Apply and adapt advanced knowledge in biomedical, medical laboratory and clinical measurement science. Learn how to improve human and animal health in rural, remote, and indigenous community settings.

Study a specialised major and learn from industry professionals in JCU’s cutting-edge custom laboratories. Network and form professional relationships with potential future employers.

Conduct an independent research project on a significant topic and present your findings to post-graduate peers, academics and researchers. Integrate your theoretical skills as you complete professional placements*.

Cultivate your commitment to lifelong learning with this dynamic and exciting program. JCU Medical Science graduates are highly sought-after, both nationally and internationally.

View the Handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects, as well as pre-placement requirements.

* Clinical Sciences and Medical Laboratory Science majors only

Majors

You can choose from three Medical Science majors.

Clinical Sciences

Explore fundamental issues of cardiac, respiratory, sleep, renal and neurological measurement, analysis, and interpretation. Undertake a total of 36 weeks of clinical rotation in professional medical or clinical science laboratories. Autonomously collect and interpret clinical research data and present professional scientific and clinical cases to your supervisors.

Future Leaders in Tropical Research

Diagnose major parasite groups, develop immunology experiments, and design research proposals in this flexible major. Choose between a specialisation in Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, or Physiology and Pharmacology, plus electives based on your professional interests. Autonomously collect and interpret research data and present professional scientific research results to your supervisors and the broader community.

Medical Laboratory Science

Become a multidisciplinary scientist and study clinically specialised streams - Haematology, Clinical Biochemistry, Histology and Cytology, Microbiology and Immunology and Immunohaematology. Apply your theoretical knowledge by completing a total of 12 weeks of professional/clinical placements. Autonomously collect and interpret clinical research data and present professional scientific and clinical cases to your supervisors.

JCU Master of Medical Science graduates are equipped with specialist skills and are employed in a variety of medical laboratory settings.

You could work as a research scientist in all areas or as a clinical scientist working in areas such as cardiac scientist, respiratory scientist, sleep scientist, neuroscientist or renal physiology. You could also work as a medical laboratory scientist working in areas of pathology, clinical microbiology, haematology, transfusion science, clinical biochemistry, histopathology, immunology, serology or laboratory management.

Graduates of the medical laboratory science major are eligible to apply for membership with the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).