BIOM30003 Biomedical Science Research Project

This project (BIOM30003) is designed for undergraduate students who have achieved excellent results in the discipline related to the project, to help develop practical scientific skills.

The Biomedical Science Research Project is an individual program of supervised research in which the student, in consultation with a supervisor, contributes to the design, execution and presentation of a research project.

This subject provides an opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience of scientific research, and is intended for undergraduate students who have achieved excellent results in the discipline related to the project. Undertaking the Biomedical Science Research Project provides invaluable insights and experience for students considering honours, masters or a PhD.

You can undertake a project in most disciplines within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
If you are interested in completing a research project in any of the following areas please visit the SCIE30001 Science Research Project page for information; Bioscience (Biotechnology and Genetics), Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering.

Study Periods:

The Biomedical Science Research Project is available in Semester 1 and Semester 2.

Students may start their research project anywhere between the start of teaching and the census date (must be enrolled by census date, no late enrolment possible) for the relevant study period (see handbook for exact dates)

Total time commitment (including pre-reading, data analysis, written and oral assessment preparation etc) is 170hrs. This includes approximately 10 weeks in the lab/on your project, of 6-8hrs per week (total of 60-80hrs). This is flexible depending on the needs of the supervisor/student so long as it is within the study period teaching dates.

Regardless of when you do you lab/project work, all assessment due dates will be aligned with the subject due dates for the enrolled study period.

Entry Requirements:

  1. Completed/Passed at least 175 points towards their course (any discipline).
  2. An average score of 75 or better in relevant second and third year subjects.
    Relevant subjects includes those that start with ANAT, BCMB, BIOL, BIOM, CEDB, GENE, MIIM, NEUR, PATH, PHRM and PHYS.
  3. Support from a supervisor/laboratory head.
  4. Approval of the relevant Discipline Coordinator.
  5. Completion of compulsory compliance checks. Instructions on how to complete these will be sent to students (approximately two months prior to the start of the relevant BIOM30003 teaching period) who have completed the EoI.

Expression of Interest (EoI):

Students who are interested in completing the Biomedical Science Research Project must complete the BIOM30003 Expression of Interest web form.

The Academic Services office will conduct an initial eligibility check to see whether the student is on track to be eligible for BIOM30003 by their nominated study period.

If the student is on track to be eligible, the Academic Services office will email the student as well as relevant discipline coordinator(s), who will provide guidance on how to find a research project and supervisor.

Note: Students who have already found a project and supervisor must still submit an EoI, if they are found eligible they will be directed to submit the formal application.

EoI/Application Deadline: The absolute latest that an EoI or application for BIOM30003 will be accepted is 7 weeks prior to the census date for the relevant BIOM30003 teaching period.

  • Anatomy and Physiology

    Contact: Prof. Gordon Lynch - gsl@unimelb.edu.au
    Department Website: https://biomedicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/departments/department-of-anatomy-and-physiology

    Application Process

    1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EoI).
    2. Await an email outlining next steps.
    3. If you are potentially eligible, you will be granted access to the Sonia system where you can complete compliance checks.
    4. Discuss potential projects with academic supervisors and the relevant discipline coordinator.
    5. Complete the Biomedical Science Research Project application form (which can be found in the Sonia system) - this form must be signed by your project supervisor and relevant discipline coordinator.
      1. If you would like this subject to count as an elective in your major please, you must also seek approval from the relevant major coordinator. You will then need to attach evidence of this (a screenshot of email indicating approval) into the application form.
    6. Add BIOM30003 to your study plan.
    7. If the application is approved, you will be enrolled you in the subject and sent a confirmation via email.
    8. If your application is not approved, you will be contacted via email.

  • Biochemistry and Pharmacology

    Contact: Prof. Diana Stojanovski -  d.stojanovski@unimelb.edu.au
    Department Website: https://biomedicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/departments/department-of-biochemistry-and-pharmacology

    Biochemistry and Pharmacology Project Booklet

    Additional Entry Requirements

    • Completing the equivalent of a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or Pharmacology.

    Application Process

    1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EoI).
    2. Await an email outlining next steps.
    3. If you are potentially eligible, you will be granted access to the Sonia system where you can complete compliance checks.
    4. Discuss potential projects with academic supervisors and the relevant discipline coordinator.
    5. Complete the Biomedical Science Research Project application form (which can be found in the Sonia system) - this form must be signed by your project supervisor and relevant discipline coordinator.
      1. If you would like this subject to count as an elective in your major please, you must also seek approval from the relevant major coordinator. You will then need to attach evidence of this (a screenshot of email indicating approval) into the application form.
    6. Add BIOM30003 to your study plan.
    7. If the application is approved, you will be enrolled you in the subject and sent a confirmation via email.
    8. If your application is not approved, you will be contacted via email.

  • Microbiology and Immunology

    Contact: Assoc. Prof. Maria Liaskos - BIOM30003-DMI@unimelb.edu.au
    Department Website: http://biomedicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/departments/microbiology-Immunology

    Additional Information

    • Microbiology and Immunology projects are only offered in Semester 2
    • BIOM30003 does not contribute to the following majors Immunology, Infection and Immunity, Microbiology

    Application Process

    1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EoI).
    2. Await an email outlining next steps.
    3. If you are potentially eligible, you will be granted access to the Sonia system where you can complete compliance checks.
    4. Discuss potential projects with academic supervisors and the relevant discipline coordinator. A short list of projects will also be made available to approved applicants for DMI.
    5. Complete the Biomedical Science Research Project application form (which can be found in the Sonia system) - this form must be signed by your project supervisor and relevant discipline coordinator.
      1. If you would like this subject to count as an elective in your major please, you must also seek approval from the relevant major coordinator. You will then need to attach evidence of this (a screenshot of email indicating approval) into the application form.
    6. Add BIOM30003 to your study plan.
    7. If the application is approved, you will be enrolled you in the subject and sent a confirmation via email.
    8. If your application is not approved, you will be contacted via email.

  • Pathology

    Contact: Assoc. Prof. Maria Liaskos - BIOM30003-DMI@unimelb.edu.au
    Department Website: http://biomedicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/departments/microbiology-Immunology

    Additional Entry Requirement

    • Applicants must have completed PATH30001 and PATH30002.

    Application Process

    1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EoI).
    2. Await an email outlining next steps.
    3. If you are potentially eligible, you will be granted access to the Sonia system where you can complete compliance checks.
    4. Discuss potential projects with academic supervisors and the relevant discipline coordinator.
    5. Complete the Biomedical Science Research Project application form (which can be found in the Sonia system) - this form must be signed by your project supervisor and relevant discipline coordinator.
      1. If you would like this subject to count as an elective in your major please, you must also seek approval from the relevant major coordinator. You will then need to attach evidence of this (a screenshot of email indicating approval) into the application form.
    6. Add BIOM30003 to your study plan.
    7. If the application is approved, you will be enrolled you in the subject and sent a confirmation via email.
    8. If your application is not approved, you will be contacted via email.

  • Other department or institute

    It is possible to complete a research project in another department or university affiliated research institution so long as it is in a biomedical science field.

    Application Process

    1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EoI).
    2. Await an email outlining next steps.
    3. If you are potentially eligible, you will be granted access to the Sonia system where you can complete compliance checks.
    4. Discuss potential projects with academic supervisors and the relevant discipline coordinator.
      1. Approach a discipline coordinator within the School of Biomedical Science for co-supervision. You should approach the coordinator whose discipline most closely relates to your project.
        Anatomy and Physiology: Prof. Gordon Lynch - gsl@unimelb.edu.au
        Biochemistry and Pharmacology: Prof. Diana Stojanovski -  d.stojanovski@unimelb.edu.au
        Microbiology and Immunology: Assoc. Prof. Maria Liaskos - BIOM30003-DMI@unimelb.edu.au
        Pathology: Assoc. Prof. Maria Liaskos - BIOM30003-DMI@unimelb.edu.au
    5. Complete the Biomedical Science Research Project application form (which can be found in the Sonia system) - this form must be signed by your project supervisor and relevant discipline coordinator.
      1. If you would like this subject to count as an elective in your major please, you must also seek approval from the relevant major coordinator. You will then need to attach evidence of this (a screenshot of email indicating approval) into the application form.
    6. Add BIOM30003 to your study plan.
    7. If the application is approved, you will be enrolled you in the subject and sent a confirmation via email.
    8. If your application is not approved, you will be contacted via email.