Diploma in Biomedical Science

Course information for - 2025 entry
International
  • Domestic
  • International

Offered at 3 locations
  • Brisbane
  • Melbourne
  • North Sydney

Duration
1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
106762K
IELTS
Overall score: 6.0 Individual score of 5.5 in all tests
Fees (first year)*
$26464
Start dates
February 2026, February 2027

Overview

The Diploma in Biomedical Science is an important stepping-stone toward achieving your career and study goals. Students who undertake a Diploma in Biomedical Science will be able to gain credit for up to the first year of study and articulate into the second year of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, and potentially other health science bachelor degrees at ACU, or exit with the Diploma in Biomedical Science as a standalone qualification.

Undertaking the ACU Diploma in Biomedical Science will help you to develop the academic skills and university experience needed to succeed in more advanced tertiary study. 

Our Diploma in Biomedical Science provides a Commonwealth supported place (CSP-funded) for domestic students and will help you achieve your goals.

We are here to support you from start to finish whether you have just finished Year 12 or finished years ago. We ensure smaller class sizes, offer tailored support as you transition to university study, and provide a range of student services to help you succeed.

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Specified UnitsBIOD125Human Biology 110 cp
  • Specified UnitsBMSD102Numerical Reasoning10 cp
  • Specified UnitsBIOD123Cells and Tissues - The Fabric of Life10 cp
  • Specified UnitsDPHS100Academic Literacy in Health Sciences10 cp
  • Specified UnitsBIOD126Human Biology 2

    (Pre: BIOD125)

    10 cp
  • Specified UnitsCHED105Foundations of Chemistry10 cp
  • Specified UnitsBMSD110Communicating Ideas in Science10 cp
  • Specified UnitsBMSD206Introduction to Neuroscience

    (Pre: BIOD125)

    10 cp

All units are delivered in multi-mode.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit. 

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Diploma - AQF Level 5

Entry requirements

An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (for sub-bachelor entry programs, see Schedule 1: Eligibility ranks).

Domestic applicants are required to have completed the Australian Year 12 certificate or equivalent. In addition, to be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have also completed:

  1. Equivalent of year 12 level with the ACU minimum eligibility rank for Diploma programs; OR
  2. Entry via an alternative pathway as approved by ACU.

International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in Schedule 4 (Associate Degree, Diploma and Certificate courses) of the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

International applicants

If you’re an international applicant you’ll need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate.

Find the equivalent qualification for your country

You’ll also need to comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, including the English Language Proficiency requirements.

See the language requirements

 If you’re an international student completing one of the following qualifications, you will need to apply for admission through your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and be assessed on your performance in these studies (i.e. your ATAR or equivalent):

  • an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia)
  • an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
  • a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3

Find out further information on TAC admission

Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.

Learn more about adjustment factors

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Pathways into course for international applicants

International students who are enrolled in an English language course may be eligible for a pathway into the Diploma in Biomedical Science on successful completion of the course.

Further study

The Diploma in Biomedical Science will provide a pathway into the Bachelor of Biomedical Science. It may also provide a pathway into a range of double degrees.

Fees

Course costs

  • Unit fee: $3308
  • Average first year fee: $26464
  • Estimate total cost: $26464

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.

Explore your options

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.

Search our scholarships

How to apply

International applicants

Brisbane

Apply through QTAC

QTAC code

Direct application

Apply now

Staff Profile

Associate Professor Pre de Silva

Associate Professor, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences

Associate Professor Pre De Silva lecturers in chemistry at our North Sydney Campus. She obtained her PhD from the University of Aberdeen (UK). Before joining ACU, she worked as a lecturer at the University of Ruhuna (Sri Lanka), as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Lancaster (UK), and then as a research scientist in the Manufacturing and Materials Division at CSIRO. Dr De Silva has extensive research experience in wider areas of chemistry, including novel biomaterials for bio-medical applications, utilisation of industrial wastes in the development of eco-friendly, low-carbon binders and carbon dioxide mineral sequestration. 

Dr Santha James

Senior Lecturer, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences

Dr Santha James joined ACU with a rich multicultural experience of learning, teaching, curriculum development and research from institutions in India, Lesotho, South Africa and Australia. She is one of the founding members of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science programme and the combined degrees with Laws, Business and Applied Public Health. She led the course development and implementation as the National Course Coordinator for Biomedical Science from 2015 to 2019 and continues her contributions to teaching and curriculum development as Senior Lecturer in cell biology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and genetics. She believes in inspiring students through her continuing love of learning and research. Santha was awarded an ACU Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning for engaging students from diverse backgrounds in the science curriculum and inspiring them for critical thinking and lifelong learning through passionate and scholarly teaching. She continues to seek new knowledge regarding teaching and learning through her research into student learning styles and students’ acquisition of science concepts at ACU.

 

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