Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Australian Catholic University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Biomedical Science / Bachelor of Laws at Australian Catholic University is a distinctive double degree that blends the science of human health with the study of law. It’s a great choice for students who are interested in both medicine and legal systems, especially those who want to work in areas such as health law, medical regulation, biotechnology policy, or legal practice within healthcare.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 – Building the basics in science and law
In the first year, students start by developing a strong foundation in both disciplines. Biomedical units such as Human Biology, Chemistry for Bioscience, and Foundations of Biomedical Science introduce key concepts about the human body and biological systems. At the same time, law subjects like Introduction to Australian Law and Legal Research and Writing help students learn how the legal system works and how to analyse legal issues.

Year 2 – Understanding the body and the legal system
During the second year, students explore how the human body functions in greater detail while continuing to build their legal knowledge. Units such as Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, and Microbiology provide insight into body systems and disease processes. Alongside this, law courses like Criminal Law and Procedure and Contract Law introduce important legal principles that shape society and professional practice.

Year 3 – Applying science and law to real issues
By the third year, students begin connecting biomedical science with legal thinking. Biomedical subjects such as Pathophysiology and Immunology focus on how diseases develop and how the immune system responds. At the same time, law units including Torts and Administrative Law explore legal responsibility, professional accountability, and decision-making within organisations and government.

Year 4 – Advanced legal knowledge with scientific insight
In the fourth year, the program focuses on more advanced legal studies while maintaining a strong scientific perspective. Students take core law units such as Evidence, Property Law, and Equity and Trusts, developing the knowledge needed for legal practice while continuing to build their understanding of biomedical science.

Year 5 – Preparing for professional careers
In the final year, students complete advanced law subjects such as Constitutional Law and Legal Ethics, alongside their final biomedical science studies. By the end of the program, graduates have a rare combination of legal expertise and scientific understanding, preparing them for careers at the intersection of healthcare, science, and law.

Focus areas (in a string)

biomedical science and human health, medical and health law, biotechnology regulation, legal research and advocacy, ethics and professional responsibility, healthcare policy and regulation

Learning outcomes (in a string)

understand human biology and disease processes, analyse complex legal issues and legislation, apply legal reasoning to health and science contexts, conduct scientific and legal research, communicate professionally in legal and scientific environments, evaluate ethical and regulatory challenges in healthcare

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The law component of the program at Australian Catholic University meets the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia, provided graduates complete the required Practical Legal Training after finishing the degree.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Australian Catholic University is recognised for strong graduate employment outcomes and practical learning opportunities, helping students build the professional skills needed for careers in both legal and healthcare sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Australian Catholic University Bachelor of Biomedical Science / Bachelor of Laws develop practical, career-ready skills by combining scientific laboratory training with hands-on legal learning and real-world case analysis. The program is designed to help students apply both scientific reasoning and legal thinking to complex issues such as healthcare regulation, biomedical innovation, and medical ethics, supported by modern laboratories, law learning environments, and work-integrated learning opportunities.

Across the degree, students gain experience in both biomedical science laboratories and law-focused learning spaces, where they build technical, analytical, and professional communication skills. Learning is closely connected to real-world contexts through practical exercises, simulations, and applied scientific and legal problem-solving:

Biomedical Science Laboratories: Students complete hands-on practical classes in areas such as human biology, microbiology, physiology, and biochemistry using modern laboratory equipment and scientific techniques.
Law Mooting and Courtroom Simulations: Students develop advocacy and legal reasoning skills through mooting exercises, mock trials, and simulated courtroom experiences.
Legal Research Training: Students use professional legal databases and resources for case analysis, statutory interpretation, and legal problem-solving tasks.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): The program includes opportunities for practical learning experiences that connect academic study with professional contexts in science and law-related fields.
Interdisciplinary Case Studies: Students work on real-world scenarios involving healthcare law, biomedical ethics, and regulatory frameworks, integrating both scientific and legal perspectives.
Collaborative Group Projects: Team-based assignments develop skills in legal argumentation, scientific investigation, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.
Digital Learning Tools: Students engage with biomedical databases, scientific research platforms, and legal information systems to support academic and professional skill development.
Research and Evidence-Based Learning: Students are trained to evaluate scientific evidence and legal principles critically through research-focused coursework and applied assessments.
Library and Academic Resources: Access to extensive biomedical journals, legal texts, case law databases, and academic support services through ACU library facilities.
Industry-Relevant Skill Development: The program builds competencies in scientific analysis, legal reasoning, ethical decision-making, and professional communication across both disciplines.
Modern Teaching Facilities: Students benefit from ACU’s dedicated science laboratories and law learning environments designed to support practical, career-focused education.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Australian Catholic University Bachelor of Biomedical Science / Bachelor of Laws are well positioned for interdisciplinary careers that combine science, healthcare, and legal expertise. This double degree prepares students for roles such as Health Lawyer, Biomedical Policy Advisor, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Clinical Ethics Consultant, or Legal Practitioner working within healthcare, biotechnology, and public health systems:

ACU Career Development Service: Students receive personalised career support including one-on-one career counselling, resume and cover letter assistance, interview preparation, and employer networking opportunities.
Professional Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): The program incorporates practical learning experiences that connect scientific and legal studies with real-world professional environments across healthcare and legal sectors.
Biomedical and Legal Industry Relevance: Graduates develop skills applicable in hospitals, research organisations, government agencies, biotechnology companies, and legal practices dealing with health and science regulation.
Strong Graduate Employability Focus: ACU is recognised for its emphasis on graduate outcomes, ethical professional practice, and work-ready skills across both science and law disciplines.
Accredited Legal Qualification Pathway: The Bachelor of Laws is accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board (or relevant admitting authority depending on jurisdiction), enabling graduates to pursue Practical Legal Training and admission to legal practice in Australia.
Interdisciplinary Career Advantage: Combining biomedical science with law gives graduates a competitive edge in fields such as medical ethics, healthcare regulation, forensic law, and pharmaceutical policy.
Research and Evidence-Based Skills: Students develop strong analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities through scientific investigation and legal analysis.
Professional Networking Opportunities: Through ACU’s industry engagement and placement pathways, students gain exposure to professionals in both healthcare and legal fields.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates leave with dual qualifications that support careers across science, law, and healthcare governance sectors, both in Australia and internationally.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Biomedical Science / Bachelor of Laws, graduates may undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for legal practice in Australia. They may also pursue postgraduate study such as Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Public Health, Master of Biotechnology, Master of Forensic Science, or research degrees (PhD) in biomedical science, health law, or interdisciplinary science-policy fields.