improve our quality of life. Biotechnology is primarily concerned with the methods of production of new agents, whereas pharmacology is concerned with the mechanisms of action of such agents. Graduates with research training in these areas could be destined for a career in the pharmaceutical industry or in regulatory affairs. Research opportunities also exist in universities, research institutes, hospitals and an increasing number of start-up biotechnology companies. The biotechnology theme will provide students with an understanding of the wide range of tools and techniques that are being used to manipulate genes, manage cell growth, and control enzyme catalysis for the creation of new products and manufacturing processes. It also provides familiarity with the ongoing conceptual advances and scientific innovations that are driving the continued expansion of biotechnology. Students may choose subjects that constitute a plant biotechnology substream.

The therapeutics theme will provide students with an understanding of the principles of pharmacology, which is the science of drug action at the molecular and physiological level. New developments in methods of drug discovery will be described and students will be given practical experience in the skills used by pharmacologists to unravel the mechanisms by which drugs produce their effects. Other topics include the study of the toxic actions of drugs and other environmental chemicals and the way that the body breaks down and eliminates such chemicals.

Students intending to undertake 300-level conservation biology, which covers effects of genetically modified organisms should take the prerequisite 654-204 Ecology: Individuals and Populations.

10.4.4. Stream 4: Molecular biology of the cell in health and disease

Coordinator: Associate Professor P Whitington

The subjects in this stream deal with the link between gene function and phenotype at all levels of organisation - from cells to organisms. This link is pivotal to applying recent advances in our understanding of the human genome to the solution of medical problems. Students will emerge from this stream with a sound understanding of the genetic and molecular basis for normal cell and tissue function. They will also appreciate how cellular processes can be disrupted as a result of inherited or environmentally induced mutations, inappropriate diet or infection. This stream provides an ideal grounding for careers in biomedical research into human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension etc. as well as basic research in cell and developmental biology. It opens up employment opportunities in university departments, research institutes and biotechnology companies developing diagnostic and therapeutic products.

The elective 516-307 may be taken in Semester 1 or Semester 2, but not both.

10.4.5. Stream 5: Reproductive and developmental biology

Coordinator: Professor M Renfree

This is a stream for students who are interested in such areas as the molecular and cell biology or physiology of reproduction and development, sexual determination and differentiation, stem cell and cloning biology, assisted reproduction, including in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) in humans and domestic animals and for conservation of endangered species or fertility control of overabundant species. This stream has a strong practical component and leads to careers such as medical research (e.g. Department of Health, hospitals, assisted reproductive technology companies such as IVF Australia, universities, veterinary science and agriculture), scientific research (e.g. with CSIRO, Environment Australia and State departments such as Natural Resources and Environment and the Victorial Institute of Animal Science) and scientific consultancy.

10.4.6. Stream 6: Neuroscience

Coordinator: Professor A Goodwin

Understanding the human brain is one of the pre-eminent scientific challenges of the 21st century. Neuroscience is a broad discipline and in this stream is addressed over a wide range from the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neural function to complex behaviours such as thought and language. The range of subjects offered aims to provide students with insight into the molecular and cellular mechanisms fundamental to neural function; an understanding of how neurons form the building blocks of the nervous system, how they transmit information, communicate with each other, form elementary circuits, and store information; an appreciation of the fundamentals of systems underlying sensory perception; an understanding of how the nervous system initiates and controls movements of the body; an appreciation of the plasticity of the nervous system, how it adapts to changing environments, how it ages, how nerve injuries may be repaired or may lead to irreversible damage; insight into how drugs and diseases affect the nervous system. A neuroscience background leads to career opportunities in scientific and medical research in university departments, research institutes, hospitals; and to broader opportunities in drug companies, and in bioengineering companies (diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, robotics).

The elective 516-307 may be taken in Semester 1 or Semester 2, but not both.

10.4.7. Stream 7: Microorganisms, infection and immunity

Coordinators: Professor J McCluskey and Ms S Uren

Infectious diseases are the major world wide cause of morbidity and mortality. The Stream 7 core subjects provide a deep understanding of the diverse agents of infection (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites), and the many diseases they cause. The molecular basis of the ability of various microorganisms to cause disease (pathogenesis) will be discussed, together with strategies to interrupt this process, including the development of new antibiotics and other agents. The immunology component of the course allows students to become familiar with the way the immune system responds to defend the body against infections. Techniques to boost the immune response by the development of novel vaccines and other interventions are explored. As well, the immunoloy subjects provide an understanding of the mechanisms operating in response to tumours, transplants, and in allergies and autoimmune diseases. Stream 7 electives have been chosen to allow students to further focus on areas of particular interest to them. This stream opens up employment opportunities in the areas of medical microbiological and immunological diagnostics, food science, biotechnology (including medical and veterinary vaccine and therapeutics development and production), and basic research into a range of microorganisms (including those bacteria and viruses which cause diarrhoea, HIV, influenza and tuberculosis), microbial genetics and pathogenesis. The depth of the immunological content of the course allows students to continue to explore the immune system by research into such diverse areas as allergies, autoimmune diseases including diabetes and arthritis, transplantation and cancer immunology.

Note: A number of elective subjects have a Semester 1 prerequisite and/or a Semester 1 or 2 corequisite.

10.4.8. Stream 8: Biomedical physics and chemistry

Coordinator (Physics): Associate Professor D Jamieson

Coordinator (Chemistry): Associate Professor C Schiesser

10.5. Course planning

10.5.1. First year course planning

Students selected into the Bachelor of Biomedical Science course are invited to attend introductory information sessions at the University prior to enrolment. At these sessions students will be given important information about course requirements, disciplines available and the enrolment process. Students then meet with a faculty adviser to plan their first year of study. As shown in the Course requirements, the first year of the course comprises:

• 50 points of compulsory core subjects (biology and chemistry);

• 25 points of physics subjects;

• a minimum of 12.5 points of mathematics and 12.5 points of statistics.

10.5.2. Course planning in later years

In addition to completing the four compulsory core subjects at second and third year, students will study additional subjects according to their intended specialisation at third year.

Students requiring further information may obtain course advice from student advisers in the Faculty of Science office, the course coordinator and from academic staff in relevant departments.

During Semester 2 each year, a course planning exercise is conducted, during which students are provided with the opportunity to meet with academic staff to discuss their course plan for the following year. Students are notified by mail of the relevant dates and procedures for this exercise.

Course plans are applications for selection into subjects and must be approved by the faculty. No further action is required unless a student fails a prerequisite subject, misses entry into quota-restricted subjects or wishes to alter their course plan. In these cases, the student should seek advice from the Faculty of Science office.

10.5.3. Quota subjects

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science course receive automatic entry to the compulsory core subjects of the degree - provided prerequisite requirements are satisfied. Quotas may exist on the additional subjects chosen at second and third year. Please refer to Quota subjects for information regarding selection into quota subjects.

10.6. Honours program

Students planning to apply for entry into the honours program (fourth year studies) should refer to Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Bachelor of Information Systems (Honours) for further details.

10.7. Course coordinators

Professor M-J Gething, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Dr M A Perugini, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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