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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)
 
 

Program Description

For students entering Medical Science in Stage 1 prior to 2007 or Stage 2 prior to 2008, the previous plan description and rules apply. Please click here.

This three-year degree program is jointly offered by the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Science. It provides the basis for a career in biomedical research and is also 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 chemistry of the cells that make up living organisms (Cell & Molecular Biology and Biochemistry) with particular reference to man, and specifically of the structure and function of the human body (Anatomy and Physiology). It then deals with the general processes leading to disease (Pathology), the role of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms in disease (Microbiology) as well as drugs which are used to cure human diseases (Pharmacology). Other areas available for study include the way in which our form and function is inherited (Genetics), the processes of development from the fertilised ovum (Embryology), the natural defences of the body (Immunology) and the study of the structure and function of the brain (Neuroscience).

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

A limited number of high-performing students may be able to gain entry to the UNSW Medicine program with advanced standing. For more information, please click here. Students intending to apply for entry via this pathway must have completed all compulsory courses by the end of Stage 2.

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 one of:
PLUS Elective courses totalling 12 UOC from the Schools in the Faculty of Science
  • Recommended in Session 1: Mathematics, Physics or Psychology; in Session 2: Statistics for Life & Social Sciences, Psychology or Physics
When selecting elective courses in Stage 1 and/or Stage 2, students need to note that they must complete MATH1041 Statistics for Life & Social Sciences by the end of Stage 2.

Note: Students who have completed high school Biology with a score of at least 75 and achieved at least a credit in BABS1201 can substitute BIOS2021 Genetics for BIOS1101.

Stage 2
The 48 UOC of courses taken in this Stage must include at least 36 UOC from the following 6 UOC courses, all of which must be completed by the end of Stage 3. When making choices for Stage 2, students need to take account of prerequisite requirements for courses in Stage 3, in particular with respect to their intended area of specialisation.
Students who do not take all of the above courses in Stage 2 may select up to 12 UOC of electives. When making these choices, students must seek academic advice. In addition, when selecting elective courses in Stage 1 and/or Stage 2, students need to note that they must complete MATH1041 Statistics for Life & Social Sciences by the end of Stage 2.

Stage 3
  • Electives from a Medical Sciences list (see below) (24 UOC): when making these choices, intending Honours students must consult with the School about requirements for Honours prior to entering Stage 3 of their program.
  • Other electives (12 UOC)
  • General Education electives (12 UOC)
Note: Progression to Stages 3 and 4 is subject to academic performance. To remain in the program, a student is required to maintain a WAM of at least 65.

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

Progression to Stage 4 Honours is subject to academic performance (a WAM of at least 65). Students seeking to enrol in Honours are required to have the permission of the Head of School and to have completed all the requirements for Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the BMedSc.

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 project in conjunction with any required coursework (total 48 UOC). See rule 5 below.
  3. No student may normally commence Level II courses until 24 Level I units have been successfully completed unless approved by the Program Authority.
  4. Progression to Stages 3 and 4 is subject to academic performance.
  5. 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 BMedSc at Pass level will not be permitted to enrol in Honours.

Fees

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  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.