Program Overview
This Clinical Laboratory Science program prepares students for analytical roles in disease diagnosis, research, and health-related fields. Through practical laboratory work and coursework in areas like microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology, students develop essential skills for analyzing and interpreting patient material. Graduates may pursue careers as laboratory technicians, researchers, or in other health-related sectors.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This program is designed for students interested in disease processes and diagnosis. It provides the experience and analytical skills needed to succeed in medical diagnosis, medical research, and other health-related fields. Students will explore medical technology and work in practical laboratories on campus to gain laboratory skills used to analyze, diagnose, and research human diseases. They will examine disease processes and learn the technical skills needed to handle patient material collected in hospitals, doctor’s surgeries, and even forensic investigations. By the end of the course, students will be able to perform clinical testing and analyze and report results. The program covers human biology, cell and molecular biology, molecular genetics, and a range of clinical laboratory disciplines including microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, and haematology. This major, along with completion of other appropriate clinical units in second and third year, will potentially help prepare students for a fourth year of study and a professional qualification in Laboratory Medicine.
Outline:
The program is structured as follows:
- Total credit points: 24
- Major: 24 credit points
- Required Units: 18 credit points
- BMS212 Medical Microbiology (3 credit points)
- BIO282 Molecular Biology (3 credit points)
- BMS211 Medical Immunology (3 credit points)
- BMS218 Haematology (3 credit points)
- BMS221 Histology and Histotechnology (3 credit points)
- BMS327 Diagnostic Genomics (3 credit points)
- Specified Electives: 6 credit points
- BMS322 Clinical Immunology (3 credit points)
- OR BMS324 Clinical Microbiology I (3 credit points)
- OR BMS326 Clinical Haematology I (3 credit points)
Teaching:
The program emphasizes practical learning with laboratory content throughout the course to ensure students acquire practical skills and reinforce theoretical principles.
Careers:
A major in Clinical Laboratory Science will give students opportunities to pursue a career in health-related fields. Careers could include:
- Laboratory Technician
- Technical Officer
- Medical Researcher
- Laboratory Assistant
- Research Scientist Graduates could work in medical research institutes, diagnostic pathology laboratories, biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, secondary or higher (university) education, medical scientific supply, or hospitals.
Other:
- Murdoch University is located in a vibrant health and research precinct, which includes Fiona Stanley and St John of God Hospitals, along with many other health facilities such as the Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases.
- The program prepares students for the workforce or further study.
- Students will learn about the latest advances in modern diagnostic science.
