What can I do with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science?
A Medical Scientist carries out laboratory investigations
which assist in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Medical Scientists may work in one or several of the following discipline areas:
 Medical Scientists in Microbiology detect and
identify disease causing microorganisms from patients with
infectious diseases such as food poisoning or pneumonia and
then perform tests to help select the correct antibiotic for
treatment. For example, you might detect the meningococcus
from a sick child with meningitis and determine that penicillin
is an appropriate treatment.- Medical Scientists in Haematology assess the
numbers and quality of the various cells found in the blood
and bone marrow, identifying diseases such as Iron deficiency
anaemia and leukaemia. They also look for defects in the
coagulation system that might cause bleeding or clotting to
occur, and help monitor patients on anticoagulant therapy.
- Medical Scientists in Transfusion conduct testing on blood
donated by the public to ensure it is safe for transfusion, by carrying out blood group and antibody screening. They ensure the blood is compatible by also testing recipients.
- Medical Scientists in Clinical Biochemistry analysize blood and body fluids for
chemicals to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients
with metabolic or physiological diseases, such as diabetes. They also measure,
interpret and assess hormone levels and hormonal actions (eg.
thyroid hormones) in patients with dysfunctional endocrine
states that can result in a wide range of conditions and
diseases.
- Medical Scientists in Immunology use their understanding of the immune system and how it protects us from the outside world to use and interpret laboratory tests that help understand where things go wrong (eg autoimmune diseases).
- Medical Scientists in Molecular Biology utilise specialised techniques at the cutting edge of science to investigate the
genetic basis of disease and assessing the risk of developing
disease based on genetic make-up.
- Medical Scientists in Histology use tissues or lesions removed from a patient to enable the microscopic diagnosis of disease processes such as cancer or infection. Cytology Scientists examine smears of cells such
as pap smears to enable the early detection of cells that may
indicate the presence of malignancy.
Careers in Medical Science at the Royal Hobart Hospital – presentation by Dr Peter Vervaart to Biomedical Science Forum 19th March 2008.
Professional Recognition
The Bachelor of Biomedical Science at UTas is professionally accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS). Graduates
from this course are eligible for direct
entry into AIMS and, as such, are recognised as being Medical
Scientists. Employers recognise that these degree-holders have
been specifically trained for entry into this industry, and meet
industry training and competency requirements. Opportunities
for travel are enhanced by this professional recognition with
several hundred graduates from accredited courses currently
working as Medical Scientists in the UK and other countries
abroad.
Professional Association
Australian Institute of Medical Scientists http://www.aims.org.au/
Australian Association of Clinical Biochemists http://www.aacb.asn.au/
Further study
 Bachelor of Biomedical Science with Honours
The Honours degree is designed to provide students with the
foundations necessary for research in Biomedical and Health
Science, to gain a greater expertise in specific disciplines, to
prepare for a career involving research and/or to subsequently
assume a leadership role in their profession.
This on-campus course requires a minimum of 2 semesters
full-time or part-time equivalent study. Students interested
in pursuing the honours course should contact the School of
Human Life Sciences.
Further Research
A recently expanded research base has created a progressive
and dynamic environment for Masters and PhD students within
the School of Human Life Sciences.
The school encourages a supportive and integrated approach to
research in a broad range of areas, including:
- Nutrition, Lifestyle and Disease – the physiological and clinical
effects of nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes in the
prevention and management of chronic disease.
- Neuropharmacology – the actions of tachykinin peptides and
natural pungent compounds on the central nervous system.
- Antimicrobial Resistance – mechanisms of antimicrobial
resistance in bacteria, specifically B-lactamases.
- Exercise – fatigue during exercise and after training; effect of
exercise on physiological parameters and immune function.
Prospective Honours, Masters and PhD candidates
should contact:
The Postgraduate Coordinator, A/Professor Dominic Geraghty
(D.Geraghty@utas.edu.au), or the Head of School, Professor
Madeleine Ball (Madeleine.Ball@utas.edu.au)
Further study at the University of Tasmania include Honours, Masters and PhD, either by coursework or research.
Details of postgraduate study at the University of Tasmania are available at:
http://www.utas.edu.au/graduateschool/
Careers
For general information about careers in health:
University of Tasmania Career Development & Employment Service
The Service can help you to clarify important career issues and assist you with your career decisions and provide many services to support you to take charge of your future.
Utilising both web-based material and face-to-face services, you can seek information on things such as employment, education, further study, job search training and graduate recruitment.
http://services.admin.utas.edu.au/careers/
 Employment opportunities
The University of Tasmania’s online student website list job vacancies.
careerhub.utas.edu.au
Details of job vacancies
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