UWA Handbook 2026

Extended Major Overview

Description

The Medical Science - Pathology and Laboratory Medicine extended major will focus on mechanisms of health and human disease, providing students with the essential preclinical knowledge that will prepare them for a broad range of careers in health- and biomedical science-related fields. The Level 1 and 2 units focus on preclinical disciplines. These disciplines will be integrated within the two Level 3 Body Systems units which will have a strong focus on functional human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology. Communication and research skills for the health professional will be presented throughout the major, including aspects of Australian society and Aboriginal health. The structure of the Major provides for a broad, pre-clinical, pan-discipline education, while accommodating a single discipline focus.

As a diagnostic specialty, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine can be considered the basis of modern scientific medical knowledge and plays a critical role in evidence-based medicine. This focus will provide students with a thorough understanding of the scientific basis of testing, diagnosing, treating, managing, and preventing human disease, as well as an appreciation of how medical research yields new insights into disease.

Outcomes

Students are able to:

1. articulate a broad knowledge of the structure, function and physiology of the human body at a molecular, cellular, organ and body system level
2. demonstrate an understanding of communicable and non-communicable disease processes and health interventions based on knowledge of human body functions and pharmacological principles
3. communicate biomedical concepts and knowledge to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways
4. evaluate and adopt research methodologies including research design and the analysis and interpretation of health and medical data
5. demonstrate high level academic and interpersonal skills
6. describe the fundamental processes of cellular growth and differentiation, cell injury, inflammation, repair, immunopathology and neoplasia
7. explain how genetic, developmental, environmental and infectious factors contribute to initiation, perturbation, and resolution of human disease
8. explain how changes in cells or tissues are measured to detect and monitor human disease
9. integrate and apply the principles of pathology and laboratory medicine to specific human organ and body systems including cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, reproductive, nervous, neuromuscular, immune and endocrine diseases; (10) perform assays to investigate the molecular and cellular drivers of, and response to, human diseases; (11) apply descriptive and quantitative statistical methods to analyse and interpret laboratory data; (12) identify, retrieve and critically evaluate evidence obtained and tested through use of the scientific method; (13) synthesise and communicate scientific knowledge for a range of audiences; and (14) demonstrate skills in collaboration, leadership and collegiality.

Broadening guidelines

All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Many of you will be able to undertake more than this minimum amount of broadening study and we encourage you to do so if this suits your aspirations. Over the next few months you will find here some broadening suggestions related to your degree-specific major. While we know that many students value guidance of this sort, these are only suggestions and students should not lose sight of the opportunity to explore that is afforded by your Broadening Choices. Advice can also be sought from your Allocated Student Advising Office.

Prerequisites

ATAR Chemistry or equivalent.

ATAR Mathematics Applications or equivalent.

Incompatibilities

None

Courses

Medical Science - Pathology and Laboratory Medicine can only be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:

• BP056 Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised)
• BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

Units