School of Biomedical Sciences
Understanding the basis of health and disease
UWA’s School of Biomedical Sciences carries out world-class teaching and research across a range of biomedical, pre-clinical and health-related disciplines.
The School is structured into four academic disciplines responsible for the delivery of its core teaching programs, while research is multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional and highly collaborative. The School has strong links with the Centre for Microscopy and Cellular Analysis, PathWest, Telethon Kids Institute, the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and the Perron Institute. It houses two University Research Centres: The Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research & Training, and the recently formed Centre for Burns Research and Translation. It is also closely affiliated with the RPH Research Foundation, Institute for Respiratory Health, the WA Centre for Health Research for Women and Babies (KEMH), and the Fiona Wood Foundation.
Our primary teaching disciplines are:
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Medical Sciences and Genetics
- Pathology and Laboratory Science
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
Our range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses give students the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the underlying basis for human health and disease, and the application of biomedical science in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease. Our courses feature prize-winning lecturers and innovative laboratory-based teaching with a focus on transferrable skills as well as discipline-specific knowledge and technical competencies. With direct input from practicing health professionals, industry experts, cutting-edge researchers and biotech entrepreneurs, our courses are designed to ensure you graduate with real-world skills and are employment-ready.
School research encompasses infectious diseases (epidemiology and pathogenesis of disease) and antimicrobial resistance, cancer diagnostics and immunotherapeutics, skeletal pathology, neuroscience, genomics and toxicology. Our research in these areas aims to address biomedical challenges facing the world today. The School’s researchers are funded by a variety of agencies, including the NHMRC, Cancer Research Trust, Cancer Council WA, Department of Health WA and the MRFF.
3000+ undergraduate students
200+ staff
150+ postgraduate students
Our Teaching Disciplines
- Medical Science and Genetics
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Academics in the discipline of Medical Science and Genetics teach pre-clinical medical science to students undertaking the Bachelor of Biomedicine (including those in the assured pathway to medicine and dentistry), as well as undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science studying genetics. Researchers in this discipline employ cutting edge techniques to investigate the genetic and epigenetic causes of disease and use genetic tools to develop novel therapies.
Find School of Biomedical Sciences staff within in the Medical Science and Genetics discipline here.
- Microbiology and Immunology
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The study of microbiology and immunology (a Major in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science) is an exploration of the world of microbes and their interaction with the body’s defence systems. The discipline also coordinates teaching of the Master of Infectious Diseases which offers students advanced knowledge and research training in all aspects of microbiology. The discipline’s research centers around the roles of microbes in health and disease, and development of strategies to better detect, prevent and treat infectious diseases.
Our academic staff and collaborators are members of the Marshall Center.Find School of Biomedical Sciences staff within the Microbiology and Immunology discipline here.
- Pathology and Laboratory Science
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The discipline of Pathology and Laboratory Science is responsible for coordinating and teaching student studying the Major in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (within the Bachelor Biomedical Science). This major provides important insights into the nature of diseases and the development of effective diagnostic and treatment strategies. The discipline also teaches students in the Master of Clinical Pathology, an accredited program training medical scientists for employment in diagnostic pathology laboratories.
Find School of Biomedical Sciences staff within the Pathology and Laboratory Science discipline here.
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
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The study of pharmacology & toxicology is focussed on understanding how pharmaceuticals and toxins interact with our body and affect our health. This discipline teaches undergraduate students studying the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, as well as medical and dental students. Research teams are working on identifying new drug targets, clarifying how drugs interact within the body, and developing new and effective treatments.Find School of Biomedical Sciences staff within the Pharmacology and Toxicology discipline here.
Our courses
Our courses highlight a diverse range of topics for a career in biomedical sciences.
- Undergraduate
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Minors
Our minors will supplement your further study in the field of biomedical science:
Majors
Our majors, which can be taken by students in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science or Bachelor of Biomedicine, will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to embark on a successful career in the biomedical sciences.
Majors in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Majors in the Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised)
Students enrolled in any of the four extended majors in the Bachelor of Biomedicine, including the Extended Major in Medical Science, will undertake training across all the preclinical disciplines, with deeper study into a specialisation of their choice.
- Postgraduate
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Gain in-demand technical skills, knowledge, research skills and training, with hands-on practical learning via postgraduate study at UWA:
Masters
Graduate Diplomas
Higher degrees by research
Higher Degree by Research opportunities and projects
Students who are interested in research projects should visit the Higher Degree by Research Application Portal and browse the Project Opportunities section.
All current projects and their supervisors are available in this Portal. This includes PhD and Master by research projects and scholarships. You can search by research areas or a specific school, see available scholarships and contact prospective supervisors. You can also directly contact a potential supervisor using the discipline links (above).
Our facilities
Adjunct Applications
To apply for Adjunct status, please complete the School of Biomedical Sciences online application form and submit electronically, together with the required attachments. Before submitting the application, please refer to the Adjunct and Clinical Title Holders Guidelines and the University's Policy
For any queries, please contact [email protected]
Research news
Part science, part magic: an illuminating history of healing with light
For millennia, humans had one obvious and reliable source of light – the Sun – and we knew the Sun was essential for our survival.
Read moreAwards and achievements October
The University of Western Australia has a continual roll call of awards, scholarships and prizes presented to staff and students.
Read moreSpringboard Medical Manufacturing Alliance expands
Western Australia’s emerging medical manufacturing sector has been boosted by the expansion of the Springboard Medical Manufacturing Alliance from six to 15 members, who will work together to build a strong foundation for the sector.
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