Overview

To be read in conjunction with the program of study requirements of the course in which you are enrolled.

Student guidance

Program of study overview
Program of study notes

Aims

The program of study will provide students with a solid foundation in the biomedical sciences that underlie the diverse area of molecular medicine. Upon completion, students will have gained a comprehensive and integrative understanding of all areas of molecular medicine, including human genetics, human immunology, biochemistry, and haematology. These areas of molecular medicine will be covered in states of both health and human disease, providing students with a solid understanding of these key areas of medicine and medical research. In addition to this specific knowledge, it will also provide experience and skills in addressing the scientific literature supplemented by analytical, presentation and communication skills. 

Students will be able to:

  • Understand the workings of and the interplay between genes, proteins, and other cellular molecules, in both health and human disease
  • Understand the increasing importance of molecular biology in medicine, including areas such as genetics, immunology, infectious disease, biochemistry, haematology, and transfusion science
  • Discuss the foundational importance of molecular mechanisms in both practicing medicine and advancing medical research
  • Have a broad knowledge of scientific terminology relating to all areas of molecular medicine, including human genetics, immunology, biochemistry, and haematology
  • Appreciate the importance of advances in the field of molecular medicine, including point-of-care testing and medical biotechnology
  • Access the scientific research literature in the field and collate findings into a cohesive report
  • Perform a range of laboratory techniques to investigate body systems and have an ability to analyse, interpret and report the data
  • Work independently and take responsibility for updating and adapting their knowledge and skills
  • Demonstrate an appreciation of the ethical implications and social impact of genetics, immunology, biochemistry and haematology research and knowledge

The major in molecular medicine provides foundations for further study in biomedical sciences and a range of careers in medicine and health sciences.  It will also allow students to build a deep understanding of current scientific knowledge of the human body and its organ systems, including the nervous system.

Learning outcomes

On completion students will be able to:
1.
Demonstrate a substantial knowledge base of molecular biology and its importance in medicine, including human genetics, human immunology, biochemistry of human disease, haematology, and transfusion science, in both health and human disease
2.
Describe how current knowledge was discovered and how research is able to generate new findings and improve understanding
3.
Critically evaluate information from different sources using scientific principles and systems including researching the literature, generating testable hypotheses and designing appropriate experiments to test them, and interpreting and reporting the results
4.
Design and carry out experimental studies in a laboratory setting using a range of techniques and protocols with adequate and appropriate controls
5.
Communicate clearly scientific principles and discoveries to a variety of audiences, including members of the general public, biomedical and non-biomedical scientific community, in both written and spoken formats
6.
Independently source new material in the biomedical sciences using a variety of sources ranging from textbooks, review articles and the primary literature as appropriate
7.
Contribute effectively to developing and applying scientific knowledge as a member of a team
8.
Work safely and effectively in a laboratory setting, with an awareness of WHS, human ethics, animal ethics, biosafety issues and respect for diversity
9.
Work independently, taking responsibility for personal learning and demonstrate an appreciation of the value of learning as a life-long process

Available in courses

Bachelor of Medical Science - Accelerated
Bachelor of Medical Science
Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) - 4 years