PATH30002 Techniques for Investigation of Disease
University of Melbourne · Level 3 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1.
- Final exam 20%: mostly coursework
- About 3 class hours a week
- 10% group work
Is PATH30002 hard?
PATH30002: Easier. Makes it easier: Reviewers say the workload is light, Final exam only 20%. Makes it harder: 1 other hurdle task.
What you learn
Lab classes on how disease is studied today: tissue slides, organ samples, molecular and computer methods.
After it you can
- Examine patient specimens to explain a disease
- Perform lab techniques used to diagnose disease
- Write lab reports and give presentations
What you need first
BCMB20005 or PATH20003
Take in the same semester or earlier
PATH30001
What it leads to
Careers
Helps toward: Dietitian, Laboratory scientist, Biochemist, Microbiologist, Zoologist, Psychologist, Veterinarian, Biomedical Engineer, Biotechnologist
How it’s assessed
Reports and essays 60%, Presentations 10%, Final exam 20%, Assignments 10%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 5 students on StudentVIP (2014–2026)
- A relatively light, relaxed practical subject compared with other level 3 lab subjects.
- Many small assessments, including lab reports and written reports. Weekly reporting takes getting used to, but feedback helps you improve.
- Your demonstrator strongly shapes the experience and marks.
- It overlaps with PATH30001 content, which makes them good companions.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate PATH30002
Quick answers
- When is PATH30002 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 1.
- What do I need before taking PATH30002?
- Needs BCMB20005 or PATH20003. Must be taken before or alongside it: PATH30001.
- Does PATH30002 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 20% of the mark. Assessment: Reports and essays 60%, Presentations 10%, Final exam 20%, Assignments 10%.
- Is PATH30002 hard?
- From 5 student reviews on StudentVIP: A relatively light, relaxed practical subject compared with other level 3 lab subjects.
- What do students say about PATH30002?
- A relatively light, relaxed practical subject compared with other level 3 lab subjects. Many small assessments, including lab reports and written reports. Weekly reporting takes getting used to, but feedback helps you improve. Your demonstrator strongly shapes the experience and marks.
- How many class hours a week does PATH30002 have?
- 3 h a week in class
- Can I take PATH30002 as breadth?
- No, it isn’t listed as breadth for any course.
- What can I take after PATH30002?
- 2 subjects need it first, for example PATH30004, PHYS30012.
- Can I rate PATH30002?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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