Master of Laboratory Medicine [M7U]

The Master of Laboratory Medicine will provide you with the theoretical and practical skills necessary for employment as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in medical pathology laboratories or other diagnostic laboratories (Professional Experience Sequence), and to provide relevant research experience (Research Sequence). The course provides a formal qualification in Laboratory Medicine for those with an undergraduate background in science or health science.

The Master of Laboratory Medicine will provide experience in research, and is a potential pathway for students to enter postgraduate research degrees.

If you choose the  Professional Experience Sequence, you will undertake your professional experience placement in host laboratories on mainland Australia (outside of Tasmania).

Admission to most postgraduate coursework courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects, and meet English language requirements to be eligible for an offer.

English Language Requirements  

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

Course Specific Requirements

Successful completion of a first degree in Biochemistry or a Medical Science, Health Science, Science or other related discipline, with a credit average, including studies of Biochemistry/Physiology at second year and some first or second year Immunology and Microbiology.^

^ Students may have undertaken Immunology or Microbiology in an undergraduate degree program at either first or second year, depending on the nature of the program.

NOTE: Students who have completed the Bachelor of Biomedical Science/ Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine at the University of Tasmania or any other AIMS accredited course are not eligible for entry to this course, due to the comparable nature of the professional stream units. These students are recommended to undertake Honours to gain research experience.

Safety in Practice Compliance

All students enrolling in College of Health and Medicine programs which include a professional experience placement component, laboratory and/or field activity are required to establish and maintain their capacity to practice safely via Safety in Practice Requirements documentation. Please note, students in Laboratory Medicine courses are required to either provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B or administration of at least the first dose of a three dose course of Hepatitis B vaccination, by the start of the second week of their degree. Students must bring all documentation relating to Hepatitis B vaccination and immunity (in English) with them when they commence the course. Details on Hepatitis B vaccination and immunity can be found here.

• All methods of meeting University of Tasmania English language requirements have a validity period of 2 years unless involving a country specific qualification as listed below.
• Each course offered by the University of Tasmania has a minimum English language requirement for entry as listed below. Applicants must also meet the academic entry requirements for each course.
• Applicants who qualify from a University of Tasmania program, and intend to gain professional registration to become a practitioner in Australia, may need to meet the relevant Professional Accrediting Agency's English language registration standard.
• In exceptional circumstances or cases not covered by the categories outlined below, multiple forms of evidence may be considered on a case by case basis by the Executive Director, Student Operations in consultation with the Director, Academic Quality and Standards.
• The University reserves the right to require that any applicant be required to undergo a test of English language.

Students will gain knowledge and a variety of skills in Laboratory Medicine professional areas such as: clinical chemistry, endocrinology, haematology, blood transfusion science, histopathology, medical microbiology, human molecular biology, and immunology. A Medical Scientist carries out laboratory investigations which assist in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

There are various career options open to biomedical and medical laboratory scientists, especially in hospital clinical and pathology laboratories, private pathology services, blood transfusion services, veterinary pathology laboratories and public health laboratories. Other areas of employment are found in universities and diagnostic companies.

Some students will be prepared to undertake further postgraduate training in biomedical research, leading to potential career options in research organisations.

Professional Recognition

The Master of Laboratory Medicine (Professional Experience Sequence) is accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).

Graduates from this course meet the academic requirements for direct entry into the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists.