Faculty of Science : Guide to courses 11. Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBiomedSc)

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11. Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBiomedSc)
    11.1. Course objectives
    11.2. Attributes of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science graduate
    11.3. Duration
    11.4. Course requirements
        11.4.1. Approved electives
    11.5. Specialist streams
        11.5.1. Stream 1: Functional, computational and applied genomics
        11.5.2. Stream 2: Physiological genomics
        11.5.3. Stream 3: Biotechnology and therapeutics
        11.5.4. Stream 4: Molecular biology of the cell in health and disease
        11.5.5. Stream 5: Reproductive and developmental biology
        11.5.6. Stream 6: Neuroscience
        11.5.7. Stream 7: Microorganisms, infection and immunity
        11.5.8. Stream 8: Biomedical physics and chemistry
    11.6. Course planning
        11.6.1. First year course planning
        11.6.2. Course planning in later years
        11.6.3. Quota subjects
    11.7. Honours program
    11.8. Course coordinators

11. 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.

11.1. 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 (eg. 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.

11.2. Attributes of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science graduate

In biomedical science at the University of Melbourne we expect to educate our students with the fundamental skill of transforming information into knowledge. This outcome is fully consistent with the University's general ambition for our graduates, and emphasises the transferability of the skills practised in science.

Throughout their course students will find that many of the abilities that they develop are shared by, and so are valued by and are applicable to, activities in all walks of life. In particular, these are the skills that are essential to providing leadership to the biomedical science industries of the Australian economy and culture.

Bachelor of Biomedical Science graduates have concentrated knowledge across the range of biomedical discipline areas, as well as particular areas of specialisation. The integrated nature of the course means that they are able to apply this knowledge readily to different issues, problems or workplaces. They are also able to see beyond specific discipline boundaries and can evaluate and integrate new information and ideas readily into their existing knowledge base.

Having undertaken laboratory and tutorial classes, biomedical science graduates are adept at activity planning as well as the application of theory to practice. They are well versed in a variety of state-of-the-art laboratory techniques of biomedical relevance as well as skills in bioinformatics. Many graduates will have been exposed to laboratory research in research institutes associated with the University. They are able not only to work independently on basic research projects but are also familiar with professional work cultures and readily adapt to new organisations. They are also aware of the bioethical issues surrounding areas such the new genetics and animal cloning investigations.

The scientific training of these graduates gives them strong cognitive skills and they are able to:

• observe, record and evaluate data or evidence appropriately;

• deal with complex data sets and apply their strong numerical competence to identify and analyse key factors and components;

• make effective use of information to identify and solve problems; and

• synthesise and integrate disparate elements into a meaningful whole.

Graduates take these skills further in the creative realm, formulating hypotheses that can be tested for validity. They are used to extrapolating from the known to the unknown and are comfortable working with analogues rather than needing to deal with literal situations. They understand the need to question and clarify before developing a response to a particular issue or problem, enabling them to analyse critically.

Science disciplines value clear reporting. Consequently, the biomedical science graduate has developed skills of efficient and effective communication of ideas and results, whether in the accepted modes of scientific report writing or through more informal oral presentations. Graduates recognise the need to present information and ideas in an effective written form that is appropriate to the purpose and the reader.

The need to manage the multiplicity of tasks (lectures, laboratory and assignment work), means that biomedical science graduates are aware of the need to structure and manage time effectively and efficiently, to retain balance and to prioritise their activities. They are able to juggle several tasks simultaneously, take responsibility for their own work, independently or within a group, and to plan their schedule appropriately.

11.3. Duration

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

11.4. Course requirements

A minimum (and maximum) 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 300-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 science 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

11.4.1. Approved electives

In addition to the prescribed subjects forming one of the specialist streams, students may choose approved science subjects at 200-level and 300-level according to the intended specialisation at 300-level.

Approved science subjects are subjects offered in the disciplines of anatomy and cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, botany, chemistry, genetics, mathematics and statistics, microbiology and immunology, pathology, pharmacology, physics, physiology and zoology.

11.5. 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.

11.5.1. Stream 1: Functional, computational and applied genomics

Coordinators: Associate Professor Ian van Driel 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.

11.5.2. 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 in both basic science as well as clinical research. Employment opportunities exist in university academic departments, research institutes, hospitals, pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology companies.

11.5.3. Stream 3: Biotechnology and therapeutics

Coordinator (Biotechnology): Dr D Tribe

Coordinator (Therapeutics): Associate Professor A Stewart

Coordinator (Drug Technology): Professor C Schiesser and Associate Professor A Stewart

Within Stream 3 there are three themes of study which are designed to provide insight into the rapidly developing interdisciplinary approaches that are providing new molecular innovations improve our quality of life. Biotechnology is concerned with the commercial development and 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.

The drug technology theme will provide students with theory and practical experience in the drug development operations of the pharmaceutical industry. Rational design of pharmaceuticals at the molecular level is replacing previous 'hit-and-miss' random screening methods. Contemporary techniques in combinatorial chemistry, high-throughput analysis and computer-based rational drug design techniques (based on molecular structure) will be covered.

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.

In addition to satisfactorily completing the core subjects, students are required to complete a minimum of 37.5 points of 300-level chemistry and 37.5 points of 300-level pharmacology.

11.5.4. 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.

11.5.5. Stream 5: Reproductive and developmental biology

Coordinator: Professor Marilyn Renfree

Reproductive and developmental biology are two rapidly expanding fields providing many exciting opportunities for graduates in clinical and biomedical research. Among these are in vitro fertilisation, as well as the newly expanding field of embryonic stem cell technology that has enormous therapeutic potential for repair of diseased and damaged tissues.

This stream is designed to give students a broad background in the molecular, cellular and physiological basis of reproduction, and embryonic and fetal development in human, domestic and other animal models. It covers diverse topics including development from egg to embryo, pregnancy, lactation, birth and birth defects, sexual differentiation; fertility control strategies for the prevention of HIV; and stem cell research. This stream also provides a good background for those students interested in the application of assisted reproductive technology for the conservation of endangered species. The electives have been chosen to allow students to further focus on areas that particularly interest them and can lead to honours and postgraduate research.

Stream 5 opens up employment opportunities in three broad areas, in medical research, biotechnology and agricultural industries. Graduates are well qualified for employment in fertility clinics; assisted reproductive technology and biotechnology companies such as IVF Australia, CSL, Organon, Schering, Ansell and Novartis; veterinary and agricultural industries such as CSIRO, Environment Australia, Natural Resources and Environment, Parks Victoria and Victorian Institute of Animal Sciences, and also in university and government research institutes.

11.5.6. 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.

11.5.7. 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 immunology 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.

Within stream 7 there are three sub-streams available at 300-level:

• Stream 7A: Combined Microbiology and Immunology

• Stream 7B: Microbiology

• Stream 7C: Immunology

At third-year level, at least one (12.5 points) of the four practical subjects offered (526-321, 526-324, 526-326, 526-327) must be selected.

Note: The choice of the Semester 2 electives 526-305 and 526-326 depends of student's stream specific core choice.

11.5.8. Stream 8: Biomedical physics and chemistry

Coordinator (Physics): Associate Professor D Jamieson

Coordinator (Chemistry): Professor C Schiesser

11.6. Course planning

11.6.1. 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.

11.6.2. 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.

11.6.3. 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.

11.7. 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.

11.8. 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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