Know The Differences: Applied Health Sciences vs Biomedical Science

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10 Apr 2025

4 Min Read

The Taylor's Team (Editor)
IN THIS ARTICLE

The healthcare and life sciences industries are constantly evolving—opening up exciting career pathways for those passionate about improving lives through science and innovation. If you're considering a future in health, research, or medical advancement, choosing the right degree is a meaningful first step towards making a real impact.

 

At Taylor’s University, both the Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences and the Bachelor of Biomedical Science offer rewarding entry points into the health and bioscience fields. While both programmes are grounded in human health and scientific inquiry, each takes a different approach, offering unique areas of specialisation and career possibilities.

 

In this article, we’ll walk you through the key differences to help you find the path that best matches your goals and interests—whether you're drawn to community health initiatives, lab-based research, or the science behind health technologies.

Programme Overview

Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences

 

This programme is designed for you—if you're passionate about advancing healthcare through research, innovation, and specialised knowledge. You'll be prepared to question current practices, explore emerging technologies, and find new ways to improve health outcomes and strengthen healthcare systems.

 

With a strong focus on four key specialisations—genetics, embryology, neuroscience, and nutrition—you’ll build the expertise needed to lead meaningful change and discovery in these fields.

 

Your learning goes beyond the classroom. Through industry placements, project-based work, and community health initiatives, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience. You’ll also be exposed to digital health solutions, health informatics, and innovations in healthcare delivery, ensuring you're ready to shape the future of health and well-being with both confidence and purpose.

 

 

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

 

This programme focuses on the scientific study of human diseases—their underlying mechanisms, and how diagnostics and therapies are developed to treat them. You’ll explore key areas such as Human Pathology, Immunology, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Medical Microbiology.

 

Throughout your studies, you’ll build strong laboratory expertise in biomedical research, gaining hands-on experience with diagnostic techniques like PCR and digital pathology to analyse diseases. You’ll also work with cutting-edge tools such as 3D bioprinting—used in tissue engineering, drug testing, and regenerative medicine—and CRISPR gene-editing technologies to investigate genetic disorders and develop potential treatments.

 

Through lab-based learning, research projects, and experimental analysis, you’ll learn how to conduct diagnostic tests, interpret biomedical data, and contribute to advancing medical knowledge and technologies. By the time you graduate, you’ll be well-prepared for roles in biomedical research, diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical R&D, or clinical labs—equipped with the skills to support biomedical research.

woman experimenting with differnent coloured chemicals

Key Differences

Focus Areas

 

If you choose the Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences, your studies will centre on understanding healthcare systems and finding ways to improve public health outcomes through research, innovation, and specialised knowledge.

You’ll dive into key areas such as:

  • Nutrition – Examine how diet, lifestyle, and environment influence health across populations.
  • Genetics – Investigate how genes affect human development, disease risk, and treatment outcomes.
  • Neuroscience – Explore the structure and function of the brain and nervous system in relation to behaviour and health.
  • Embryology – Study early human development, reproductive health, and assisted reproductive technologies.

 

In contrast, the Bachelor of Biomedical Science is focused on investigating human diseases, their causes, and how science can develop treatments or cures. Similar to Applied Health Sciences programme, it’s a research-intensive programme that trains you to work with advanced biomedical technologies in a lab setting. You’ll dive deep into areas like:

  • Molecular Diagnostics – Use tools like PCR, CRISPR, and immunoassays to detect, study, and understand diseases at a genetic and cellular level.
  • Medical Research and Innovation – Conduct lab-based research to uncover new insights into disease mechanisms, identify drug targets, and support the development of novel therapies.
  • Biomedical Technology and Tools – Work with cutting-edge tools such as 3D bioprinting for regenerative medicine, or bioinformatics platforms to analyse and visualise complex biomedical data.
person doing lab experiment
Career Pathways and Future Opportunities

 

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences, you’ll be equipped to pursue careers in healthcare research, with opportunities that also extend into public health, community outreach, and health education. Depending on your specialisation, you could explore roles such as:

  • Molecular Geneticist – Investigate genes and mutations to better understand, diagnose, and treat genetic disorders.
  • Bioinformatics Specialist – Use software and computational tools to analyse complex biological data and support breakthroughs in medical and genetic research.
  • Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Specialist – Apply embryology expertise to support fertility treatments and reproductive health innovations.
  • Cognitive Neuroscientist – Study brain function and the nervous system to explore how we think, learn, and respond to health interventions.

 

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, you’ll be well-prepared for careers in biomedical research, diagnostic science, and therapeutic development. Your strong foundation in laboratory skills and scientific inquiry opens up opportunities in both clinical and research settings. Potential roles include:

  • Biomedical Scientist – Conduct laboratory research to understand disease mechanisms or evaluate the effectiveness of new drug therapies.
  • Clinical Research Associate – Design, monitor, and manage clinical trials for new treatments, medical devices, or therapeutic interventions.
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist – Perform genetic and molecular testing in clinical laboratories to support accurate diagnosis and patient care.
  • Biomedical Engineer – Apply cutting-edge tools like CRISPR, 3D bioprinting, or regenerative medicine to develop innovative medical technologies.

Choosing the Right Path

When deciding between the Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences and the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, consider what motivates you and how you’d like to contribute to the world of healthcare.

 

Choose Applied Health Sciences if you:

  • Are passionate about improving human health through science and innovation.
  • Enjoy understanding how the body works at a molecular, cellular, or systems level.
  • Are curious about cutting-edge healthcare technologies like CRISPR, brain-computer interfaces, and IVF.
  • See yourself working in labs, healthcare settings, or research institutions to tackle today’s health challenges.

 

Meanwhile, go for Biomedical Science if you:

  • Are curious about how diseases work and how to fight them.
  • Have a strong interest in understanding the human body's structure and function.
  • Aspire to contribute to advancements in medical science and healthcare.
  • Want to be involved in research, diagnostics, or drug development.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences and the Bachelor of Biomedical Science comes down to where your passion lies—whether it’s driving innovation in healthcare systems or uncovering scientific breakthroughs at the forefront of biomedical research.

 

If you're drawn to improving public health and shaping healthcare delivery through research and specialised knowledge, Applied Health Sciences offers a dynamic path. If you’re excited by the challenge of understanding diseases and working with cutting-edge biomedical technologies, Biomedical Science equips you to lead advancements in therapeutic discovery, precision medicine, and regenerative healthcare.

 

At Taylor’s University, both programmes provide a strong academic foundation, hands-on experience, and the support you need to thrive. Whichever path you choose, you’ll be empowered to make meaningful contributions to the future of healthcare and biosciences—starting from day one.

At Taylor’s University, both programmes offer a solid academic foundation, practical experience, and dedicated support to help you excel. Book a session with our education counsellor to discover how you can play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare and biosciences.
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