Bachelor of Medical Science (Specialisation)
| Rank threshold | ATAR: 69 SR: 69 |
| Duration | 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time |
| Location | Online and |
| Next start term | Term 1, 2024 |
| Study mode | On Campus, Online |
| Course code | CG93 |
Overview
Explore health and disease issues and equip yourself with practical skills by studying the Bachelor of Medical Science. This course will prepare you to undertake best practice in patient testing, developing therapeutics, monitoring disease and sharing knowledge in the medical biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry. Benefit from the flexibility to tailor this degree to suit your career goals with a choice of majors in clinical measurement, nutrition, pathology or biotechnology.
The Bachelor of Medical Science aims to develop your skills to apply Clinical Physiology, Nutrition or Pathology knowledge to clinical practice in a health professional role or Biotechnology in support industries and medical research.
The course is designed to build a high level of technical and evaluative skill so you can assess and implement recommendations for best practices in patient testing, monitoring and education or develop therapeutics in the cutting-edge medical biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry. The course also aims to develop high-level communication skills to interact positively with patients/clients, other health professionals, or industry leaders and be ready for the clinical or scientific work environment.
Clinical decision-making and problem-solving abilities will be promoted through opportunities such as developing designing, conducting and interpreting medical research skills.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Bachelor of Medical Science course from CQUniversity have developed the expertise and skills to work as health professionals in pathology, clinical measurement, biotechnology or nutritional areas.
The pathology specialisation will prepare students for employment in diagnostic medical laboratories where haematological, biochemical, microbiological and histological analysis of human blood, urine and tissue samples is conducted.
The clinical measurement specialisation will prepare students for employment as clinical measurement scientists. The specialisation offers multidisciplinary training in diagnostic physiological measurement in cardiac sciences, respiratory sciences, neurophysiology and sleep science.
The nutrition specialisation is targeted at students who will pursue a career in nutrition related health promotion and food and nutrition industries and provide a pathway for postgraduate study in health education, research and public health.
The biotechnology specialisation will prepare students for the medical research or biotechnology industries. With an emphasis on cutting-edge technologies in the development and application of therapeutics, the student is ideally placed to pursue a career in the biopharmaceutical industry or medical research laboratories.
Work integrated learning units are included in each specialisation to facilitate work readiness of graduates.
Please note that the Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Pathology) will not be accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) after 31st December 2019. The Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Pathology) is in the process of being taught-out with closure of this major predicted for 2020. Students interested in a career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist should apply for the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) degree which has applied for AIMS accreditation.
Structure & Availability
Course structure
You will study eight core units and a major in either Biotechnology, Clinical Physiology, Nutrition or Pathology.
If you choose to study a major in Biotechnology, Clinical Physiology or Nutrition, you will also select two minors from a prescribed minors list outlined in the Majors and Minors section below.
If you study the Pathology major you will be required to complete 16 pathology units without the inclusion of minors.
You also have the option to study the Biotechnology major and select a Diagnostic Pathology co-major. Upon graduation, if you opt for this co-major, you will receive the award of Bachelor of Medical Science (Biotechnology and Diagnostic Pathology). With this option, you also may transfer into the four-year accredited CL10 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) degree.
Unit information
For information on the units you could study as part of this course, visit the Handbook and select the "Course Structure" tab.
Credit transfer information
If you have already completed study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.
On-Campus Availability
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| Term 1, 2024 | Bundaberg, Rockhampton |
| Term 2, 2024 | Bundaberg, Rockhampton |
Online Availability
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| Term 1, 2024 | Available Online |
| Term 2, 2024 | Available Online |
Choose a major that suits you.
Enjoy a choice of majors that allow you to tailor your studies to suit your career goals or learning interests. Choose from:
Biotechnology
This major will prepare you for the medical research or biotechnology industries. With an emphasis on cutting-edge technologies in the development and application of therapeutics, the student is ideally placed to pursue a career in the biopharmaceutical industry or medical research laboratories. The major consists of 8 units (48 credit points), and with this major, you'll need to choose a second major or two minors from those listed below.
Second major options:
- Diagnostic Pathology Major: completing this major means you'll graduate with a Bachelor of Medical Science (Biotechnology and Diagnostic Pathology). You'll also be eligible to transfer into the 4-year accredited Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours).
- Food Technology Major: this major provides the opportunity to combine industry-relevant experience that translates across Human Health, Nutrition, Agriculture and Food Technology industries.
- Pathway to Teaching (Secondary) Major: this major allows for potential eligibility to CQU's Master of Teaching (Secondary) provided the GPA requirements and other admissions criteria are met.
Minors:
- Research Minor
- Chemistry Minor
- Entrepreneurship Minor
- Liberal Studies Minor
Clinical Physiology
Studying this major will prepare you for employment as a clinical physiologist and medical scientist. The major offers multidisciplinary training in diagnostic physiological measurement in cardiac sciences, respiratory sciences, neurophysiology and sleep science. You'll study eight units (48 credit points) and need to choose two minors to complement your studies in clinical physiology. Your choice of minors includes:
Minors:
- Biomedical Minor: this minor is highly recommended if opting to pursue a career pathway to practice as a Clinical Physiologist/Scientist. If you are interested in studying UQ's Graduate Medicine (MD Design) or other Graduate Medicine programs, then this minor should ideally be studied with the Research Minor as an ideal preparatory undergraduate degree.
- Research Minor: the Biomedical and Research Minors taken together, form an ideal recommended undergraduate degree for those students who plan to apply for future Graduate Medical studies.
- Entrepreneurship Minor
- Indigenous Health Minor
- Liberal Studies Minor
Nutrition
Nutrition is an important and diverse field in today's society. Studying nutrition will enable you to work with individuals or communities to promote healthy lifestyle choices and prevent diet-related diseases. Completing the Nutrition specialisation will prepare you for a career in nutrition-related health promotion and food and nutrition industries and provide a pathway for postgraduate study in health education, research and public health. You'll study eight units (48 credit points) in this major and choose either a second major or two minors from those listed below:
Second major options:
- Clinical Nutrition: if you are seeking a pathway into a Masters of Dietetics this is an ideal second major.
- Food Technology: this major provides the opportunity to combine industry-relevant experience which translates across Human Health, Nutrition, Agriculture and Food Technology industries.
- Psychology: the Psychology Major combines the discipline strengths of a robust program of study in Medical Science Nutrition with Psychology.
- Pathway to Teaching (Secondary): this major allows for potential eligibility to CQU's Master of Teaching (Secondary) provided the GPA requirements and other admissions criteria are met.
Minors:
- Research Minor
- Entrepreneurship Minor
- Liberal Studies Minor
Advanced Work Integrated Learning - BMSC13012
All students enrolled in Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Specialisation) are required to undertake this unit. Students are required to undertake a minimum of 360 hours of compulsory work experience throughout the course. Refer to the More Details section within the Handbook for further information.
Work Integrated Learning - BMSC12005
This unit is specific to students enrolled in the Pathology and Clinical Physiology majors. Students are required to undertake a minimum of 360 hours of compulsory work experience throughout the course. Refer to the More Details section within the Handbook for further information.
Requirements
Rank Threshold
A rank threshold is the minimum competitive rank that applications will be considered for entry to this course. The rank threshold for this course is: SR 69 | ATAR 69.0
Lowest Ranks
The lowest selection rank refers to the lowest rank to which an offer was made for an intake or term and includes adjustment factors applied to an applicant's ATAR such as the Regional Adjustment Scheme and Educational Access Scheme. An ATAR with adjustment factors applied is referred to as a selection rank.
The lowest selection ranks (includes adjustment factors) for Term 1, 2023 for the following locations are as follows:
Online: 72.3
Please note entry to courses is competitive and the lowest score (ATAR or selection rank) will vary from year to year and campus to campus and is provided as a historical guide of past performance.
Student profile
If you would like to know more about entry scores for applicants with recent secondary education and the student profile for this course, view our Course and Entry Score Profile for Term 1, 2023.
Institute profile
To find out about CQUniversity's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2023, view our Institute Profile.
Recommended study
Prerequisites
When applying, you must demonstrate that you have met the listed Entry Requirements and English Language Proficiency requirements.
After you have applied and enrolled in this course, you will need to be able to meet the Security and Health Requirements as these generally relate to work-integrated learning activities that form part of your course. You will be provided with more information about security and health requirements after enrolling in the relevant units that these relate to.
Entry Requirements
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.
Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion within the last 5 years of:
- a secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
- bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA of 4.0
completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United states of America, which will meet the English proficiency.
If you do not satisfy any of the above you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores as below:
- An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) with an overall band score of at least 6.5 with minimum of 6.0 in each sub test, or
- A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL – internet based) with an overall score of at least 79, with no sub-score less than 21, or
- A Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) with an overall band score of 62 with no communication score less than 54, or
- An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components
English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.
Each student will be assessed individually.
COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement for this course to be eligible for WIL placements.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements apply to this course and as such are subject to compulsory pre-placement conditions referred to as mandatory checks and are outlined in the health, security and other compulsory requirements sections. Mandatory checks are determined by industry, organisations, legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures. To be eligible for a WIL placement, students must first achieve compliance with mandatory checks by each closing date prior to a WIL placement and maintain current evidence for the duration of the course.
Mandatory health requirements include immunisation and vaccination evidence (and serology where required) to the following diseases: COVID-19, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Varicella, Pertussis, Influenza, and Tuberculosis screening. Additional vaccinations and screening are subject to the site or state health authority.
Mandatory security requirements include an Australian Federal Police clearance.
Other mandatory requirements include a student agreement to privacy and confidentiality, fitness to participate in WIL student declaration, jurisdictional and site-specific compulsory requirements, and other training modules.
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative Fees
| Fee Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee | $9,172 |
2024 Indicative Fees
| Fee Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee | $9,888 |
| Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee | $30,786 |
Indicative first-year fee
The fees listed are indicative only and based on enrolling in a full-time study load for one academic year (generally, this is eight units over two terms). Your fees may vary depending on the units you select and the number you study per term. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.
Commonwealth support and government assistance loans
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees if you meet eligibility requirements. If offered a CSP, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees. Learn more about paying for university.
Other study costs
Part of your course costs includes Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). There may also be additional costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.
At CQUniversity, we believe higher education should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more.
How to apply
| State | Admission Code |
|---|---|
| Queensland | Online: 851705; Rockhampton: 851701; Bundaberg: 812701 |
| Northern Territory | Online: 150491 |
| South Australia | Online: 150491 |
| Tasmania | Online: 150491 |
| Victoria | Online: 150491 |
| Western Australia | Online: 150491 |
| New South Wales | Online: 160491 |
If you have decided what you would like to study and are ready to apply, we’re here to help you along the way.
Before you apply, you will need to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). If you do not have a USI, creating one is quick and easy. Simply visit usi.gov.au to create one.
Want to know more about application dates and other admission information?
View our important dates information and read about other admission considerations, such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support.
What’s the best way to apply?
- Option 1: Ideal for most situations, whether you have completed high school recently or some time ago.
- Option 2: Ideal if you are studying with one of our partner study hubs.
- Option 3: Ideal if you have previously studied with CQU.
Option 1: Ideal for most situations, apply via a tertiary admission centre
View the table below for the best application option based on where you live.
| If you live in | Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC)* |
| Queensland | Apply via QTAC |
| New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Apply via UAC |
| Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, South Australia | Apply via ApplyCQUNI |
*Please note that you may be required to pay a fee when applying via a TAC.
Option 2: Want to study with one of our partner study hubs? Apply via ApplyCQUni
Benefit from local support, space, technology and facilities offered by one of our delivery partners.
| If you are studying with: | Study Support |
| Murray River Study Hub | Access to local study facilities. |
Option 3: If you have previously studied with CQU, apply direct.
As a past CQU student, you may be eligible to apply directly to CQU for this course. To apply directly, your prior study with CQU must be a completed or partially completed CQU course or unit, including:
- CQU’s Skills for Tertiary Entrance Preparatory Studies (STEPS), Tertiary Entrance Program (TEP), or Start Uni Now (SUN) units.
- A CQU certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree, bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master or research higher degree, or a unit within these courses.
