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Medical Science - 3991
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Science at UNSW
Program Description
Program Objectives
Program Structure
General Education Requirements
Honours
Academic Rules
Fees
Area(s) of Specialisation

Program Summary

 
Faculty: Faculty of Science
 
 
Contact: http://www.science.unsw.edu.au
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Typical Duration: 3 Years
 
 
Typical UOC Per Session: 24
 
 
Min UOC Per Session: 3
 
 
Max UOC Per Session: 24
 
 
Min UOC For Award: 144
 
 
Award(s):
 
 
Bachelor of Medical Science (Major)
 
 
Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours)
 
 

Program Description

This three-year degree program provides the basis for a career in biomedical research and is an appropriate first degree for students planning to enter graduate medical or paramedical programs.

Medical science is the area of science which underpins the practice of medicine. It incorporates study of the structure and function of the human body (Anatomy and Physiology) as well as the way in which our form and function is inherited (Genetics) and then develops from the fertilised ovum (Embryology). It deals with the chemistry of living organisms (Biochemistry) with particular reference to man, the role of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms in disease (Microbiology) as well as drugs which are used to cure human diseases (Pharmacology), the natural defenses of the body (Immunology), and the general process leading to disease (Pathology).

Students enrolled in this program may have the opportunity to undertake a fourth year that involves a research program leading to an Honours degree.

Program Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Students enrolled in this program will have the opportunity to gain a broad perspective of the biomedical sciences, as well as to specialise in one or more of the above disciplines.

Program Structure

Stage 1
plus one of:
plus one of:
Plus 6 UOC from:
Plus
  • Elective courses totalling 12 UOC offered by the following Schools: Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, History and Philosophy of Science, Psychology
  • General Education (3 UOC)
Stage 2 - (A total of 48 UOC)

Note: Students anticipating doing the fourth year Honours program should contact the relevant Head of School for advice.
  • At least 36 UOC from the following ANAT, BIOC, BIOS, MICR, PATH, PHPH courses:
  • Elective courses 0-6 UOC from the above courses or from the following areas: Biological Science, Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, History and Philosophy of Science
  • General Education (3 UOC)
* Students intending to enrol in Biochemistry (BIOC) courses are encouraged to enrol in the advanced courses (BIOC2101, BIOC2201), and should note that these courses are prerequisites for many Stage 3 courses.
** Students taking MICR2011 must also take the corequisites: either BIOS2021 or BIOS2621 and BIOC2201. The prerequisite, MICR2201, may be waived with permission from the Course Authority.

Stage 3
  • 42 UOC from the following subject areas: Anatomy, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Immunology, Pathology, Physiology & Pharmacology, Psychology, Biotechnology. Students must nominate a major discipline by taking at least 18 UOC at Level III in one of these subject areas and fulfilling other course requirements specified for that Major.
  • General Education (6 UOC)

General Education Requirements

Students in this program must satisfy the University's General Education requirements. For further information, please refer to General Education in the Table of Contents (see left hand side of this page).

Honours

Honours may be taken in the major discipline, subject to progress at credit level through the program. Intending Honours students should consult the Head or Honours Co-ordinator of the appropriate School. Students who successfully complete Stage 4 of their program will be considered for the award of Honours.

Academic Rules

  • 1. A student must complete 144 units of credit including 12 units of General Education in Stages 1-3
  • 2. Honours is available to suitably qualified students and consists of a 48 unit of credit Honours sequence at Stage 4. See rule 8 below
  • 3. The degree must contain a sequence of study as specified in the program description
  • 4. A student must complete at least 36 units and no more than 48 units in Level 1 courses
  • 5. A student must complete before the end of Stage 3 the two 3 unit courses BSSM1110/SCIF1110 and BSSM2220/SCIF2220.
  • 6. No student may normally commence Level 2 courses until 24 Level 1 units have been successfully completed unless approved by the Head of School.
  • 7. Progression to Stages 3 and 4 is subject to academic performance. A student will be required to have attained an average of 65 or higher in courses relevant to the major area and cognate subjects in each prior stage.
  • 8. Progression to Stage 4 Honours is subject to academic performance. Students seeking to enrol in Honours are required to have the permission of the Head of School, to have completed all the requirements for Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the BMedSc and to have satisfied prerequisite requirements as specified. All General Education must also have been completed. Students who have not qualified for the BMedSci at Pass level will not be permitted to enrol in Honours.

Fees

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following web-page:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html


Area(s) of Specialisation

URL for this page:

© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.