南澳大学

Studying the only degree in SA accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) will see you graduate with the knowledge and skills to enter the exciting world of diagnostic pathology or research. Your work will have a vital bearing on the welfare of patients, supporting clinicians in the diagnosis, management and treatment of disease, conducting research into causes and cures of disease, and developing improved methods for disease detection.

You will gain practical experience in our on-campus laboratories and have the opportunity to practice these skills in real-world clinical settings when you complete industry experience across your third and fourth years. Students can undertake clinical placement in public and private pathology in metropolitan and regional locations, as well as veterinary, forensic science and translational research laboratories.

Students may additionally qualify to participate in overseas study tours to gain insights into diagnostic pathology and medical research in countries such as Myanmar.

The honours component of this degree focuses higher level studies which includes research training, which will see you complete research preparation and project courses in your fourth year.

Your career

As a Medical Laboratory Scientist, you will support clinicians in the diagnosis, management, treatment of disease and develop improved tests for disease detection. You may also recommend possible treatments, monitor dosage and effects, as well as track the progress of patience. There are also career opportunities that involve conducting research into the causes and cures for disease.

You should be inquisitive and have an analytical mind, and you will need to have the ability to absorb, connect and integrate information from various sources. Medical Laboratory Scientists use a range of intricate and sophisticated equipment, so a certain amount of manual dexterity is needed to conduct laboratory work effectively.

Medical Laboratory Scientists are employed in a range of areas, including:

diagnostic pathology
histopathology
forensic science
immunology
virology
transfusion science
haematology
cytology
clinical biochemistry
medical microbiology
research
product manufacturing
public health and health management
veterinary medicine
universities and other educational institutions
government policy.