Bachelor of Clinical Science

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Clinical Science has been specifically designed to meet the expectations of graduate entry dentistry, medicine and health programs across Australia.

The objectives of the Bachelor of Clinical Science program are to gain:

  • appropriate knowledge base and learning skills to facilitate passage into graduate entry dentistry, medicine or other health sciences
  • the enhanced understanding required to practise in rural and remote clinical settings in addition to standard practice
  • a platform understanding for employment in a variety of public health, research and health technology occupations.

The philosophy of this program is to provide graduates with the options of entering graduate entry health programs at Australian Universities. Alternatively, graduates may utilise the content of the degree as the basis for employment in the health or medical research sector.

There is potential for transfer into the Bachelor of Dental Science at CSU and into other allied health degrees at CSU or other universities.

Session 2 admission is only available to applicants receiving appropriate credit, on approval of the Course Director and subject to places being available.

Additional admission requirements

Refer to the workplace learning section for information on:

  • Immunisation
  • National Criminal Record Clearance 

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

Career opportunities

There are a number of career opportunities for graduates of the Bachelor of Clinical Science:

  • progress to graduate entry Dentistry
  • progress to graduate entry Medicine
  • articulation into allied health programs
  • medical/dental or scientific research
  • employment in the public health system (epidemiology, health system planning, health screening, health promotion, etc.)
  • employment in private clinical and/or hospital technologist positions (renal dialysis, asthma testing, exercise testing, cardiology, etc.)

The course consists of 18 core subjects, including two 32 point subjects as follows:

BCM211 Foundations of Biochemistry
BMS129 Physiological Sciences 1
BMS130 Physiological Sciences 2
BMS240 Human Molecular Genetics
BMS291 Pathophysiology & Pharmacology 1
BMS292 Pathophysiology & Pharmacology 2
BMS237 Integrated Clinical Placement 1
CHM104 Chemistry 1A
CHM107 Chemistry 1B
HLT311 Reflective Clinical Practice (32 points)
HLT312 Research in Clinical Practice (32 points)
HLT330 Research Methods in Health Sciences
IKC100 Indigenous Health
LAW131 Legal and Ethical Issues in Health
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology
PSY111 Foundations of Psychology for Health & Human Services
SOC108 Sociology of Health and Healthcare
STA201 Scientific Statistics

Enrolment pattern

Full-time

Session 1

BMS129 Physiological Sciences 1
CHM104 Chemistry 1A
PSY111 Foundations of Psychology for Health & Human Services
STA201 Scientific Statistics

Session 2

BMS130 Physiological Sciences 2
CHM107 Chemistry 1B
SOC108 Sociology of Health and Healthcare
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology

Session 3

BCM211 Foundations of Biochemistry
BMS240 Human Molecular Genetics
BMS291 Pathophysiology & Pharmacology 1
IKC100 Indigenous Health

Session 4

BMS292 Pathophysiology & Pharmacology 2
BMS237 Integrated Clinical Placement 1
LAW131 Legal and Ethical Issues in Health
HLT330 Research Methods in Health Sciences

Session 5

HLT311 Reflective Clinical Practice (32 points)

Session 6

HLT312 Research in Clinical Practice (32 points)

Admission requirements

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

  1. previous studies, and
  2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

  • the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
  • the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
  • a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
  • a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
  • an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
  • completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

  • voluntary or paid work experience;
  • performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
  • participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
  • completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Workplace learning

Immunisation

NSW Health is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all clients in health care settings and providing a safe and healthy working  environment for all staff and other clinical personnel, including students  undertaking workplace learning. This commitment includes adopting an assessment, screening and vaccination policy Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Against Specific Infectious Diseases (PD2011_005) that minimises the risk of acquiring infectious diseases. Compliance with this  policy is mandatory for all health facility staff, including students on clinical placement.

All students must undergo vaccination against infectious  diseases prior to placement within the NSW Health System, and most other  Australian State Health Systems. Results of these vaccinations are kept on a  personal record card (available from the School through which the student is  studying). This card must be presented, upon request, by NSW Health, or other State Health staff, whilst the student is on placement.

The Policy requires that you consult your local doctor to  obtain written proof of protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis,  measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox and hepatitis B.

NOTE: It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the requirements of this policy have been met, and failure to comply with the requirements may jeopardise completion of your studies.

As a full course of vaccinations may take several months to complete, you are advised to consult your local medical practitioner well in  advance of the commencement of your clinical experience placement. Please contact your medical practitioner to identify your local TB screening provider and ensure the screening is completed prior to your first clinical placement.

PLEASE NOTE that, as many courses involve clinical  practicums in the first session of study, the hepatitis B immunisation should  be commenced early, in order for full immunisation status to be attained prior to clinical placements and so meet NSW Health requirements.

Further information is available from NSW Health.

National Criminal Record Check

Students may be required to undergo a criminal record check and/or complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration under the Child Protection Act 1998 as part of professional experience requirements. These checks are intended to identify people who might, because of convictions for such things as violence or sexual offences, put students/clients' personal safety or health at risk. Traffic violations and other minor offences are not of interest.

As such, prospective students should be aware that an inability to obtain a criminal record clearance or complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration may limit practicum opportunities in some organisations and industries. Furthermore, criminal convictions involving violence or sexual offences may limit continued enrolment in a course and/or employment opportunities after completing the course.

If you have any queries regarding these matters, including the opportunities available for review of a particular case, contact the Course Director.

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Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2

Australian and New Zealand students

Apply through UAC/VTAC

Full-time on campus study only

Admission code: 214238

Mid-year applications

apply online

Admission code: KSCS

International Students

Apply online

Admission code: ISCS

Recruitment agent

Contact a Recruitment agent in your country who can answer your questions about CSU as well as help with the student visa application process.

info.csu

Prospective Student Inquiries

Australian campus business hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Australian Eastern Time (GMT +10).

info.csu can provide support and guidance to prospective students on everything you need to know on the University, courses, fees, accommodation, etc.

within Australia 1800 334 733
International + 61 2 6338 6077 Fax (02) 6338 6001