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CDU student Robyn Bennet
Undergraduate

Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science Honours

Key details

Duration

4 year/s full-time
8 year/s part-time
4 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1
On campus - Semester 1
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus
Casuarina campus

Credit points required

320

Course code

VMLSH2
SATAC codes

Overview

The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science Honours provides you with the knowledge and skills to work as a medical scientist in diagnostic pathology, in areas such as haematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, histology and molecular pathology. You will be taught by industry professionals who will assist you in testing samples, interpreting results and making recommendations for improved patient health. The addition of placements allows you to apply these skills to the workplace, thereby increasing your employment opportunities. In the final year of your degree you will have the option of undertaking a research project or gaining advanced professional practice, where you will work alongside medical scientists and researchers in accredited laboratories. 

 



Career opportunities

Completion of the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science Honours provides you with a globally recognised, professional accredited qualification with employment opportunities in the identification and diagnosis of disease and pathogens, medical research, forensic pathology, public health and the pharmaceutical industry, both within Australia and Internationally. Your studies incorporate all areas of diagnostic pathology, with our graduates being successfully employed Nationally.

Professional recognition

This course has been professionally accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS). Graduates of this course are eligible to directly apply for membership.

Fees

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:

(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or

(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.

Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

International tuition fees

The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $33,168.00. This equates to $ $4,146.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.

You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.

CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.

Engineering student Johanna Luck

Why study a health course at CDU?

As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community. 

  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
  • Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
  • Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous health, tropical medicine and other issues of regional and national importance
Stephen Kho - Public Health Research

Why study a health course at CDU?

As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.

  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
  • Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
Engineering student Johanna Luck

Why study a health course at CDU?

As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community. 

  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
  • Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
  • Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous health, tropical medicine and other issues of regional and national importance
Stephen Kho - Public Health Research

Why study a health course at CDU?

As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.

  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
  • Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance

What will I study?

The first year of the degree provides you with the foundational knowledge and skills with the benefit of a laboratory experience, which is built on during the second year providing you with specific knowledge and skills in the areas of haematology and clinical chemistry. The third year expands your understanding of the diagnostic laboratory by extending into histology, transfusion medicine and applied immunology, before gaining workplace experience through 16 weeks of placement completed at the end of your degree as 2 x 8 week blocks. The honours year allows you to gain advance professional experience or undertake a research project. In the professional experience stream students complete a further 8 weeks in a in a laboratory, coupled with additional knowledge to assist in navigating the workplace. In the research stream students undertake a yearlong research project. Both options benefit your leadership and communication skills and allow you to work as part of a team managing samples, performing tests and operating equipment.

Course structure


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 320 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements

Core Units  
(22 units)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

240cp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compulsory Core units totalling 240 credit points as per the list of units detailed below.  

MLS110 Introduction to Diagnostic Pathology  
SBI150 Cellular Biology  
SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1  
SBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2  
SBI183 Introduction to Microbiology 
SCH101 Chemical Concepts  
MLS200 Haematology  
MLS202 Haematology 2  
MLS211 Introduction to Clinical Chemistry 
MLS245 Medical Biochemistry  
SBI254 Biotechnology and Genomics (available from 2026) 
SBI235 Immunology 
SBI236 Introduction to Molecular Biology 
SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare  
SBI282 Clinical Microbiology 1   
MLS313 Clinical Chemistry 
SBI302 Clinical Microbiology 2  
SBI384 Histology and Histochemistry  
MLS301 Transfusion Medicine  
MLS401 Laboratory Placement 1 (20cp)  
MLS402 Laboratory Placement 2 (20cp) 
MLS500 Anatomical Pathology 
 
Specialist Electives  
(4-6 units)
80cp

Specialist Elective unit totalling 80 credit points selected from the units detailed below.

Students must select units from one (1) option:

Professional Research Project Option (80cp)  
In order to complete the research option, students will require a GPA of >5.0  
MLS410 Professional Practice (title change from 2025) 
PHM526 Research Design  
HSC701 Research Project (30cp)   
HSC702 Research Thesis (30cp)   
Or:  
Professional Practice Experience Option (80cp)  
MLS383 Applied Immunology (available from 2027) 
MLS410 Professional Practice (title change from 2025) 
MLS411 Advance Laboratory Placement (20cp) (title change from 2025)  
MLS450 Molecular Pathology (available from 2026) 
HEA506 Health Workforce 
MAN516 Resilience Management and Leadership 
PHM526 Research Design 
 

 320cpTotal Credit Points

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)


 

Study plan


STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1

The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.  
     
Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

Full-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Year 1
SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1COSBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2CO  
MLS110 Introduction to Diagnostic PathologyCOSBI183 Introduction to MicrobiologyCO  
SCH101 Chemical ConceptsCOSBI235 ImmunologyCO  
SBI150 Cellular BiologyCOSBI236 Introduction to Molecular BiologyCO  
Year 2
MLS200 Haematology 1COMLS202 Haematology 2COSBI384 Histology and HistochemistryCO
MLS211 Introduction to Clinical ChemistryCOMLS313 Clinical ChemistryCO  
MLS245 Medical BiochemistryCOSBI241 Pathophysiology for HealthcareCO  
SBI282 Clinical Microbiology 1 COSBI254 Biotechnology and Genomics (available from 2026)CO  
Year 3
SBI302 Clinical Microbiology 2COMLS383 Applied ImmunologyCOMLS402 Laboratory Placement 2 (20cp)CO   
 
MLS301 Transfusion MedicineCOMLS401 Laboratory Placement 1 (20cp)CO
MLS500 Anatomical PathologyCO    
      
Year 4 - Professional Year OR
MLS410 Professional Practice (title change from 2025)SEMLS411 Advance Laboratory Placement (20cp) (title change from 2025)SE  
PHM526 Research DesignSEMLS450 Molecular Pathology (available from 2026)SE  
HEA506 Health WorkforceSEMAN516 Resilience Management and LeadershipSE  
Year 4 - Research Year (Requires GPA of >5.0)
PHM526 Research DesignSEMLS410 Professional Practice (title change from 2025) (INT-4)SE  
HSC701 Research Project (30cp)SEHSC702 Research Thesis (30cp)SE  

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Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

Part-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Year 1
SBI161 Anatomy and Physiology 1COSBI162 Anatomy and Physiology 2CO  
MLS110 Introduction to Diagnostic PathologyCOSBI183 Introduction to MicrobiologyCO  

Year 2

SCH101 Chemical ConceptsCOSBI235 ImmunologyCO  
SBI150 Cellular BiologyCOSBI236 Introduction to Molecular BiologyCO  
Year 3
MLS245 Medical BiochemistryCOSBI241 Pathophysiology for HealthcareCOSBI384 Histology and HistochemistryCO
MLS211 Introduction to Clinical ChemistryCOMLS313 Clinical ChemistryCO  

Year 4

MLS200 Haematology 1COMLS202 Haematology 2CO  
SBI282 Clinical Microbiology 1 COSBI254 Biotechnology and Genomics (available from 2026)CO  
Year 5
SBI302 Clinical Microbiology 2COMLS383 Applied ImmunologyCOMLS402 Laboratory Placement 2 (20cp)CO   
 
    

Year 6

MLS301 Transfusion MedicineCOMLS401 Laboratory Placement 1 (20cp)CO  
MLS500 Anatomical PathologyCO   
Year 7 - Professional Year OR
MLS410 Professional Practice (title change from 2025)SEMAN516 Resilience Management and LeadershipSE  
  MLS450 Molecular Pathology (available from 2026)SE  

Year 8 - Professional Year

HEA506 Health WorkforceSEMLS411 Advance Laboratory Placement (20cp) (title change from 2025)SE  
PHM526 Research DesignSE  
Year 7 - Research Year (Requires GPA of >5.0)
PHM526 Research DesignSEHSC701 Research Project (30cp)SE  

Year 8 - Research Year

HSC702 Research Thesis (30cp)SE    

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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Admission requirements are met by one of the following:

  • Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
  • Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
  • Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
  • Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
  • Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
  • Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
  • Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
  • Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
    • Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
    • Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
    • Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal

*After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.

Additional admission requirements

In order to complete the research major, students will require a GPA of >5.0; places will be limited and require communication with the course coordinator for specific details.

International entry pathway

International applicants who have completed the CDU Foundation Studies Program; and

  • achieved a minimum mark of 65% in Foundation English A and B; and
  • successfully complete FSP013 Foundation Chemistry;

are eligible to apply.

Essential requirements

English language requirements

To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.

DOMESTIC STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - International students   
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.

CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30)Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3
IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake)A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of B2.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21.

* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.

Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
 

ATAR profile


There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.

Assumed knowledge

Stage 2 Chemistry or equivalent

I've had the unique opportunity to explore tropical and rural health, which I may not have had the exposure to had I studied elsewhere.

Katie

CDU student

Nursing student on campus with laptop

My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.

Nishat

CDU student

Nishat studying

I've had the unique opportunity to explore tropical and rural health, which I may not have had the exposure to had I studied elsewhere.

Katie

CDU student

Nursing student on campus with laptop

My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.

Nishat

CDU student

Nishat studying

Course details

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Inherent Requirements

There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.

Australian qualification framework

This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

Student profile


There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science Honours
Faculty/College
Faculty of Health
Sector
HE
Area of study
Health, Science, Environmental Science and Management

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

How to apply

There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.

Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.

SATAC

SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.

International applications

Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.

You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.

Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.

If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
113351
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
Casuarina campus
116458B

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