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School of Biomedical Sciences

Join us in 2022

Unlock unique career pathways with the Bachelor of Biomedicine.

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News & EventsResearchStudyEngageAbout
  • COVID-19 Announcement

    The University’s latest update and response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, including student support information.

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  • Meet Our Talent

    Meet our biomedicine students, world-class researchers and teaching talent, plus find out where our incredible graduates are now.

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  • Graduate Research

    We are passionate about training and mentoring the next generation of biomedical scientists. Start your research career with us.

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  • Our Centres and Departments

    Bridging the gap between discovery science and translation into clinical and population settings.

    Discover

Welcome to the School of Biomedical Sciences

Together we are growing the next generation of biomedical scientists, doctors and health professionals right in the heart of the southern hemisphere’s largest biomedical precinct.

“This is an exciting time for biomedicine worldwide, and the School of Biomedical Sciences is at the forefront of teaching and research with an ultimate aim of advancing human health.”

– Professor Jennifer Wilkinson-Berka, Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences.

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The School of Biomedical Sciences is part of the largest biomedical precinct in the southern hemisphere. Outstanding facilities and commitment to discovery makes the School in demand among the brightest minds in biomedical research.

Our Research Capabilities

Our School’s diverse research capabilities bring together researchers from the social sciences, epidemiology and public health, preventive, clinical and primary care medicine and from basic and applied sciences.

  • Infection & Immunity

    The interplay between myriads of microbes and the immune system is central to a healthy life and forms the basis for many disorders, especially infectious diseases. However, our understanding of many microbes, their interaction with the host and how immune response are initiated, regulated, and directed against microbial encounters, is far from complete.

    Through fundamental research activities, working with clinical and commercial collaborators, we are advancing our understanding of microbial physiology, host-pathogen interactions, and the immune system itself but are also devising strategies for safer and more effective forms of immunotherapy and improved vaccine technologies to prevent and treat infection.

    We aim to provide the fundamental and basic knowledge required to understand the function of the immune system, the microbes, and their interaction during disease.

    Key areas of interest include:

    • fundamental lymphocyte biology in lymphoid organs and tissues
    • the biology of dendritic cells and other myeloid cells
    • immunity to and immunopathogenesis of infection
    • the biology of viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi
    • the study of antimicrobial resistance, vaccines, vaccine technology and adjuvant design
    • the role of the immune system in cancers

    Capability Leader: Prof Sammy Bedoui

  • Neuroscience

    The nervous system is an integral regulator of all our bodily functions. It is essential for our interpretation, experiences and reactions formed from the physical world and represents the seat of our consciousness, memories, self-awareness, and our individuality.

    Neuroscience is an exciting frontier in biology because of the astonishing degree of complexity involved in how the nervous system performs its diverse functions. Until recently, understanding this complexity seemed beyond reach - but a new era is upon us - bringing with it advanced technologies and unprecedented opportunities for innovative neuroscience research resulting in a rapid phase of discovery.

    We are working to advance the understanding of how the nervous system contributes to human health and disease through research with global impact and influence.

    Through multidisciplinary neuroscience research, building productive relationships and collaborations within the Parkville Biomedical Precinct and beyond, we are creating a vibrant neuroscience research culture focused on training, career development and innovative research - all in the pursuit of improving human health.

    Capability Leader: Prof Stuart Mazzone

  • Metabolic Health

    The past decade has seen a renewed interest in metabolic research which is reshaping our understanding of human physiology and disease. Studies on cellular metabolism, driven in part by advances in technology, have provided new insights into aging, the role of the microbiome and diet, and the underlying causes of cancers and metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

    Our Metabolic Health capability brings together researchers with expertise in the molecular, analytical, and clinical sciences to drive breakthrough discovery and translational research in cellular metabolism and create an international centre of excellence for research into metabolic disease.

    We are leveraging the University's investments in platform technologies around multi-omics, whole animal physiology and bioresources, computational biology and drug development, as well as accessing clinicians and patient cohorts across the Biomedical Precinct. Bringing together researchers to address major challenges in metabolic research and help drive multi-disciplinary research funding opportunities and interactions with industry partners is at the core of what we do.

    Capability Leaders: Dr Magdalena Montgomery & Prof Malcolm McConville

  • Development & Differentiation

    Development is a capability that lies at the heart of the University of Melbourne's research and educational programs into the human body. Whether understanding normal human biology, or seeking to treat disease, medical research requires sophisticated analysis of the growth, development and specialisation of the cells that make up the tissues and organs of our bodies.

    Our capability in Development and Differentiation brings together expertise in:

    • anatomical sciences
    • stem cell biology
    • clinical and developmental biology
    • genetics
    • computational biology - from molecular mechanisms of cellular behaviour, towards understanding physiological contexts and clinical implications of those cellular phenotypes

    Cross-cutting capabilities include:

    • patient-derived stem cell models of diseased organs
    • invention of cellular platforms needed to understand the gene-environment interactions that influence healthy development
    • cell engineering to create a cellular toolkit for diagnostic screening and regenerative medicine.

    Capability Leader: Prof Christine Wells

  • Discover Our Research

    The School has more than 85 research groups contributing to world-changing research and dedicated to advancing human health.

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  • Our Research Services

    The School of Biomedical Sciences has a number of services available to the research community. Find out how our services, facilities and equipment can accelerate your research.

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Graduate Research at MDHS

A resource for students and supervisors seeking up to date information about policies and procedures

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School of Biomedical Sciences: At a glance

Research Projects by Discipline

Anatomy & Physiology Biochemistry & Pharmacology Microbiology & Immunology

The Biomedical Precinct

The School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Melbourne is part of the largest biomedical precinct in the southern hemisphere. It is a hub of innovation, exceptional collaboration opportunities and cutting-edge facilities.

Discover

Early-Mid Career Researchers Association

Supporting postdoctoral researchers in the School, EMCRA offers networking opportunities and an annual collaborative seed-funding grant: the EMCRA Collaborative Award.

Connect with us

This is one of the greatest eras of scientific discovery, and you can be part of it. No matter what medicine and professional health career you want to pursue – or if you have another pathway such as law, engineering or business in mind – begin your journey here.

Study at the School of Biomedical Sciences

Are you inspired by the health experts guiding us through the current pandemic? Would you like to be one of them?

Whether you want to be the public health expert who advises on policy and communications, the doctor, physiotherapist or nurse who treats patients, or the researcher or biomedical scientist who develops a vaccine – the University of Melbourne’s Bachelor of Biomedicine is the best place to start.

No matter what professional health career you pursue – or, if you have a pathway like law, engineering or business in mind – choose from 15 majors and begin your journey here.

  • Degrees

    Learn from world-renowned academics in the heart of the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct – the perfect way to begin in the field of biomedical science.

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  • Current Students

    Everything you need to know about course planning, graduate pathways, how to enrich your studies and where to seek support.

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  • Graduate Research

    We are passionate about training and mentoring the next generation of biomedical scientists. Here’s how to start your research career at Melbourne.

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  • Scholarships, Bursaries and Prizes

    The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences offers an extensive range of scholarships and bursaries to undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students.

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  • Facebook LIVE series

    Want to know more about transitioning from high school to the School of Biomedical Sciences, how to navigate exams and what the Biomedicine Students’ Society is all about?

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  • Honours & Masters of Biomedical Science

    The School’s degrees each have an advanced coursework component and a research project. Discover the opportunities now available.

  • Digital Learning Hub

    Providing a contemporary and flexible learning experience for students while fostering academics to be at the forefront of academic technology.

  • Meet Our Talent

    Meet some of our talented biomedicine students, world-class researchers and teaching talent – and find out where our incredible graduates are now.

  • Humans 2.0

    An interdisciplinary, student-led journal bring together the diverse works of undergraduate students.

Through our alumni engagement, donors, partnerships, collaborations and unique programs, we strive to connect our School’s teaching, students and research with the local community and the world.
  • Alumni

    Our alumni community brings together our talented graduates – from those working in medicine, professional health, engineering to law and commerce. Stay connected with this global network.

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  • Support Us

    Our alumni and donors enrich our School’s work in many ways. From creating scholarships, supporting ground-breaking research to building partnerships and community engagement.

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  • Our Partners

    Collaboration with industry, other institutions and research organisations, the community, not-for-profits and government means research outcomes in our School can have a global impact.

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  • Community

    The School of Biomedical Sciences includes some of the University, and Victoria’s, most historically renowned departments, hosting a number of unique programs of community and scientific interest.

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The Biomedical Precinct

The School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Melbourne is part of the largest biomedical precinct in the southern hemisphere. It is a hub of innovation, exceptional collaboration opportunities and cutting-edge facilities.

Discover

One of the University’s largest and fastest growing Schools, this is home to the next generation of biomedical scientists, doctors and health professionals.

Welcome to the School of Biomedical Sciences

As part of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences since 2015, the School has 85 research groups across three departments, awarding-winning teachers and more than 2500 equivalent full-time student enrolments each year. Our mission – to advance human health in Australia, and beyond.

Academic Departments and Centres

Head of School's Welcome

Leading vascular biologist and former Head of the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Professor Wilkinson-Berka was appointed Head of School in August 2020, following Professor Ian van Driel (Interim) and the inaugural Head, immunologist Professor Fabienne Mackay.

With pre-clinical research leading to a discovery that the blockade of the hormone angiotensin II reduces retinal vascular disease, Professor Wilkinson-Berka’s work contributed to the world’s largest clinical trial evaluating angiotensin II inhibition in diabetic retinopathy.

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  • Contact Us

    For all general enquiries, reception, deliveries and our location please get in touch.

    Contact details
  • Our Departments & Centres

    Bridging the gap between discovery science and translation into clinical and population settings.

    Explore
  • The Melbourne Biomedical Precinct

    The School is part of the largest biomedical precinct in the southern hemisphere. It’s a hub of innovation, exceptional collaboration opportunities and cutting-edge facilities.

    Explore
Postera Crescam Laude

School Executive Team

  • Professor Jenny Wilkinson-Berka, Head of School
  • Prof Matt Watt, Head, Department of Anatomy & Physiology
  • Prof Ian van Driel, Head, Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology
  • Prof Andrew Brooks, Head, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
  • Prof Sammy Bedoui, Director of Research
  • A/Prof Heather Verkade, Chair SBS Teaching and Learning Committee
  • A/Prof Justine Mintern,  Chair, SBS Research Training
  • Richard Duke, School Manager
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School of Biomedical Sciences

  • Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
  • Our Departments
    • Department of Anatomy and Physiology
    • Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology
    • Department of Microbiology and Immunology
  • Our Centres
    • ARC CPTT
    • Australian Venom Research Unit
    • Centre for Muscle Research
    • Centre for Stem Cell Systems
    • Lung Health Research Centre
  • News & Events
  • Research
    • Biomedical Research Projects by Theme
    • Research Groups
    • Graduate Research
    • Services
    • The Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
  • Study
    • Our Degrees
    • Current Students
    • Honours & Masters by Coursework
    • Scholarships, Bursaries & Prizes
  • Engage
    • Community
    • Support
    • Alumni
    • Partners
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Head of School's Welcome
  • Staff Intranet
  • Current Students
  • Library
  • Staff