Feed your curiosity with Biomedicine

For any biomedical scientist, doctor or public health professional – or those aspiring to be one – you can’t help but marvel at the evolution of biomedicine and science in the past few months, let alone years.

There’s been an unprecedented expansion of knowledge, technology and, most notably, collaboration. Not to mention the world-wide recognition of the biomedical heroes at work trying to solve today’s – and future – global public health challenges.

It’s your time. Are you ready to explore the frontiers of biomedical science and to advance human health?

The Bachelor of Biomedicine program, in the School of Biomedical Sciences, is designed to ignite your curiosity and equip you with the knowledge and skills for a career in medicine, medical research and professional health.

Explore the exciting world of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Melbourne and start a career pathway at the forefront of discoveries that advance healthcare and medicine.

Here's 6 reasons why you should start your journey with us: Study in the heart of the largest Biomedical Precinct in the Southern Hemisphere – Discover exciting career opportunities – Be immersed among world-renowned researchers – Learn from award winning teaching experts – Study at Australia’s top university – Join a community who want to make a difference.

Study in the heart of the largest Biomedical Precinct in the Southern Hemisphere

Joining our School provides access to cutting edge laboratories, exposure to world leading research, advanced biomedical techniques as well as innovative teaching. Melbourne’s Biomedical Precinct is home to more than 40 hospitals, research, teaching and biotechnology organisations.

Dr Garron Dodd, Head of the Metabolic Neuroscience Laboratory in the Department of Anatomy & Physiology, says the Precinct has the best and most diverse collection of biomedical research expertise in Australia – and one of the best in the world.

“It’s an exciting place to be as a young scientist,” says Dr Dodd. His latest research uncovered the critical role of the brain in the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes, offering new treatment possibilities. Read more

Image: A/Prof Garron Dodd with students on Biomedical Sciences Day. 

Discover exciting career opportunities

Our Bachelor of Biomedicine graduates pursue careers in medicine, professional health, biomedical research and many other pathways including dentistry, law, biomedical engineering, business, management and commercialisation. With the opportunity to explore several fields during your undergraduate degree, this breadth of knowledge will prepare you for the challenges of modern healthcare – no matter which professional direction you choose.

Meeting the challenges of modern healthcare

The ‘Corona Queens’ are an award-winning team in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the School of Biomedical Sciences who have undertaken groundbreaking work in comprehending the human immune system's response to COVID-19 and vaccination. As a result, the research team has created a comprehensive map of immune responses to the virus – and received the prestigious 2023 Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre Eureka Prize for their contributions to COVID-19 research. Read more

Image: Professor Katherine Kedzierska, Dr Louise Rowntree, Dr Oanh Nguyen

Be immersed among world-renowned researchers

Honours is a fourth-year program which advances your technical sophistication and aptitude for independent research, providing you with a platform toward clinical pathways, further research or a higher degree including the Doctor of Medicine. Enrol directly into real world, cutting edge research under the supervision of world-renowned research experts.

Cutting edge research

Dr Lincon Stamp and Dr Marlene Hao, Dept of Anatomy & Physiology, were recently awarded $6.5M in funding from sources including the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund to combat paediatric gut motility disorders. The research project will look at the potential of replacing lost and damaged gut nerves using stem cells, with the hope of restoring normal gut health for children affected by Hirschsprung disease, paediatric achalsia and gastroparensis.

Dr Stamp says new treatments for digestive diseases involving gut nerve damage or loss are urgently needed: "Digestive diseases affect individuals throughout life, and those affecting infants often impact their health and quality of life from birth. Current treatments leave a lot to be desired, often only treating the symptoms rather than the underlying cause." Read more

Image: Drs Marlene Hao & Lincon Stamp's Research Group

Learn from award winning teaching specialists

You’ll learn from award-winning teachers, many of whom are also researchers or clinicians, who are inspiring the next generation of biomedical professionals.

“My best moments with students are when they have the 'penny drop' moment…and realise they know more than they thought they did,” says Associate Professor Amber Willems-Jones in the Dept of Biochemistry & Pharmacology. Amber is an award-winning Teaching Specialist and Senior Lecturer for the second year practical subject Techniques in Molecular Science - a 12-week wet-laboratory-based subject offered to both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedicine students.

It’s in this role and through her research interests in teaching and learning that have gained her recognition – winning the MDHS Faculty Award for Sustained Excellence in Teaching in 2022 and the David White Award for Teaching Excellence. Read more

Study at Australia’s top University

The University of Melbourne is right in the heart of one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Whether you're considering a career in medical research, healthcare, law or biomedical engineering our Bachelor of Biomedicine program will empower you to make a meaningful impact – and you’ll be studying at Australia’s top university.

Discover how your contribution can shape the future:

Shaping the future

Prof Gary Anderson from the Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology is a member of the CURE Asthma committee, a group who are striving to find a cure for asthma, a disease responsible for 40,000 hospital admissions and over 400 deaths annually.

“Finding a cure requires constant perseverance…here in Australia we have a stellar record in asthma research...our innovation and development industry is ready to make the next transformational discovery...”

Prof Peter Crack from the Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology is part of a multidisciplinary team developing a targeted therapy for traumatic brain injury, that sustains neural function and remodels and repairs the brain. Learn more.

“Our solution uses injectable hydrogels for brain repair to reduce inflammation and promote neural regeneration. This promising clinical protocol will define a new era of treatment for traumatic brain injury.”

Associate Professor Robyn Brown from the Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology has discovered a brain pathway that drives stress-related eating, helping to explain what drives emotional overeating in women. Read more.

“Our discovery helps to dispel the myths that societal pressures or psychosocial factors are the only factors in stress eating and confirms there is a biological factor involved.”

Join a community who want to make a difference

In the Bachelor of Biomedicine, you’ll join a community of like-minded students who want to make a difference. Whether you build your network in class or at events held by the Biomedicine Students’ Society, the experience will be alongside your cohort of life-long professional peers.

The Biomedicine Student’s Society (BSS), is one of the University’s most active and inclusive student groups.  It’s great way to find new friends and make the most of your time at university.

BSS & Bachelor of Biomedicine alumni, James Lin, is now studying the Doctor of Medicine at Melbourne and says that his experience of studying the Bachelor of Biomedicine was deeply fulfilling.

The people I have met have been the highlight – friends, colleagues and the world class lecturers, academics and researchers. I’ve been inspired by the talent around me.

Life gets exciting beyond the Bachelor of Biomedicine!

What do an architect, an optometrist, an orthopaedict surgery registrar, a dentist, a patent attorney, a physiotherapist, a critical care resident, a lab manager and a continuous improvement manager all have in common? ...A Bachelor of Biomedicine

Get started on your Biomedicine journey

Image: Tiptoe Through the Retina by Anna Van Koeverden - People's Choice Award in the 2024 Under the Coverslip microscopy competition.