Bachelor of Advanced Biomedical Science (Honours)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Notre Dame Sydney

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Advanced Biomedical Science (Honours) at the University of Notre Dame Australia is a four-year degree that combines in-depth scientific learning with hands-on research experience. It’s perfect for students who are curious about how the human body works, want to explore disease mechanisms, and hope to contribute to advances in biomedical science. You’ll gain a solid understanding of modern biomedical principles while completing an honours research project in your final year, giving you real experience in designing and conducting scientific investigations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in human biology and the sciences that underpin health. Core units like Human Structure & Function, Cellular Biology and Genetics, and Anatomy & Physiology introduce you to how the body functions at both cellular and system levels, while early lab work and academic projects develop your research and communication skills.

Year 2:
Year two delves deeper into how the body responds to disease and how biological systems interact. You’ll study The Pathological Basis of Disease, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Cellular and Systems Neuroscience, alongside Developmental and Reproductive Biology, helping you understand life across stages and the mechanisms behind illness.

Year 3:
In the third year, you’ll apply your knowledge in practical and specialised areas. Units like Biomedical Science Techniques and Practicum, Immunology, Human Genetics, Infectious Disease, Drug Innovation, Delivery and Evaluation, and Clinical & Applied Neuroscience refine your lab skills and prepare you for research and professional practice.

Year 4 (Honours):
Your final year is all about independent research. Through Advanced Research Methods, Statistics & Ethics and the two-part Honours Research Biomedical Science project, you’ll design, execute, and report on a major research project under supervision, producing a thesis that demonstrates your ability to conduct and communicate scientific work.

Focus areas (in a string): Cellular and molecular biology, anatomy and physiology, pathology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, neuroscience, biomedical research and practicum.

Learning outcomes (in a string): Apply advanced biomedical science knowledge, plan and conduct experiments, analyse scientific data, communicate findings effectively, and complete an independent research thesis.

Professional alignment (accreditation): While this degree doesn’t lead directly to professional licensure, the honours component prepares graduates for research careers, postgraduate study, and can support entry into medical or allied health programs.

Reputation (employability rankings): Graduates are highly regarded for their research and analytical skills, making them competitive for roles in biomedical laboratories, scientific research, and health-related sectors, and the honours project provides excellent preparation for further study.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying the Bachelor of Advanced Biomedical Science (Honours) at the University of Notre Dame Australia is all about learning by doing. From your first year, you’ll be rolling up your sleeves in modern biomedical labs, gaining hands-on experience with real scientific equipment, and building the kind of practical skills that prepare you for research or further study. By the time you reach your honours year, you’ll be designing and conducting your own research project, learning what it’s like to tackle real scientific questions under the guidance of experienced supervisors. The program also encourages collaboration and teamwork, so you develop communication and problem-solving skills alongside your lab expertise:

State-of-the-art laboratories: Access purpose-built biomedical science labs for experiments and practical learning in a professional environment.
Practical training & practicum: Units like Biomedical Science Techniques & Practicum teach essential lab methods, experimental design, and data handling, giving you real-world scientific experience.
Honours research project: In your final year, the Honours Research Biomedical Science project lets you plan, conduct, and present a significant research investigation under supervision.
Research supervision and collaboration: Work closely with academic supervisors and research groups within the School of Health Sciences or connected institutes, building networks and professional skills.
Group projects: Many lab and practicum units involve collaborative work, helping you strengthen teamwork and scientific communication.
Digital tools and software: Learn to use research instruments, data analysis software, and databases to support your experiments and investigations.
Libraries and resources: The university’s libraries provide access to journals, databases, and study spaces to support your learning and research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Advanced Biomedical Science (Honours) at the University of Notre Dame Australia gives you a strong foundation for a range of exciting career paths in health and research. Many graduates move into roles such as Biomedical Scientist, Research Assistant, Research Fellow, or Clinical Scientist, and some even explore opportunities in biomedical sales. For high-achieving students, the degree also opens doors to further medical studies through the University’s Doctor of Medicine program:

Career support tailored to your field: Notre Dame’s Careers team offers one-on-one guidance, workshops, and advice specifically for science and research students, helping you confidently move from study to professional roles.
Strong job relevance: The hands-on labs, honours research project, and scientific training equip you with analytical, laboratory, and communication skills that employers in research and biomedical sectors value highly.
Pathway to medicine and leadership: Exceptional students may follow the Assured Pathway into the Doctor of Medicine program, giving you a direct route to a medical career.
Accreditation and long-term value: While this honours degree isn’t a regulated professional accreditation, it’s recognised as an advanced research qualification, boosting your resume for research roles and postgraduate study.
Graduation outcomes: Completing the honours year ensures you can plan and conduct independent research, critically analyse data, and communicate scientific findings — skills highly sought after in both research and clinical environments.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this honours degree, you can pursue postgraduate research programs like a Master of Biomedical Science by Research or a PhD, building deeper expertise and preparing for advanced research or academic careers. Alternatively, if your goal is clinical practice, the assured pathway into the Doctor of Medicine program provides a clear route to becoming a medical practitioner.