Bachelor of Medical Science

With a range of elective courses, you can align your studies with your career aspirations.

For example, you may choose electives to make up these areas of focus:

pharmacology cancer biology reproductive and developmental physiology advanced molecular methods used in laboratory focused research infection and immunity.

You will also gain extensive practical experience in our on-campus laboratories, where you can undertake a research project during your final year.

This program provides pathway opportunities for students to be eligible for further study in areas like Biomedical Research, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Medical Sonography and Education (subject to meeting entry requirements).

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent AND

• Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
• Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
• Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR Higher education study

• Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
• Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)

• Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma or above

OR Work and life experience

• Qualify for Special Entry, or
• Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
• Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

During the first year you will develop an understanding of biological systems, how the human body functions and will begin to explore research methodologies.

During the second and third years you will complete some core courses but will also be able to choose from a range of elective courses, depending on your area of interest. You can choose from areas such as:

• molecular biology
• microbiology
• immunology
• human disease
• human nutrition
• genetics and reproductive physiology
• pharmacology
• infection and immunity
• cancer biology.

Students may also choose a course that enables them to join one of the University's research groups and undertake a short research project providing students with experience in a research environment. Some of the research projects our students are currently undertaking include the relationship between nut consumption and biomarkers of cardiometabolic health in children, the role of inflammation in the link between traumatic brain injury and dementia, and antimicrobial resistance in residential aged care facilities.

Throughout the program, you will develop important transferable skills including writing scientific literature reviews and presenting work to an audience.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

Our strong links with several internationally-renowned research groups, UniSA Cancer Research Institute and Centre for Cancer Biology means you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced industry professionals, award-winning researchers and acclaimed academics. This is a great opportunity for you to build important relationships and networks, which may be vital to your career progression after graduation.

You will also hear from industry guest speakers in a range of medical science areas including cancer biology and reproduction.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Your career

The Bachelor of Medical Science is a flexible degree that exposes you to the disciplines central to understanding human health and disease.

You will have an interest in science and how the human body works at all levels, including how different body systems interact with each other and the environment. You will need to be a problem solver, critical thinker, as well as analytical.

There is a wide range of opportunities available for graduates, both in Australia and overseas. Employment opportunities are diverse, and you will be qualified to work in:

• medical or biomedical research: devise and conduct experiments to increase scientific knowledge
• biotechnology: modify or manipulate living organisms to develop new products, such as pharmaceuticals or biofuels
• forensic science: compare, analyse and interpret physical evidence using molecular biology techniques
• medical informatics: develop, maintain and facilitate medical health records for healthcare organisations
• medical sales representative: promote and sell a company’s products; must establish and maintain relationships with customers and stay informed of new medical developments.

If you finish your degree with a credit or higher grade point average (GPA) you could also be eligible for the one-year Bachelor of Biomedical Research (Honours) degree and depending on your results, may be eligible to continue postgraduate research with a Masters by Research or a PhD.

The degree also provides you with the ability to choose appropriate pre-requisite courses in order to study Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Education.

Where can my interest in science take me?

View our guide on Science Careers for more information.

Applying to study with us:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:

• academic counselling
• personal counselling
• social support services, including family support and nearby childcare

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

As a medical science student you will have access to on-campus purpose-built laboratories including:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Physiology