Have an interest in science and health? Why not consider a career in biomedical science and make a difference.

Are you captivated by human biology, enjoy scientific experiments and thinking outside of the box? 

Why not consider a career in biomedical science – where your passion for science and health has the potential to make a real difference to your community.

What do biomedical scientists do?  

Biomedical scientists are responsible for better understanding, diagnosing, treating and preventing human diseases. They not only study the human body and gain knowledge of how it works, but are responsible for finding new ways to cure or treat diseases.

Biomedical scientists tend to work in laboratories, where a typical day will see them carrying out experiments and investigating samples using sophisticated lab equipment and computers. 

Head of Discipline of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences at Murdoch University, Associate Professor Wayne Greene, says that day-to-day tasks may include testing the effectiveness of various treatments by studying cells, tissues, bacteria, viruses and cellular molecules such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from patients.

“Additionally, scientists may analyse cultures grown from samples, identify blood groups, ensure records are accurately maintained and interpret results.”

They may also be involved in research to help diagnose, monitor and manage new and emerging diseases, or could take up the important task of investigating pre-existing conditions such as cancer or diabetes.

“Most importantly, their research may go towards the development of new treatments, diagnostic tests or providing insights to the healthcare industry,” says Assoc. Prof. Greene.
 

What skills would help in a career in biomedical science?

It doesn’t take just one skillset to have a successful career in biomedicine, but it does help to have the following: 

High level of analysis skills to help you delve deeper into exploring problems and finding possible explanations.

Ability to work as part of a team to draw together information and help accomplish shared goals.

Attention to detail to help keep comprehensive records and look for ways to streamline complicated processes.

Problem solving skills, so you can find possible solutions and different possibilities to difficult questions.  

What you will learn as a biomedical science student

As a biomedicine student at Murdoch, you’ll learn from leading researchers about the underlying principles and concepts of biomedical science. In doing so, you’ll gain an understanding of individual specialised areas including cell biology, physiology, microbiology, immunology, pathology, biochemistry and pharmacology.

“You will gain hands-on experimental and technical skills by performing and analysing the outcomes of practical laboratory investigations at the Murdoch health precinct, which includes multiple hospitals and medical research institute facilities,” says Assoc. Prof. Greene.

This combined knowledge and experience will help you discover which areas within biomedicine you wish to specialise in.

Where can a job in biomedical science can take you?

Assoc. Prof. Greene, says although typically a biomedical scientist will work in a medical science laboratory there is no limit as to where a career in biomedical science can take you, including jobs outside the lab.

“Once you graduate, career opportunities may be found across universities, hospitals, government, health agencies, medical biotechnology companies and biomedical scientific supply companies.

“There is also the prospect of obtaining a job in the business field such as sales, marketing or as a consultant,” says Assoc. Prof. Greene.

If further study is on your radar, Biomedical Science is an important foundation for related postgraduate courses such as medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, education, systems medicine, clinical embryology and veterinary medicine.

How to prepare for your biomedical science career while you’re at uni

You can get a head start on your CV while you’re still studying. You might like to:

Consider a study abroad experience or exchange to one of our partner universities.

Once you’re here, make use of the Murdoch Careers and Employability portal  to explore opportunities, book into career workshops and industry events. 

Find paid work opportunities to get experience during your studies or apply for summer or winter study break vacation work.

Consider adding a second major or combined degree to specialise in two areas of study. This could include Genetics and Molecular Biology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Forensic Biology and Toxicology and Law and Science.

The future of biomedicine

Assoc. Prof. Greene says biomedical science is an exciting and vitally important field at the forefront of 21st century scientific progress.

“New discoveries in key areas such as cancer therapy, drug development, stem cell technology, gene editing and medical diagnostics are revealed virtually every week.

“A career in biomedicine is very rewarding and offers many exciting possibilities with the potential to make a real difference to the lives of many people,” says Assoc. Prof. Greene.

Think you could be a future biomedical scientist? Explore our degree in biomedical science today.