This major provides students with broad understanding of cell structure and function and explores genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms of development in a range of organisms and experimental models. It highlights the research methodologies used and how knowledge is applied to improve the human condition. Students should develop specialist skills in understanding cellular processes and experimental approaches used to investigate them. They should also develop generic skills in integrating information from diverse fields, communication and presentation of information, teamwork and independent learning that will equip them for a range of careers in research, biotechnology, government agencies, agriculture, medico-legal and journalism. This major provides you with a broad understanding of cell structure and function and explores genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms of development in a range of organisms and experimental models. You will explore cellular processes and experimental approaches used to investigate them. You will also develop generic skills in integrating information from diverse fields, communication and presentation of information, teamwork and independent learning that will equip them for a range of careers in research, biotechnology, government agencies, agriculture, medico-legal and journalism. Areas you can specialise in within the major in third year are: Reproduction and Development, Animal Cell Biology, and Plant Cell Biology and Development. Your major structure This major can be completed through the Bachelor of Biomedicine or the Bachelor of Science. BACHELOR OF BIOMEDICINE In your first year you will study 75 points of core subjects (usually six subjects) that most Biomedicine students will take to 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. You will also undertake breadth studies. In second year you will study 50 points of core subjects made up of two semester long subjects as well as elective subjects in biomedicine or science disciplines and breadth studies. In your third year you will study 25 points (usually two subjects) of Biomedicine core subjects and 50 points (usually four subjects) that is deep and specialised study in cell and developmental biology as well as other elective or breadth studies. Career outcomes After completing this major you might pursue career paths in research or diagnostic laboratories, biotechnology, government agencies, agriculture, journalism and the medico-legal area. Earnings for life scientists, which includes Cell and Developmental Biology, are above average and employment for this occupation is expected to grow moderately to 2019. Graduate degree pathways from this major GRADUATE RESEARCH Completing the Cell and Developmental Biology major means you are very well placed for further study in honours and graduate research in a range of science and technology areas. If you wish to explore biomedicine research questions in greater depth, there will be opportunities to proceed to graduate research at honours, masters and doctoral level. Research training preparation within the honours year, Postgraduate Diploma or a Masters degree will be required as preparation for graduate research. Graduate pathways advice is available at the Health Hub to help you understand and plan your options for further study.