Skip to Main Content
Male student and teacher testing in lab

Biomedical Science

Diploma of Health Science

Course overview

This course has been Accredited by TEQSA as an AQF Level 5 – Diploma course.

Biomedical science is a continually changing, dynamic field with long-term career prospects, including roles in management, research, education and specialised laboratory work.

Biomedical scientists focus on how cells, organs and systems function in the human body. Their work is an important element in our understanding and treatment of human diseases.

This stream introduces a broad range of theory, including studies in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, immunology, genetics and biochemistry.

As a Biomedical Science graduate, you can also continue on to specialise in one of these fields: medical science, medical microbiology, genetics, haematology, histopathology, anthropology, cytology, human biology, immunology, medicine, nutrition science, biochemistry, data science, clinical chemistry or evolutionary medicine.

Duration

Year 1: 8 units (8-12 months)
Year 2: 8 units (12 months)

Intake Dates

Year 1: February, June, October
Year 2: February, July

View important dates

Campus Location

ECU Joondalup Campus West

View campus facilities

International Fees

2025 Year 1: A$26,500
2025 Year 2: A$36,500

Scholarships

Domestic Fees

2025 Year 1: A$17,200
2025 Year 2: A$17,600

FEE-HELP available

Leads to ECU

Your Diploma of Health Science can lead into ECU second year of this degree:

Receive 8 units exemption from Diploma of Health Science

Receive 6 units exemption from Diploma of Health Science

Domestic students must enrol minimum 2 units (30 credit points) per study period.

Career Opportunities

Audiology, Biochemistry Technician, Haematology Technician, Histology Technician, Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Scientist, Medical Researcher, Research Officer, Nutritionist.

Diploma of Health Science (Year 1)

CRICOS Code 103337G

Stage 1 of this course consists of 8 units of study and can be completed over 2 or 3 trimesters. It provides opportunities for scaffolded learning and the development of core academic and employability skills.

This unit introduces the foundations of academic writing – from library research using databases, selection of approved academic resources, to writing paragraphs and essays, using the APA referencing system and delivering oral presentations using multi-media.  The unit also includes essential study skills to assist with time management, note-taking and the use of memory aids for study purposes.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

This unit develops knowledge and skills in computing systems – software, hardware, digital security, communication networks, internet, information and data management. Students will develop their digital literacy and gain practical skills in specific computing applications from the Microsoft Office Suite. Students will also be introduced to some basic hands-on skills in program design using Pseudocode.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

This unit is designed for students who require a general mathematics background suitable for studies in business, health sciences and computing/IT courses.  Students will learn to use a scientific calculator and develop critical thinking skills to identify, analyse, synthesize and solve mathematical calculations in arithmetic, statistics, algebra, functions and their graphs, optimisation, sequences, series, growth and decay, trigonometry, geometric sequences, series, set theory and interest.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

Students will identify, analyse and apply communication, social and intercultural skills for effective interpersonal and workplace relationships.  This unit develops written skills, oral presentation skills and research skills, to prepare students for academic or professional environments.  Students will make connections between learning and future employability through topics such as effective workplace relationships, negotiation, managing conflict, and skills for teamwork and leadership.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

This unit introduces concepts and skills used by managers to propose, plan, secure resources, budget and lead project teams to successful project completion.  Students will examine and apply fundamental principles, strategies and approaches for project management in a variety of contexts that are universally applicable across organisations and project types.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class

Credits: 15

ICS100  Intercultural Studies

The unit introduces students to intercultural interaction in the contemporary world, focusing on multiple and diverse audiences, modalities, globalisation, cultural symbols and values, language, and interpretations of intercultural sites. Accounting for the international students’ experiences, they are given a practical introduction to relevant processes leading to expanding their cultural knowledge. Global citizenship, including intercultural communication skills, is introduced and enhanced, focusing on cultural diversity and contemporary implications for professional practice. Students will explore, report and present on their intercultural communication journey, and its’ relevance to their discipline / professional interests.

SCN110 Foundation Science

This integrated Science unit enables students to investigate science issues in the context of the world around them. It incorporates aspects of biology, chemistry, and physics, and is suited to students wishing to pursue a range of future career and study options. Integrated Science encourages students to be questioning, reflective and critical thinkers about scientific issues. Students develop a range of practical skills and techniques through investigations and fieldwork in context, and use scientific evidence to make informed decisions about scientific issues.

 

CHE100 – Introductory Chemistry

This Chemistry unit is designed for students who wish to study engineering, physical sciences or health sciences at a tertiary level. It covers the study of matter and its interactions (chemical quantities, atoms, states, chemical bonding, chemical calculations, electronic and molecular structures, organic and inorganic chemistry).   Students will develop skills in organising, analysing and interpreting information and use simulated activities to prepare for future laboratory work.

BUS129 – Introductory Marketing

This unit explains theoretical principles/practices for marketing in changing environments.  It introduces fundamental marketing concepts across many institutions (government, manufacturing, services and not-for-profit sectors) and how marketing concepts are applied in the real world.   Students identify, analyse and combine key marketing tools to develop a marketing mix for specific markets and market segments; identify, collect and evaluate data for different marketing requirements and apply them in simulated contexts.   Students will also investigate social media and develop communication skills as part of a marketing campaign pitch.

Diploma of Health Science (Year 2)

CRICOS Code 103337G

Stage 2 of this course consists of 8 units of study and can be completed over 2 semesters.

Semester 1 units

This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to foundational concepts in human anatomy and physiology. The unit investigates core concepts in the cellular, chemical and biochemical structure and functions of the body. It then examines the developmental, anatomical and physiological features of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.

Students evaluate and submit a written response to a case scenario involving a range of anatomical and physiological deviations from normal. Students will be assessed on their ability to analyse relationships in order to solve problems, communicate ideas through written discussion, apply appropriate scientific terminology, and demonstrate academic integrity.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Laboratory

Credits: 15

This broadly based unit will introduce the student to important chemical concepts and principles. The unit will provide the essential chemistry background required for courses in the biological, environmental and health sciences.

This unit introduces students to the foundations of chemistry. The unit uses technology enhanced learning, such as chemical simulations, videos, podcasts and online tutorial support with a mix of lectures and laboratory sessions. The laboratory sessions support the theory covered in lectures and provide students with skills in dealing with chemicals, laboratory safety, data collection and analysis. Student participation in laboratory classes is compulsory.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Laboratory

Credits: 15

This units deals with the methods and skills or organising, summarising and presenting numerical data. The concepts of estimation and hypothesis testing are studied, with the emphasis on analysing real data. Students will learn to use statistical software packages and be expected to work through the tutorial worksheets.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Laboratory

Credits: 15

This unit provides students with information about genetic issues they could encounter during their lives. It begins with classical genetics – cell division, transmission of traits, cytogenetics, and developmental genetics. Emphasis then shifts to DNA structure, gene expression, and recombinant DNA technology before the genetic nature of cancer is introduced. The unit concludes with an analysis of the social, legal and ethical issues arising from genetic testing and screening, genetic counselling, reproductive technology, gene therapy, genetic treatment and the role of biotechnology in society.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 2hr Lecture and Weekly 2hr Laboratory

Credits: 15

Page Section

Semester 2 units

This unit examines the anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems within the body. The systems will be investigated both with respect to their individual structure and function, as well as their roles as part of an integrated whole. Students undertake basic research and submit a written report on a clinical case scenario that requires anatomical and physiological knowledge. Students will be assessed on their ability to analyse relationships in order to solve problems, communicate ideas through written discussion, use scientific terminology correctly and demonstrate academic integrity.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Laboratory

Credits: 15

This unit provides an introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry. It covers the structure and reactions of important classes of organic compounds and biomolecules including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids. Various important applications will be described, including polymers, medicinals, soaps and detergents.

Pre-Requisite Units: SCC1123D.

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Laboratory

Credits: 15

This unit explores cross-cultural understanding through development of lifelong learning principles informed by professional and ethical considerations within health systems. Students will build culturally reflexive awareness by practising critical reflection of health practitioner knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviours and power differentials to establish culturally safe environments for all concerned. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health will be the primary focus of the unit, however, cultural safety and cultural capability will be applied in several additional contexts including the significance of: individualism and collectivism, gender and sexuality, spirituality and religion, and attitudes toward mortality.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Laboratory

Credits: 15

This unit examines the concepts of health and disease in human populations and the principles and mechanisms of the disease processes. The various components and interactions of the body’s defence system and the relationship of environmental factors to the disease process are considered. The morphology, pathogenesis and clinical course of diseases are considered in detail.

Pre-Requisite Units: None

Tuition Pattern: Weekly 2hr Lecture and Weekly 2hr Laboratory

Credits: 15

*This unit is service taught on the ECU Joondalup campus.

^Mid-year starters will take this unit in the semester 2

+Mid-year starters will take this unit in the semester 1

Back to Top