Evaluating knowledge, skills, and dispositions for biomedical science graduates: a Delphi study

What should guide curriculum development for generalist undergraduate degrees such as biomedical science? In the absence of accreditation and a single clear graduate pathway, how can these degrees best prepare students for future work and study? Undergraduate biomedical science degrees encompass a wide range of disciplines such as anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, and physiology. To help guide curriculum development and renewal of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science undergraduate degree at Monash University, a Delphi survey methodology was utilized to identify and rate the importance of key knowledge, skills, and dispositions graduates should be able to demonstrate. A panel of 124 experts, including industry, alumni, biomedical researchers, and educators, surveyed in this study identified 33 knowledge, 37 skill, and 31 disposition items as important for biomedical science graduates. These novel findings indicate the prioritization of a broad foundation of knowledge and transferable skills. Qualitative data from the panel also provided a rich source of perspectives that can be used by course designers to inform curriculum design and implementation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to use the Delphi survey method to report on desired biomedical science graduate knowledge, skills, and dispositions. The data show that biomedical science graduates should be able to demonstrate a broad range of skills and knowledge, with a focus on transferable skills and foundational knowledge that will set graduates up for success in future studies or workplaces.