CL10 - Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours)

Overview

Compulsory Residential School

Some units in this course require you to attend a compulsory Residential School or Work Integrated Learning. Please see Course Features in the Getting Started tab for further information.

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) will qualify you to work as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. You will gain theoretical and technical knowledge in the clinical disciplines of laboratory medicine for application in the diagnostic setting. Throughout your study you will build technical and evaluative skills to assess and implement recommendations for best practice in patient testing, monitoring and education. This course will enable you to develop an advanced level of communication skill to interact positively with patients and other health professionals ready for the clinical or scientific work environment. Clinical decision-making and problem-solving abilities are key skills for the medical laboratory scientist. You will develop these skills through opportunities in professional practice, case-based studies and research projects. This course is accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists and you are eligible to apply for professional membership upon completion.

Career Information

A Medical Laboratory Scientist is a health professional who conducts medical laboratory tests to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. They require specialised education and skills to prepare tissue sections for microscopic examination, analyse samples to study the effects of microbial infections and develop techniques to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. A Medical Laboratory Scientist has a degree of responsibility in the diagnostic process through the provision of advice to Medical Practitioners on the interpretation of tests, methods for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. They can undertake research and prepare scientific papers and reports. They ensure quality management processes and safety standards are followed in medical laboratories and undertake research in their area of expertise. Communication skills and exemplary professional attitude are all critical to success in this field.

Course Details
Duration 4 years full-time or 8 years part-time
Credit Points that Must be Earned 192
Number of Units Required CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24).
Expected Hours of Study One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term.
Course Type Undergraduate Award
Qualification (post nominal) BMedLabSci (Hon)
AQF Level Level 8: Bachelor Honours Degree
Course Fees
Indicative Year - 2024
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $10,810
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $29,998.5
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $19,680
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $38,820
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $10,027
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $18,030
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $36,060
Indicative Year - 2022
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $36,060
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $9,668
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $18,030

Admission Codes

Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

Term 2 - 2025

Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2025

Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2024

Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2024

Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2023

Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2023

Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2022

Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2022

Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2021

Sorry, no domestic availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2021

Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2020

Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2020

Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2019

Online
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2019

There are compulsory residential schools in Rockhampton and work integrated learning placement in some units in this course.
Online
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2018

Distance
Rockhampton

Term 1 - 2018

Distance
Rockhampton
Show All

International Availability

Term 2 - 2025

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2025

Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2024

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2024

Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2023

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2023

Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2022

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2022

Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2021

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2021

Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2020

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2020

Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2019

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2019

There are compulsory residential schools in Rockhampton and work integrated learning placement in some units in this course.
Rockhampton

Term 2 - 2018

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2018

Rockhampton
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
Rank Threshold SR 69.00 | ATAR 69.00
Entry Requirements

English Language Proficiency Requirements

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University. Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion within the last 5 years of:

  • A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
  • Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years full time with a minimum overall GPA 4.0

Completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.

If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:

  • An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) with an overall band score of at least 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0 in each subset, or
  • A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL – internet based) with an overall score of at least 79 or better overall and no sub-score less that 21; or
  • A Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) with an overall band score of 62 with no sub-score less than 54, or
  • An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components

English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.

If you are an International student please visit International students English requirements for further information.

Each student will be assessed individually.

Assumed Knowledge

English (4, SA), Maths B (4, SA), Chemistry, Biology, Science

Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards CG93 - Bachelor of Medical Science (Specialisation) CB25 - Associate Degree of Medical Science
Exit Awards CL13 - Diploma of Health Science CG93 - Bachelor of Medical Science (Specialisation) CM30 - Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Science CB25 - Associate Degree of Medical Science
Accreditation
  • Learned Society: Core
    Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS)

    Please note that the accreditation body AIMS has changed their name to the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists however the acronym remains unchanged. The handbook/website should say "The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) is fully accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists until December 31st, 2025".

Residential School Requirements

Compulsory Residential School Many units in the course have compulsory residential schools in Rockhampton to ensure students acquire the technical skills of the Medical Laboratory Scientist.
Click here to view all Residential Schools

Practicum/Work Placement

BMSC14004 - 200 hours of work placement. Student learning supported by clinical supervisors on-site and academics at CQUniversity
BMSC13012 - 180 hours of work placement. Student learning supported by clinical supervisors on-site and academics at CQUniversity
BMSC12005 - 180 hours of work placement. Student learning supported by clinical supervisors on-site and academics at CQUniversity

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2024 55
2023 78
2022 75
2021 63
2020 56
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.

If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.

Ethical Behaviour
  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
  • Treating personal information obtained in classroom, clinical and practice settings as private and confidential.
  • Respecting an individual's/group's diversity by demonstrating sensitivity to religious, cultural and individual differences.
  • Demonstrating an ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues and taking responsibility for ensuring awareness of ethical behaviour.
  • Being governed by codes, guidelines and policies outlined by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS).
  • Complying with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australian Research Council (ARC) and Universities Australia (UA)) and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (NHMRC).
Behavioural Stability
  • Interacting positively and effectively with other students, health practitioners and members of the public while attending activities related to the course.
  • Being receptive and responding appropriately to different viewpoints, constructive feedback and direction from academics, clinical staff and practice supervisors.
  • Coping effectively with your own emotions, responses and behaviour when dealing with challenging situations in the classroom, clinical and practice settings.
Legal Compliance
  • Complying with relevant child protection and safety legislation including mandatory reporting requirements.
  • Understanding and adhering to professional policy around the use of social media.
  • Knowing, understanding and complying with legislative and regulatory requirements which are necessary pre-requisites to clinical placements in order to reduce the risk of harm to self and others.
Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)
  • Actively participating in discussion activities related to the course.
  • Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual or group.
  • Verbally communicating your knowledge and skills with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness.
  • Providing team members with clear concise verbal reports which relate to clients or patients.
  • Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of all persons encountered during interactions and activities included in the course and responding appropriately.
  • Using appropriate facial expressions, eye contact and gestures while being mindful of interpersonal space.
  • Constructing your assessment work to academic standards with attention to correct grammar and punctuation and structure.
  • Constructing fluent summarised written text from complex and detailed information.
  • Constructing legible reports in a timely manner to meet professional standards and clearly communicating the intended message.
  • Accurately documenting charts, records and reports to meet legal and professional requirements.
  • Accessing a computer for your studies.
  • Regularly accessing the Internet for research and email for communication with peers and lecturers.
  • Analysing, manipulating and displaying scientific information.
Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)
  • Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
  • Applying knowledge of policy and procedures in the classroom, clinical and practice settings.
  • Performing your duties within set time frames.
  • Applying theoretical knowledge to understand best-practice when providing care or services.
  • Paraphrasing, summarising and referencing in accordance with appropriate academic conventions.
  • Actively listening to information within a variety of academic, clinical and practice settings.
  • Reading and accurately interpreting information related to patients and/or clients.
  • Completing documentation that is accurate, clear and concise.
  • Demonstrating effective use of numeracy skills to record data accurately.
  • Applying numeracy skills to interpret and solve problems in a range of education, clinical and practice settings.
Sensory Abilities (Visual, Auditory, Tactile)
  • Focussing on and recognising objects that are either near or far.
  • Ability to visually distinguish colour in order to interpret results of investigations.
  • Safely operating laboratory equipment.
  • Sufficiently hearing verbal communication from other students, academics, clinical staff and practice supervisors during activities related to the course.
  • Having sufficient auditory ability to consistently and accurately monitor, access and manage, and respond to patient and client needs.
  • Accurately interpreting verbal communications and directions from staff.
  • Using touch in an appropriate manner when conveying positive messages for emotional support during difficult circumstances.
  • Conducting physical assessments and detecting anatomical abnormalities.
Relational Skills
  • Rapidly building rapport with people from all walks of life, as well as with colleagues and/or research participants and/or clients in the professional context.
  • Maintaining positive working relationships when under stressful circumstances.
  • Maintaining confidentiality in all contexts.
Reflective Skills
  • Reflecting critically on topics taught during the course.
  • Identifying when your practice may be negatively affected by personal experience and/or reactions and be able to reflect and learn from this experience.
  • Reflecting on situations that may be difficult and sensitive.
  • Identifying, reflecting and learning from successful situations as well as opportunities for improvement.
Sustainable Performance
  • Actively participating in activities related to the course with adequate, sustained levels of physical energy and concentration.
  • Participating in learning clinical and practical laboratory skills and fully engaging in clinical practice activities.
Strength and Mobility (Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills)
  • Incorporating a range of gross motor skills while participating effectively in activities related to the course.
  • Maintaining balance while safely transferring delicate equipment.
  • Moving with ease around patients and equipment items while performing delivery of care.
  • Safely retrieving and utilising stock and equipment.
  • Manipulating delicate, breakable equipment with ease and care.
  • Manipulating syringes and needles with precision and care avoiding harm to self and others.
Interpersonal Engagement
  • Demonstrating the skills of collaborating with fellow students and colleagues, modifying and reflecting on practice during a project, or modifying and reflecting on work integrated learning in response to supervisor feedback.
  • Critically self-reflecting on situations that may/may not have gone well, and taking the learning point(s) from that situation.
  • Interacting and engaging with individuals and groups in clinical practice and/or work placement in a respectful and culturally competent manner in a wide variety of contexts.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Abilities
  • Competently using a desktop operating system such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X.
  • Accessing a computer and having sufficient computer skills to engage in on-line learning, reading and responding as required to emails, and completing relevant assessments for the course.
  • Regularly accessing the Internet for research and email for communication with peers and lecturers.
  • Using a variety of computer programs to analyse, manipulate and display scientific information applicable to your course of study.
Compulsory Requirements
Health Requirements

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements apply to this course and as such are subject to compulsory pre-placement conditions referred to as mandatory checks and are outlined in the health, security and other compulsory requirements sections. Mandatory checks are determined by industry, organisations, legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures. To be eligible for a WIL placement, students must first achieve compliance with mandatory checks by each closing date prior to a WIL placement and maintain current evidence for the duration of the course. 

Mandatory health requirements include immunisation and vaccination evidence (and serology where required) to the following diseases: Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Varicella, Pertussis, Influenza, and Tuberculosis screening. Additional vaccinations and screening are subject to the site or state health authority.  

COVID-19 Vaccination Advice

Effective 25 September 2023, updates have been made to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Queensland Health sites and the Queensland Ambulance Service. While Queensland Health does not currently mandate evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, it's essential to recognise that other organisations may enforce their own vaccination specific criteria. This situation is similar across other states and territories, with the exception of Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all healthcare students.    

Security Requirements

Mandatory security requirements include an Australian Federal Police clearance.

Other Compulsory Requirements

Other mandatory requirements include a First Aid and CPR certificate, student agreement to privacy and confidentiality, fitness to participate in WIL student declaration, jurisdictional and site-specific compulsory requirements, and other training modules. 

Core Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Practice competently as a medical laboratory scientist
  • 2. Apply a broad and coherent body of medical (laboratory) science knowledge to professional practice
  • 3. Behave professionally, using knowledge of quality management, legislation and personal skills, to ensure safe practice as a Medical Laboratory Scientist
  • 4. Perform medical laboratory science-based research and report the outcomes.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4
1. KNOWLEDGE Have coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines and knowledge of research principles and methods
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of a body of knowledge and theoretical concepts with advanced understanding in some areas
4. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in developing new understanding
5. SKILLS Have technical skills to design and use research in a project
6. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in professional practice and/or scholarship
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
10. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Plan and execute project work and/or a piece of research and scholarship with some independence
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
Number of units: 30 Total credit points: 192

N/A

To be eligible to graduate with the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) students must complete the 30 core units (192 units of credit) and complete professional placement requirements.

Professional Placement
Prior to placement, each student must satisfy specific pre-clinical health, safety, security and licensing requirements, including a clear criminal record check, and must disclose any condition that may put themselves, or the public, at significant risk whilst on placement. Due to limited availability of placements, some block placements have start and/or end dates that fall outside standard term start and end dates. As placement availability is limited in each community, students may be placed at locations that are not of their choosing. Students will be required to complete the requisite number of professional placement hours. Students must prepare financially and personally to relocate for placements, and are responsible for any associated costs.

Residential School
There are residential schools in this course which students are required to attend. These are based in Rockhampton so students must prepare financially and personally to attend, and are responsible for any associated costs. Wherever possible, Residential Schools are scheduled back-to-back.

Year 1 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BMSC11010 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1
BMSC11003 Professional Practice in Medical Sciences
CHEM11043 Atoms, Molecules and Matter
MBIO19012 Microbiology
Year 1 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BMSC11011 Human Anatomy and Physiology 2
BMSC11005 Foundations of Biochemistry
BMSC11012 Foundations of Immunology
ESSC11002 Measurement and Evaluation in Health Science
Year 2 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BMSC12012 Molecular Cell Biology
BMSC12010 Clinical Biochemistry
BMSC12011 Medical Microbiology 1
BMSC12016 Applied Pathophysiology
Year 2 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BMSC12001 Histological and Cytological Techniques
BMSC12003 Haematology and Transfusion Science
BMSC12005 Work Integrated Learning
BMSC12015 Cell and Tissue Biology
Year 3 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BMSC13023 Applied Immunology
BMSC13001 Advanced Haematology
BMSC13010 Pharmacology
BMSC13016 Advanced Histopathology and Cytopathology
Year 3 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
BMSC13002 Advanced Clinical Biochemistry
BMSC13003 Medical Microbiology 2
BMSC13012 Advanced Work Integrated Learning
BMSC13011 Advanced Transfusion Science
Year 4 - Term 1
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
MEDS14001 Medical Science Research 1
BMSC14005 Preparation for Professional Practice in Medical Laboratory Science
BMSC14001 Integrated Pathology 1
Year 4 - Term 2
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
MEDS14002 Medical Science Research 2
BMSC14004 Specialised Work Integrated Learning
BMSC14003 Integrated Pathology 2
More Details

Work Placement


Students are required to undertake work placements in an accredited Pathology Laboratory for a total of 24 weeks.

Experience in authentic work environments is very valuable as it develops the professional skills and 'work readiness' of graduates.


Work placements are currently required for the following units:


Second Year        BMSC12005        180 hours

Third Year            BMSC13012        180 hours

Fourth Year          BMSC14004         200 hours

                             

Before commencing work placement or Work Integrated Learning units, students must provide evidence of Immunisations as per the CQUniversity Policy for Vaccination of Students in Health Courses.


Residential Schools


Online students will be required to attend residential schools on Rockhampton campus to promote the development of course learning outcomes.


Computing Requirements


It is a requirement of enrolment in this course that students have access to the CQUniversity website. Students may be required to undertake various components of study in the course using email and the Internet.


It is strongly recommended that students have access to a broadband connection or higher to access online student resources that would include but not limited to, email, internet, video streaming, electronic assessment submission.


Recognition of prior learning and application for credit transfer


Course credit may be granted to students who are able to demonstrate appropriate prior learning or experience. Credit transfer will only be granted where a student is able to demonstrate that tertiary studies, equivalent in content and depth to the CQUniversity course, have been successfully completed.


Refer to the Credit Transfer website at http://www.cqu.edu.au/credittransfer for further details on the guidelines and application process.


You can apply for a direct credit against CQUniversity units if an equivalent tertiary level study has been completed. You must supply relevant documentation (Study guides, unit profiles, etc) to do this. If your study was undertaken more than 10 years ago, you may not be eligible for the credit.