Bachelor of Biomedical Science(Pharmacology and Toxicology)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Murdoch University Australia

Program Overview

If you’re curious about how drugs work in the body and how toxic substances can affect health, the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Pharmacology and Toxicology) at Murdoch University is perfect for you. This degree is ideal for students who want to explore human pharmacology, toxicology, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology, while gaining hands-on experience in real labs to build practical skills.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
Your first year lays the foundation for everything to come. You’ll explore units like Introduction to the Human Body, Cell Biology, and Fundamentals of Chemistry, giving you a strong understanding of how the body works and the chemical principles behind biological processes. Practical labs and units like Statistical Data Analysis will help you develop essential experimental and analytical skills.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll start diving deeper into pharmacology and toxicology. Units such as Human Pharmacology teach you how drugs interact with body systems, while introductory toxicology units explore the effects of harmful substances. Labs and practical classes continue to build your hands-on experience, helping you apply theory in real scientific settings.

Year 3
Your final year focuses on advanced topics and independent work. Units like Forensic Toxicology and Clinical Biochemistry give you the skills to analyse toxins, study biochemical changes in disease, and conduct more independent projects. Elective units let you tailor your degree to your interests, rounding out your practical and theoretical expertise.

Focus areas: human pharmacology, toxicology, biomedical physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology

Learning outcomes: understand how drugs and toxins affect the body, perform laboratory investigations, analyse biological data, apply scientific methods to pharmacological and toxicological problems, and communicate scientific findings confidently

Professional alignment (accreditation): this program meets Murdoch University’s high standards for scientific education, giving you skills and knowledge valued by research institutes, industry, and postgraduate programs in health and science

Reputation: Murdoch University is known for hands-on learning and strong research links, making this degree ideal for students who want practical experience and career-ready skills in medical research, biotechnology, and public health

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Pharmacology and Toxicology) at Murdoch, you’ll spend much of your time actively doing science, not just reading about it. From your first year, you’ll get hands-on experience in real labs, using techniques and equipment that professional scientists use every day. You’ll learn how to analyse biological samples, carry out experiments, and apply scientific methods — all while gaining the confidence and practical skills that make you career-ready. Being part of Murdoch’s health and research precinct also gives you access to world-class research centres and opportunities to connect with professionals in the field:

Here’s how your degree brings science to life:

Hands-on laboratory classes – You’ll take part in practical lab sessions throughout the course, performing and analysing experiments to reinforce your lecture-based learning and develop essential technical skills.
Access to research facilities – Study in Murdoch’s health and research precinct, surrounded by hospitals and research centres, giving you exposure to real biomedical science environments and industry connections.
Connections to research centres – You’ll have opportunities to engage with centres like the Australian National Phenome Centre, learning about advanced metabolic and phenomic research and collaborating on cutting-edge projects.
Collaborative projects and group work – Many units involve teamwork on real scientific problems, helping you build communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
Supporting institutes and interdisciplinary research – You’ll be part of institutes like the Health Futures Institute and the Harry Butler Institute, allowing you to explore research that spans multiple areas of human health science.
Library and digital research tools – Murdoch’s libraries provide access to scientific journals, databases, and reference materials tailored to biomedical sciences, helping you stay current with the latest research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Murdoch’s Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Pharmacology and Toxicology) are well-prepared to make an impact in health, research, and industry. Many go on to roles such as medical researcher, pharmacologist, toxicologist, or laboratory technologist, using their hands-on lab skills and scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems. With this degree, you’ll have the skills and experience to step confidently into employment or further study:

Here’s how Murdoch helps you turn your degree into a career:

Tailored career support – Murdoch’s Careers and Employability Centre offers one-on-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, networking events, and job search support, specifically designed for science and biomedical students.
Strong employment prospects – Graduates with skills in pharmacology and toxicology are highly sought after in medical research institutes, biotechnology companies, and diagnostic laboratories, with roles that offer competitive starting salaries.
Industry and research connections – Studying in Murdoch’s health and research precinct gives you access to hospitals, research centres, and industry networks, helping you build professional connections while you study.
Preparation for postgraduate pathways – This degree lays a solid foundation for further study, including medicine, pharmacy, forensic science, or research-focused postgraduate programs.
Graduate outcomes – Alumni work in medical and pharmaceutical research, toxicology, clinical laboratories, quality control, and biotechnology, and many continue to postgraduate study to specialise further.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Pharmacology and Toxicology), you can continue your studies through programs like a Master of Biomedical Science, a Master of Pharmacology or Toxicology, or a PhD in related research fields. These pathways open doors to advanced research roles, specialist positions in drug development or toxicology, and leadership opportunities in healthcare, industry, or academia.