Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Biomedical Science

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Notre Dame Sydney

Program Overview

The The University of Notre Dame Australia Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Biomedical Science is designed for students who are passionate about both healthcare and the legal system, especially in areas where science, ethics, regulation, and policy intersect. This double degree combines practical legal training with advanced biomedical studies, giving students the opportunity to explore fields such as health law, medical research regulation, intellectual property, and clinical compliance while developing strong analytical, scientific, and advocacy skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year One

In the first year, students build strong foundations in both law and biomedical science. Law studies begin with subjects such as Legal Research and Writing, Legal Process and Statutory Interpretation, and Legal History, helping students understand how the Australian legal system operates and how to communicate legal arguments effectively. Alongside this, biomedical units including Introduction to Biological Sciences, Human Structure & Function, and Introduction to Physical Sciences introduce the scientific principles behind human health and disease.

Year Two

Second year deepens students’ understanding of core legal frameworks and scientific methodologies. Students study major legal areas through Criminal Law A & B, Contract Law A & B, and Torts A & B, while biomedical subjects such as Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology of Body Systems develop knowledge of cellular processes, body systems, and laboratory science. The inclusion of Data Analysis and Experimental Design also strengthens research and analytical skills essential for both professions.

Year Three

By third year, students begin connecting biomedical science with real-world healthcare challenges and legal applications. Scientific studies focus on specialised disciplines including Immunology, Human Genetics, Infectious Disease, and Neuroscience, giving students insight into disease mechanisms and emerging medical technologies. During this stage, students also complete the Biomedical Science Practicum, gaining practical industry experience while continuing legal studies through Property Law A & B.

Year Four

Fourth year shifts strongly toward advanced legal training and professional practice. Students undertake subjects such as Advocacy, Constitutional Law, Evidence, and Administrative Law, developing courtroom communication, legal reasoning, and dispute resolution skills. The program also introduces areas linked to governance and regulation through Corporations & Partnerships and Trusts, preparing graduates for complex professional environments in both law and healthcare sectors.

Year Five

In the final year, students refine their expertise through advanced legal practice and elective specialisations. Core units such as Civil Procedure, Commercial Practice & Ethics, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Remedies prepare students for professional legal practice, while elective choices like Health Law, Bioethics and the Law, and Intellectual Property Law allow students to tailor the degree toward medical and scientific legal careers. This final stage develops graduates who can confidently navigate both biomedical innovation and legal regulation.

Focus Areas

Health law, biomedical science, genetics, neuroscience, immunology, legal advocacy, ethics, intellectual property law, medical regulation, dispute resolution, scientific research, healthcare compliance.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop advanced scientific knowledge, legal research and advocacy skills, ethical decision-making abilities, scientific data analysis capabilities, professional communication skills, and practical experience in biomedical and legal contexts. Students also learn to critically evaluate scientific literature, apply legal principles to healthcare environments, and work collaboratively in multidisciplinary professional settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia, satisfying academic requirements for legal practice pathways in Australia. The Biomedical Science component includes professional practicum experience, providing industry exposure and practical scientific training.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Notre Dame Australia is recognised for its strong focus on experiential learning, small class sizes, and industry engagement. The program’s combination of biomedical science and law creates unique employability opportunities in health law, medical regulation, biotechnology, compliance, and intellectual property, fields that continue to grow as healthcare and technology sectors expand.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Biomedical Science at The University of Notre Dame Australia develop practical expertise through a combination of laboratory training, legal skills development, scientific research, and professional placements. The program gives students access to modern biomedical laboratories, clinical-style learning environments, and authentic legal training experiences that help bridge the gap between theory and professional practice. Through hands-on scientific investigations, case-based legal learning, and workplace-focused projects, students graduate with strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills relevant to both healthcare and legal industries:

Biomedical Science Practicum provides practical industry experience where students apply laboratory and research skills in professional biomedical environments.
Specialised Biomedical Laboratories support hands-on training in molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, anatomy, and physiology.
Scientific Research Training allows students to develop skills in experimental design, laboratory techniques, data interpretation, and scientific reporting.
Data Analysis and Experimental Design units strengthen students’ abilities to work with scientific datasets, research methods, and evidence-based investigations.
Moot Courts and Legal Advocacy Training help students practise courtroom procedures, oral advocacy, legal argument development, and negotiation skills.
Case-Based Legal Learning enables students to analyse real legal scenarios involving healthcare regulation, ethics, criminal law, contracts, and property law.
Health Law and Bioethics Studies connect biomedical science with legal and ethical decision-making in healthcare and medical research settings.
Group Projects and Collaborative Learning are integrated across biomedical and law units, encouraging teamwork, communication, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.
Library and Research Facilities provide access to extensive legal databases, biomedical journals, scientific publications, and research support services.
Digital Learning Platforms are used for accessing legal resources, scientific materials, research submissions, and collaborative coursework activities.
Industry-Relevant Learning Environment exposes students to current healthcare, biotechnology, ethics, and legal compliance issues affecting modern professional practice.
Small Class Sizes and Academic Mentorship allow students to receive personalised guidance from academic staff and industry-experienced professionals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Biomedical Science at The University of Notre Dame Australia are equipped with a unique combination of legal expertise and biomedical knowledge, opening pathways across healthcare, law, biotechnology, government, and research sectors. The double degree prepares students for careers that require both scientific understanding and legal reasoning, particularly in rapidly evolving areas such as medical regulation, health policy, intellectual property, and bioethics. Graduates may pursue roles such as Lawyer, Health Policy Advisor, Biomedical Research Officer, or Regulatory Affairs Specialist:

Career and Employability Services at Notre Dame support students through career workshops, résumé preparation, interview coaching, networking opportunities, and employer engagement programs.
Professional Legal Accreditation allows graduates to satisfy the academic requirements needed to progress toward legal practice in Australia after completing Practical Legal Training (PLT).
Biomedical Science Industry Exposure through practicum experiences helps students develop professional laboratory and research capabilities valued in healthcare and biotechnology industries.
Strong Interdisciplinary Advantage gives graduates a competitive edge in sectors where healthcare, ethics, science, and law intersect, including pharmaceuticals, medical compliance, and biotechnology regulation.
Industry-Relevant Curriculum ensures students graduate with practical knowledge in health law, genetics, neuroscience, immunology, advocacy, and ethical decision-making.
Research and Analytical Skill Development prepares graduates for evidence-based professional roles involving scientific interpretation, legal analysis, and policy evaluation.
University Industry Connections through professional placements and academic engagement expose students to real-world healthcare and legal environments.
Graduate Employment Outcomes reflect the university’s focus on practical learning, professional mentoring, and workplace readiness across law and health-related sectors.
Long-Term Professional Value comes from holding qualifications in both law and biomedical science, allowing graduates to adapt to emerging industries and multidisciplinary careers.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this double degree, students may continue into Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify as practising lawyers in Australia. Graduates may also pursue postgraduate studies such as a Juris Doctor, Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Bioethics, Master of Public Health, or specialised biomedical science and research degrees. Students interested in research and academia may further progress into Honours, Master by Research, or PhD programs in biomedical sciences, health law, neuroscience, genetics, or medical ethics.