Major structure
Overview
This major is available in the Bachelor of Biomedicine and the Bachelor of Science.
In the Pathology major, you’ll investigate what goes wrong in the body at the cellular and organ level.
Major structure
Bachelor of Biomedicine
You will take eight core subjects (125 credit points) across your degree that will build an understanding of the structure and function of the body and consideration of the determinants of health and disease, including genetic and environmental influences (four in first year, two in second year and two in third year).
In your third year, you will complete 50 credit points (four subjects) of deep and specialised study in in pathology.
Throughout your degree you will also take elective and breadth (non-biomedicine) subjects.
Bachelor of Science
The Immunology major is made up of seven subjects (87.5 credit points) taken in your second and third year. Each subject is worth 12.5 credit points. Level 2 subjects are usually taken in second year, and Level 3 subjects in third year.
To complete this major, you’ll need:
- 25 credit points of Level 2 major core
- 12.5 credit points of Level 3 capstone
- 12.5 credit points of Level 3 major elective
- 12.5 credit points of Level 2 major elective
- 25 credit points of Level 3 major core
The rest of your degree will consist of a Level 1 science core subject, your choice of elective subjects in science, and breadth (non-science) subjects.
Further information
You can find detailed information about your major – including structure, subject availability, and participation requirements – in the Handbook.
You can also explore your study pathway and sample course plans through My Course Planner.
Sample course plan
View some sample course plans to help you select subjects that will meet the requirements for this major.
You will need to enrol in the relevant foundational first year biology subjects: BIOL10008 Foundational Biology: Life’s Machinery and BIOL10010 Foundational Biology: Life’s Complexity. If you have not undertaken VCE Units 3/4 Chemistry previously, you may first need to enrol in CHEM10007 Fundamentals of Chemistry in your first semester.
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 1100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts | |
| Semester 2 · 50 pts |
|
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 2100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts |
|
| Semester 2 · 50 pts |
|
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 3100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts | |
| Semester 2 · 50 pts |
|
If you did not achieve a study score of at least 25 or equivalent in year 12 Biology, you will need to enrol in the relevant introductory first year biology subjects: BIOL10008 Introductory Biology: Life’s Machinery and BIOL10010 Introductory Biology: Life’s Complexity instead of BIOL10009 Biology: Life’s Machinery and BIOL10011 Biology: Life’s Complexity. If you have not undertaken VCE Units 3/4 Chemistry previously, you may first need to enrol in CHEM10007 Fundamentals of Chemistry in your first semester.
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 1100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts | |
| Semester 2 · 50 pts | |
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 2100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts |
|
| Semester 2 · 50 pts |
|
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 3100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts | |
| Semester 2 · 50 pts | |
If you did not achieve a study score of at least 25 or equivalent in year 12 Biology, you will need to enrol in the relevant introductory first year biology subjects: BIOL10008 Introductory Biology: Life’s Machinery and BIOL10010 Introductory Biology: Life’s Complexity instead of BIOL10009 Biology: Life’s Machinery and BIOL10011 Biology: Life’s Complexity. If you have not undertaken VCE Units 3/4 Chemistry previously, you may first need to enrol in CHEM10007 Fundamentals of Chemistry in your first semester.
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 1100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts |
|
| Semester 2 · 50 pts | |
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 2112.5 pts |
|
| Semester 2 · 50 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 62.5 pts | |
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 3100 pts |
|
| Semester 2 · 50 pts | |
| Semester 1 · 50 pts |
|
Explore this major
Explore the subjects you could choose as part of this major.
Bachelor of Science subjects
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Exploring Human Disease · 12.5 pts |
This subject will explore the scientific basis of disease. Students will be introduced to factors affecting the initiation, progression and resolution of human disease through the study of:
Through lectures and tutorials students will understand that, as first described by Rudolf Virchow in 1958, ‘injury to the smallest living unit of the body, the cell, is the basis of all disease’, and appreciate how injury can lead to the development of diseases such as cancer and diabetes or cause a heart attack. |
| Experimental Pathology · 12.5 pts |
Experimental Pathology will introduce students to the practical methods used to understand the nature and cause of disease. Through a combination of laboratory and workshop sessions and case- based lectures, students will consolidate their theoretical understanding of disease acquired in PATH20001 or BIOM20001. Students will be introduced to the core disciplines of Pathology and in doing so appreciate the central and vital role Pathology plays in biomedical research and medicine. |
| Mechanisms of Human Disease · 12.5 pts |
This subject extends the concepts and examination of disease covered in second year Pathology (PATH20001, BIOM20001) with a focus on the cellular and molecular features underlying fundamental mechanisms in organ specific pathologies. This subject is available to both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedicine students. Science and Biomedicine students intending to take a major in Pathology are required to enrol in PATH30001 (this subject), PATH30002 and PATH30003. |
| Frontiers in Human Disease · 12.5 pts |
Frontiers in Human Diseases introduces students to topics at the forefront of pathology in human diseases of national, regional and global importance. This subject is delivered by clinicians, scientists and diagnostic pathologists to foster students’ appreciation of the latest advances in science and medicine. Through workshops, discussion sessions and lectures, students will develop an understanding of the cellular, molecular and genetic basis of major diseases affecting society. Through this subject, students will develop fundamental skills that will enable them to become critical and creative leaders in the field of Biomedicine or pursue a career in any of the Health Sciences. |
Capstone
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Techniques for Investigation of Disease · 12.5 pts |
PATH30002 Techniques for Investigation of Disease is the capstone subject for the Pathology Major and consolidates the principles and concepts introduced in PATH30001. These laboratory-based classes aim to develop an authentic practical and theoretical understanding of the modern scientific investigation of disease. Techniques used will include histopathology, macroscopic analysis, bioinformatic approaches, molecular pathology and critical analysis of published research papers. Comparisons will be made between normal and abnormal tissues, organs and functions in the context of tissue regeneration and repair, acute and chronic inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Diseases to be examined include major conditions affecting society. This course will introduce students to basic principles of laboratory based analytical methods that are currently used in Biomedical Research and Diagnostic and Forensic Pathology laboratories. |
Students will complete one Level 2 elective and one Level 3 elective.
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Principles of Human Structure · 12.5 pts |
This subject provides an overview of human anatomy. We expect that a student who completes this subject should be able to comprehend the terminology of human topographic and developmental anatomy; the principles relating to each type of anatomical structure (skin, fascia and skeletal muscle, bones and joints, vessels and nerves, visceral structures); the essential factual information regarding the specific anatomical structures forming the body's major organ systems (musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiorespiratory, digestive, genitourinary); the boundaries and contents of clinically important regions; and the appearance of normal anatomical structures via modern imaging techniques. Lectures on anatomy will be supplemented by online learning material, and practical classes that incorporate use of prosected cadaveric specimens and modern imaging. |
| Fundamentals of Cell Biology · 12.5 pts |
Each cell in our body and, indeed, in all multicellular organisms has a particular structure and many important functions. This subject explores the complex cellular structure and molecular functions of general and specialised human, animal and plant cells. It also explores the internal and external signals that can lead to changes in cell behaviour, gene expression, protein synthesis and cell replication in both healthy and disrupted or diseased states. In this subject students will build on foundational knowledge and skills obtained in first year biology. Learning activities will prepare students for further study within cell and developmental biology and future study and career pathways in many other relevant areas of biological and biomedical sciences. |
| Pharmacology: How Drugs Work · 12.5 pts |
Pharmacology is an exciting discipline that provides insight into the mechanisms of action and beneficial and unwanted effects of drugs in the body. This is achieved by integrating knowledge from a range of biosciences including how the body works in health and disease. This subject uses specific examples of instantly recognizable and newly developed drugs to demonstrate how pharmacologists identify drug targets, design new drugs and test their therapeutic effectiveness. |
| Advanced Investigation of Human Disease · 12.5 pts |
In PATH30004 Advanced Investigation of Human Disease students will extend their understanding of human disease in the context of library or laboratory based research projects. This subject will give students the opportunity to work within a research group investigating diseases of significance to society and provide them with an appreciation of the relationship between basic research and the investigation of complex diseases and how research discoveries can contribute to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease. This subject is an elective subject for Science and Biomedicine students intending to take a major in Pathology and is recommended for students interested in doing Honours in Pathology. |
| Viscera and Visceral Systems · 12.5 pts |
This subject provides a detailed investigation of human visceral anatomy. The subject will cover the terminology of human topographic anatomy as it relates to the head and neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis; the principles of viscera and visceral systems; the detailed regional anatomy of each area including the walls and contents of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis; applied and clinical anatomy; and the appearance of normal anatomical visceral structures via modern imaging techniques. Lectures on anatomy will be supplemented by specialist lectures by practitioners to demonstrate the disciplinary breadth achievable with anatomical knowledge. Cadaveric dissection will be used to complement learning, by exposing the boundaries and contents of important regions of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis; and anatomical models, computer programs, prosected specimens and modern imaging techniques will be used to appreciate anatomical structures. |
| Advances in Stem Cell Biology · 12.5 pts |
This subject introduces students to advanced research topics in modern stem cell biology with respect to current roles of stem cells in development of organisms, regenerative medicine and ethical considerations of biotechnological applications. Different types of stem cells will be discussed with emphasis on embryonic stem cells compared to adult stem cells and roles in embryonic development and adult tissue regeneration. The role of stem cells in diseases such as cancer, anaemia etc., will be discussed by leading stem cell researchers in terms of dysregulation of tissue regeneration and current potential treatment strategies. New therapies based on stem cells such as in vitro production of organs, stem cell transplantation and cloning will be presented along with the ethical dilemmas posted by these advances. The subject will also cover the latest advances in Induced Pluripotent Stem cell (iPS) technology and what this tells us about the nature of pluripotency. |
| Drug Treatment of Disease · 12.5 pts |
Cancer, disorders of the immune system, cardiovascular diseases and acute and chronic lung disorders are the most common types of afflictions affecting people worldwide. This subject will examine the medicines that have been developed, or are currently being researched, to treat these diverse conditions. |
Bachelor of Biomedicine subjects
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Mechanisms of Human Disease · 12.5 pts |
This subject extends the concepts and examination of disease covered in second year Pathology (PATH20001, BIOM20001) with a focus on the cellular and molecular features underlying fundamental mechanisms in organ specific pathologies. This subject is available to both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedicine students. Science and Biomedicine students intending to take a major in Pathology are required to enrol in PATH30001 (this subject), PATH30002 and PATH30003. |
| Frontiers in Human Disease · 12.5 pts |
Frontiers in Human Diseases introduces students to topics at the forefront of pathology in human diseases of national, regional and global importance. This subject is delivered by clinicians, scientists and diagnostic pathologists to foster students’ appreciation of the latest advances in science and medicine. Through workshops, discussion sessions and lectures, students will develop an understanding of the cellular, molecular and genetic basis of major diseases affecting society. Through this subject, students will develop fundamental skills that will enable them to become critical and creative leaders in the field of Biomedicine or pursue a career in any of the Health Sciences. |
Capstone
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Techniques for Investigation of Disease · 12.5 pts |
PATH30002 Techniques for Investigation of Disease is the capstone subject for the Pathology Major and consolidates the principles and concepts introduced in PATH30001. These laboratory-based classes aim to develop an authentic practical and theoretical understanding of the modern scientific investigation of disease. Techniques used will include histopathology, macroscopic analysis, bioinformatic approaches, molecular pathology and critical analysis of published research papers. Comparisons will be made between normal and abnormal tissues, organs and functions in the context of tissue regeneration and repair, acute and chronic inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Diseases to be examined include major conditions affecting society. This course will introduce students to basic principles of laboratory based analytical methods that are currently used in Biomedical Research and Diagnostic and Forensic Pathology laboratories. |
Students will complete one Level 3 elective.
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Advanced Investigation of Human Disease · 12.5 pts |
In PATH30004 Advanced Investigation of Human Disease students will extend their understanding of human disease in the context of library or laboratory based research projects. This subject will give students the opportunity to work within a research group investigating diseases of significance to society and provide them with an appreciation of the relationship between basic research and the investigation of complex diseases and how research discoveries can contribute to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease. This subject is an elective subject for Science and Biomedicine students intending to take a major in Pathology and is recommended for students interested in doing Honours in Pathology. |
| Viscera and Visceral Systems · 12.5 pts |
This subject provides a detailed investigation of human visceral anatomy. The subject will cover the terminology of human topographic anatomy as it relates to the head and neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis; the principles of viscera and visceral systems; the detailed regional anatomy of each area including the walls and contents of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis; applied and clinical anatomy; and the appearance of normal anatomical visceral structures via modern imaging techniques. Lectures on anatomy will be supplemented by specialist lectures by practitioners to demonstrate the disciplinary breadth achievable with anatomical knowledge. Cadaveric dissection will be used to complement learning, by exposing the boundaries and contents of important regions of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis; and anatomical models, computer programs, prosected specimens and modern imaging techniques will be used to appreciate anatomical structures. |
| Advances in Stem Cell Biology · 12.5 pts |
This subject introduces students to advanced research topics in modern stem cell biology with respect to current roles of stem cells in development of organisms, regenerative medicine and ethical considerations of biotechnological applications. Different types of stem cells will be discussed with emphasis on embryonic stem cells compared to adult stem cells and roles in embryonic development and adult tissue regeneration. The role of stem cells in diseases such as cancer, anaemia etc., will be discussed by leading stem cell researchers in terms of dysregulation of tissue regeneration and current potential treatment strategies. New therapies based on stem cells such as in vitro production of organs, stem cell transplantation and cloning will be presented along with the ethical dilemmas posted by these advances. The subject will also cover the latest advances in Induced Pluripotent Stem cell (iPS) technology and what this tells us about the nature of pluripotency. |
| Drug Treatment of Disease · 12.5 pts |
Cancer, disorders of the immune system, cardiovascular diseases and acute and chronic lung disorders are the most common types of afflictions affecting people worldwide. This subject will examine the medicines that have been developed, or are currently being researched, to treat these diverse conditions. |