Master of Biomedical Science

This subject aims to prepare students for the processes and strategies at the core of modern biomedical research. Using self-directed learning strategies, students will be guided through a series of online modules to serve as preparation for their own research projects. Modules on ethical considerations in biomedical research, data integrity and legislation, will equip students to consider these in the context of their own research. Students will learn about the importance of accurate research records, data documentation, and effective reference management including the use of an electronic laboratory notebook and reference management software. Real-world examples will be used to introduce experimental design and core statistical techniques enabling students to plan experiments and analyse their own data. The students will further leverage resources developed by expert scientific communicators to aid in effective communication of their research, in both written and oral form, to a lay audience. The integration of a “Conversational Questions” assessment will additionally provide opportunity for students’ to critically appraise aspects of experimental design and data analysis along with the current state of literature in their chosen field of research. Collectively, the skills gained provide a foundational introduction to biomedical research preparing them for their research projects.

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This subject will offer students a foundation in developing a biomedical research discovery into a new therapeutic approach. In a series of workshops students will be introduced to the basics of research translation and the importance of data management and intellectual property strategy. Students will learn about the process and time scales involved in technology transfer and the challenges of transitioning from a research mindset into a development mindset. They will learn about the regulatory framework required to progress biomedical discoveries and the importance of project management, negotiation and relationship building with industry and government. Each module consists of a masterclass supported by webinars and print resources to deepen further the understanding of the topic.

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Students and leading neuroscience researchers will discuss, debate and analyse research programs that examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neural function in health and disease. In-depth consideration of these programs will examine what dictates the choices of model systems and the methods of analysis; what sort of technical and analytical skills researchers need to conduct their research; the factors that limits progress in the research programs, and what opportunities exit for the translation of research discoveries into therapies.

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Mammalian cells are the building blocks of our bodies, the foundries and factories of our medicines. With recent advances in gene engineering, cultured cells are no longer simply tools to study disease, but are a living therapeutic product. Pluripotent stem cells form a front-line to advances in cell manufacturing, as these can be engineered from cells cultured from any individual and in combination with gene therapy are forming the next generation of precision treatments for a range of diseases. In this subject, students will explore the recent and exciting history of cell and gene therapies, and develop a deep understanding of the foundational principles of growing, engineering, and scaling cells for successful manufacturing. Working with leading industry partners, students will work on real-life challenges facing the sector today, and will develop the essential attributes to design and manufacture the next generation of cell-based products.

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The past decade has seen a growing interest in metabolism research which is reshaping our understanding of human physiology and disease, with the ultimate goal to aid in better treatment and prevention of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart failure, cancer and related metabolic diseases. This subject will bring together some of the most outstanding metabolism researchers, with a strong translational focus, to introduce interested students to the innovative technologies utilised in the metabolism field in both academia and industry. This subject will provide theoretical and hands-on experience in state-of-the-art innovative technologies for discovery and translational metabolism research, including measures of glycaemia, mass spectrometry-based approaches, as well as gene/protein therapy and pharmaceutical interventions.

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This subject will enable students to understand how scientific discoveries from diagnostic, surveillance and basic research laboratories contribute to broader research programs in infection and immunity dedicated to the control of pathogens and disease within the wider population and environment. Through a series of lectures, seminars and discussion groups, students will learn about the principles of containment of specific pathogens within the laboratory setting, and the underlying regulatory framework required to maintain laboratory standards and progress biomedical discoveries. This subject will be taught by scientists who specialise in diagnostic, surveillance and basic research relating to specific infectious pathogens. The subject includes an optional 1-day (9am-4pm) excursion to CSIRO - Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong.

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This subject will introduce a range of specialised and emerging research techniques and technologies and apply them to understanding contemporary research problems relating to infection and immunity. The principles and scientific basis underpinning methods to study (i) the expression and regulation of host and/or pathogen genes/proteins and (ii) techniques to visualise these factors will be explained. The application of these techniques to current cutting-edge science and technology will be analysed and explored. This subject will be taught by scientists who are research leaders in the discipline using relevant pathogen and disease-specific case examples. Students will engage with the content of this subject through a series of online pre-recorded lectures, live seminars and workshops, and laboratory based practical classes.

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Neuroscience research is characterized by the breadth of its conceptual and technical approaches; students will discuss and debate a wide variety modern neuroscience research programs with leading neuroscience researchers. The focus is on research directed at understanding neural function at the level of circuits and systems. In-depth consideration of these programs will examine what dictates the choices of model systems and methods of analysis; what sort of technical and analytical skills researchers need to conduct their research; the factors that limits progress in the research programs, and what opportunities exit for the translation of research discoveries into therapies.

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Personalized medicine is the end goal of advances in genomics. Many patients are now able to have their genome sequenced and many, many new human sequence variants are being discovered on a weekly basis. How can these data be analysed to benefit the patient? How can we interpret genomic data to determine if a sequence variant is likely to be pathological or be causative for a specific disease phenotype. This subject will provide students with experience of a pipeline that can be used to analyse genomic variants and a framework for decision-making about the types of laboratory studies that can be utilized to gain further information about a gene and related sequence variants.

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In health, metabolic function involves the integrated operation of all body systems to ensure that metabolic fuel supply is attuned to the fuel usage requirements of every organ, tissue and cell. In metabolic disease, the integrated operations of the primary fuel supply regulator (liver) and the major energy consumer tissues (especially heart and skeletal muscle) are disrupted. Metabolic disruption is the basis of major global health burdens - including diabetes, obesity, heart failure, and cancer. In this subject Researchers will lead discussions to introduce students to the paradigms of metabolic research, examining how questions can be formulated to drive knowledge forward and how different models and technologies can be used to generate translational outcomes.

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This subject provides an in-depth look into the methods, algorithms and techniques behind biomolecular structure determination. In particular, students will be exposed to prominent techniques in the field for example: X-ray Crystallography, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and cryogenic-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM). As part of a general introduction into measurement techniques students will visit state-of-the-art NMR, cryo-EM and X-ray facilities at the Bio21 Institute and the Australian Synchrotron. Using industry standard software packages, students will learn to input and handle data to reconstruct biomolecular structure and dynamics across the range of techniques. The computer based laboratories will be overseen by practitioners in the field. This multi-disciplinary subject is co-taught by staff in the School of Physics, Chemistry and Biomedical sciences. There is particular emphasis on integration of these disciplines with students receiving both theoretical and practical knowledge of fundamental and frontier research and development in biomolecular structure determination.

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This subject will provide an in-depth coverage of cellular and developmental genetics with respect to recent advances and insights. This subject will extend basic knowledge in these areas gained during a student’s undergraduate degree with topics ranging from the molecular basis of gene regulation, genetic control cell function, developmental programmes of embryogenesis and their evolution, and the use of model organisms in biomedical studies. It will consist of blocks of lectures, literature review and analysis where published papers are analysed and discussed, and of student oral presentations. The subject provides students with skills and knowledge for understanding original research and enhanced written and oral communication skills. The course will be offered in alternating years.

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Exploring Research in Clinical Pathology (Advanced) aims to facilitate students’ development of research skills and to foster their professional identity as researchers, in the broad context of clinical pathology research. It also provides the unique opportunity for students to work alongside members of the community with a lived experience of cancer. In diverse workshops with guest speakers, students will learn the value of patient engagement in research, how to plan and design for impactful research and how to communicate research to a range of audiences. With a strong emphasis on critical analysis skills, students will learn to evaluate and make valuable contributions to an exciting, contemporary field of research. To practice these skills, students apply what they learn in workshops to a mini-research project, conducted in collaboration with a small group of peers, a scientific tutor and a patient collaborator. Throughout this project, students explore the published literature, a range of research approaches, major advances and research gaps, and translational application in one area of clinical pathology research. Practising research skills in this collaborative environment provides opportunities for students to learn, develop and engage in feedback, in preparation for the closely aligned assessment tasks.

Note: This ‘advanced’ subject is suitable for graduate students studying a Masters (or higher) degree.

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Bioinformatics is a key research tool in modern agriculture, medicine, and the life sciences in general. It forms a bridge between complex experimental and clinical data and the elucidation of biological knowledge. This subject presents bioinformatics in the context of its role in science, using examples from a variety of fields to illustrate the history, current status, and future directions of bioinformatics research and practice.

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Microscopy is the key technique for imaging fine structure in biological specimens. This subject will introduce the range of methods and capabilities of light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and laser scanning confocal microscopy, as well as the methods of specimen preparation for standard histochemical and immunocytochemical techniques. The principles and scientific basis underpinning the various methods and techniques will be explained, and applications to current cutting-edge science and technology will be discussed. Practical and project work will include demonstration of equipment and analysis of images and data.

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In this subject, students will develop and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how to use computer code to analyse, visualise and make evidence-based decisions from large data sets. By developing an understanding of a solid understanding of the theory and practice of data science for biomedical research, students will gain the necessary knowledge to identify and evaluate suitable data analysis tools for application in biomedical and clinical data sets via coding tutorials utilising AI co-piloting models. Lectures will cover data visualisation and visual communication, core statistical concepts including machine learning methods, and their application in the analysis of biomolecular data and health informatics.

This subject will be delivered through online lectures that delve into the principles of data analysis and AI, and its practical implementation in biomedical research. To enhance the learning experience, students will gain valuable practical training in the R software language that will teach them reproducible and transparent data science practices and responsible use of AI assistance whilst building foundational skills in data analysis and visualisation and basic statistical analysis. Students will learn to perform analysis on datasets pertaining to bioinformatics and disease, and communicate findings through code-based (markdown) reports and oral presentations.

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This subject will give an overview of the tools required to operate successfully in an organisational environment. The focus of the subject is the internal workings of an organisation and specifically addresses three main areas: working with people, managing budgets and understanding basic accounting, and managing processes and projects.

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This subject is designed to provide students with detailed training in statistical methods as applied to the design and analysis of projects undertaken by postgraduate students, across all disciplines.

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Successful commercialisation of scientific discoveries and new technologies occurs in a unique business environment where scientific and business interests and personalities must productively interact.

The subject will develop a critical understanding of the context in which the commercialisation of science occurs, and the opportunities and challenges encountered. Topics covered within the subject will include the nature and types of intellectual property (IP), how it can be protected, valued, managed and strengthened, its use as a commercial tool, exploration of the barriers to commercialisation, what strategies can be used to exploit IP, how to develop a commercial plan and leverage finance for the commercialisation of IP.

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The field of Biotechnology encompasses many different advanced analytical techniques. The aim of this subject is to develop knowledge and skills in the application of these technologies. This subject will be taught by scientists who will discuss their own research involving the application of state-of-the art technologies designed to understand the composition of different organisms, protein modification, the structure and function of proteins, and the complexities of protein-protein interactions and metabolic outcomes. There will be a strong emphasis on how these technologies are applied to a range of areas in biology, medicine and industry.

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This subject examines the workplace environment and the range of competencies needed to operate effectively. Communication is central to success in the workplace, from proposing projects, consulting and influencing colleagues, through to reporting. Students will gain a range of communication skills in writing, oral and presentation skills, and using graphics and statistics, to communicate science to others with whom they work.

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This subject (Research Project A) provides students with the opportunity to learn the essential skills needed to undertake laboratory research. In addition, students will gain first-hand experience in experimental design, and in data collection, analysis, and presentation. Students will undertake a pilot or feasibility study in the area of their Research project. This study will be presented, along with a literature review, as a research report and an oral presentation.

This subject must be taken in conjunction with Research Project A (SBS) Part 2 in consecutive semesters.

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Please refer to Research Project A (SBS) Part 1 for details.

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This subject (Research Project B) provides students with the opportunity to design and conduct, under supervision, independent research in biomedical science, building on the work completed in Research Project A. Students will take responsibility for a research project, including the design of field and/or laboratory experiments; collection, appropriate statistical analysis, and interpretation of data; and oral and written presentations of the results. The report describing the research will more closely resemble a scientific paper than a traditional thesis. Students will assimilate and critically evaluate new knowledge within a scientific paradigm and communicate that knowledge to others. Students will also develop skills in managing a scientific research project, writing scientific reports, providing and responding to peer reviews, and making an oral presentation. Students will identify an appropriate supervisor and project as part of the application process for the Master of Biomedical Science (MC-BMEDSC).

This subject must be taken in conjunction with Research Project B Part 2 in consecutive semesters.

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Please refer to Research Project B (SBS) Part 1 for details.

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This subject (Research Project A) provides students with the opportunity to learn the essential skills needed to undertake laboratory research. In addition, students will gain first-hand experience in experimental design, and in data collection, analysis, and presentation. Students will undertake a pilot or feasibility study in the area of their Research project. This study will be presented, along with a literature review, as a research report and an oral presentation.

This subject must be taken in conjunction with Research Project A (MMS) Part 2 in consecutive semesters.

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Please refer to Research Project A (MMS) Part 1 for details.

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This subject (Research Project B) provides students with the opportunity to design and conduct, under supervision, independent research in biomedical science, building on the work completed in Research Project A. Students will take responsibility for a research project, including the design of field and/or laboratory experiments; collection, appropriate statistical analysis, and interpretation of data; and oral and written presentations of the results. The report describing the research will more closely resemble a scientific paper than a traditional thesis. Students will assimilate and critically evaluate new knowledge within a scientific paradigm and communicate that knowledge to others. Students will also develop skills in managing a scientific research project, writing scientific reports, providing and responding to peer reviews, and making an oral presentation. Students will identify an appropriate supervisor and project as part of the application process for the Master of Biomedical Science (MC-BMEDSC).

This subject must be taken in conjunction with Research Project B Part 2 in consecutive semesters.

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Please refer to Research Project B (MMS) Part 1 for details.

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This subject (Research Project A) provides students with the opportunity to learn the essential skills needed to undertake laboratory research. In addition, students will gain first-hand experience in experimental design, and in data collection, analysis, and presentation. Students will undertake a pilot or feasibility study in the area of their Research project. This study will be presented, along with a literature review, as a research report and an oral presentation.

This subject must be taken in conjunction with Research Project A (MDS) Part 2 in consecutive semesters.

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Please refer to Research Project A (MDS) Part 1 for details.

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This subject (Research Project B) provides students with the opportunity to design and conduct, under supervision, independent research in dental science, building on the work completed in Research Project A. Students will take responsibility for a research project, including the design of field and/or laboratory experiments; collection, appropriate statistical analysis, and interpretation of data; and oral and written presentations of the results. The report describing the research will more closely resemble a scientific paper than a traditional thesis. Students will assimilate and critically evaluate new knowledge within a scientific paradigm and communicate that knowledge to others. Students will also develop skills in managing a scientific research project, writing scientific reports, providing and responding to peer reviews, and making an oral presentation. Students will identify an appropriate supervisor and project as part of the application process for the Master of Biomedical Science (MC-BMEDSC).

This subject must be taken in conjunction with Research Project B Part 2 in consecutive semesters.

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Please refer to Research Project B (MDS) Part 1 for details.

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This subject (Research Project A) provides students with the opportunity to learn the essential skills needed to undertake laboratory research. In addition, students will gain first-hand experience in experimental design, and in data collection, analysis, and presentation. Students will undertake a pilot or feasibility study in the area of their Research project. This study will be presented, along with a literature review, as a research report and an oral presentation.

This subject must be taken in conjunction with Research Project A (VisionSci) Part 2 in consecutive semesters.

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Please refer to Research Project A (VisionSci) Part 1 for details.

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This subject (Research Project B) provides students with the opportunity to design and conduct, under supervision, independent research in vision science, building on the work completed in Research Project A. Students will take responsibility for a research project, including the design of field and/or laboratory experiments; collection, appropriate statistical analysis, and interpretation of data; and oral and written presentations of the results. The report describing the research will more closely resemble a scientific paper than a traditional thesis. Students will assimilate and critically evaluate new knowledge within a scientific paradigm and communicate that knowledge to others. Students will also develop skills in managing a scientific research project, writing scientific reports, providing and responding to peer reviews, and making an oral presentation. Students will identify an appropriate supervisor and project as part of the application process for the Master of Biomedical Science (MC-BMEDSC).

This subject must be taken in conjunction with Research Project B Part 2 in consecutive semesters.

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Please refer to Research Project B (VisionSci) Part 1 for details.

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This subject (Research Project A) provides students with the opportunity to learn the essential skills needed to undertake laboratory research. In addition, students will gain first-hand experience in experimental design, and in data collection, analysis, and presentation. Students will undertake a pilot or feasibility study in the area of their Research project. This study will be presented, along with a literature review, as a research report and an oral presentation.

This subject must be taken in conjunction with Research Project A (Psych) Part 2 in consecutive semesters.

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Please refer to Research Project A (Psych) Part 1 for details.

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This subject (Research Project B) provides students with the opportunity to design and conduct, under supervision, independent research in psychological science, building on the work completed in Research Project A. Students will take responsibility for a research project, including the design of field and/or laboratory experiments; collection, appropriate statistical analysis, and interpretation of data; and oral and written presentations of the results. The report describing the research will more closely resemble a scientific paper than a traditional thesis. Students will assimilate and critically evaluate new knowledge within a scientific paradigm and communicate that knowledge to others. Students will also develop skills in managing a scientific research project, writing scientific reports, providing and responding to peer reviews, and making an oral presentation. Students will identify an appropriate supervisor and project as part of the application process for the Master of Biomedical Science (MC-BMEDSC).

This subject must be taken in conjunction with Research Project B Part 2 in consecutive semesters.

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Please refer to Research Project B (Psych) Part 1 for details.

View detailed information in the Handbook