Bachelor of Medical Science
What is this course about?
CSU's Bachelor of Medical Science is an internationally recognised and accredited course with a proud history extending over 20 years. This course offers diverse career options in the health care industry.
Have you ever had a blood test ordered by a doctor? Has any member of your family ever had a pap smear? Has any family member ever had a blood transfusion? Do you know anybody who suffers from respiratory, cardiovascular or nervous system disorders? Do you ever require medication? If so, it is certain that the skills, specialist knowledge and expertise of a medical scientist have played a role in your life and the lives of those around you.
Medical scientists with training in pathology form the vital link in the chain of medical services through their work in hospital laboratories, private pathology laboratories and universities. They conduct laboratory analysis on blood, body fluids and tissues to provide vital scientific information for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Medical scientists in clinical measurement laboratories form another vital link in the chain of medical services by assessing the physiological functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous and respiratory systems. Results of these clinical measurements are used in accurate diagnosis and management of diseases such as atherosclerosis, epilepsy and asthma.
Medical scientists are seen as an integral part of the total healthcare team within hospitals, liaising with other health professionals and patients. They also form the key elements of research teams examining the efficacy of new treatments or developing new medicines and health care products.
What will I learn?
A common first session program includes units in chemistry, anatomy and physiology, statistics and microbiology. According to specialities, students will then diverge into subjects relevant to their areas of interest.
There is potential for movement between specialities within the first year, providing flexibility for students. Academic Advisors will be available at all times to provide guidance on subject choices. There is also potential for transfer from the Bachelor of Medical Science into the Bachelor of Biotechnology (Medical) and the Bachelor of Pharmacy at different stages during the course (based on grade point average (GPA)), and the opportunity to take double degrees. You can also graduate with a second degree in Biotechnology (Medical) by studying a further eight subjects after graduating with your Medical Science degree.
This course includes practical experience through workplace learning.
Your course is recognised by industry
All courses within the School of Biomedical Sciences are designed to provide a variety of levels of eligibility for membership with a range of professional bodies, such as:
- AIMS - Australian Institute of Medical Scientists
- AACB - Australian Association of Clinical Biochemists
- ASC - Australian Science Communicators
- ASBMB - Australian Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- ANTA - Association of Neurophysiological Technologists of Australia
- CSANZ - Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand
- ASMR - Australian Society for Medical Research
- APSA - Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association
- ANZSRS - Australian & New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science
- ASM - Australian Society for Microbiology
- HGSA - Human Genetics Society of Australasia
Graduates from the accredited Pathology specialisation of this course are eligible for corporate membership of the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists.
Residential school
Distance education students will attend eight days of residential school per session on the Wagga Wagga Campus.
Additional admission requirements
Refer to the workplace learning section for information on:
-
Immunisation
- National Criminal Record Clearence
Graduation requirements
To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 192 points (24 subjects).
On campus students who enrol in one of the three specialisations must complete a minimum of six weeks clinical experience in an approved laboratory to be eligible to graduate.
Distance education students who are not in appropriate employment will also be required to complete such professional experience. This is not a requirement of the students enrolled in the generic course.
Students will graduate from the Bachelor of Medical Science with the award BMedSc.The normal number of points required to graduate.
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
This broad-based course offers you diverse career options in the healthcare industry, including a number of alternative paramedical and medicotechnology-based programs, and gives you the flexibility to choose an area of specialisation. The programs available and employment opportunities include:
Pathology specialisation
Graduates can gain employment in many areas of clinical medical science, particularly in the evolving pathology industry. Potential employment will be found in the following areas of medical science: anatomy, biochemistry, biotechnology, blood bank, cell biology, cytogenetics, genetics, haematology, histology, immunology, immunohaematology, and microbiology. Potential employment also exists in medical research in hospitals, medical research institutions and IVF clinics. This specialisation has accreditation from the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).
Clinical Physiology specialisation
This area of study will qualify you for entry into clinical measurement laboratories involved in assessment of physiological functioning of the nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Clinical measurement involves performance of physiological tests to diagnose and ‘fine tune’ therapeutic management of already established disease.
Careers in clinical research are also available within hospital and university research teams and these often focus on development of new measurement techniques and gaining a better understanding of the processes of specific diseases. There is an emphasis on cardiorespiratory and nervous system anatomy and physiology, fundamental physiological testing techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG) and spirometry as well as more advanced testing modalities for each of these three vital body systems, pharmacology, immunology, micro and molecular biology and will allow involvement in a critical areas of Australian public health.
Generic course
By choosing groups of subjects from a number of significant disciplines, you have the option of gaining a broad knowledge in any two of the specialities above. This will be especially attractive to those seeking a flexible undergraduate science program that provides a broad background as an option for entry into research programs.
Course structure
The course consists of 192 points comprised of:
compulsory common subjects (12 subjects; 96 points) and either restricted elective subjects (96 points) or a specialisation in one of the following areas:
- Biotechnology
- Pathology
- Clinical Physiology
Core subjects (96 points)
IKC100 Indigenous Health
BCM210 Foundations & Techniques of Biochemistry
BMS105 Introductory Medical Science
BMS129 Physiological Sciences 1
BMS130 Physiological Sciences 2
BMS240 Human Molecular Genetics
BMS241 Molecular Cell Biology
BMS308 Immunology
CHM104 Chemistry 1A
CHM107 Chemistry 1B
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology
STA201 Scientific Statistics
Restricted elective subjects for generic course (96 points)
Students can choose subjects from the two specialisations and can also select any of the following subjects:
BMS208 Human Nutrition
BMS233 Nutritional Physiology
BMS243 Nutrition, Metabolism & Human Disease
BMS256 Exercise Science for Health Practice
BMS342 Medicinal and Indigenous Foods
BMS406 Human Reproductive Biology
PSY111 Foundations of Psychology for Health and Human Services
SCI301 International Practical Experience
PSY214 Health Psychology
Biotechnology specialisation (96 points)
BCM302 Food and Beverage Biotechnology
BMS238 Foundations of Biotechnology
BMS215 Microbial Biotechnology
BMS235 Protein Biochemistry
BMS237 Integrated Clinical Placement 1
BMS304 Fundamentals of DNA fingerprinting
BMS315 Medical Microbiology
SCI300 Biotechnology and Industry (16)
BMS344 Molecular Immunology
BMS345 Therapeutic Proteins
BMS346 Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics
Pathology specialisation (96 points)
BMS207 Clinical Biochemistry 1
BMS216 Introductory Haematology
BMS229 Histotechniques
BMS237 Integrated Clinical Placement 1
BMS352 Molecular Pathology
BMS302 Clinical Biochemistry 2
BMS337 Histopathology
BMS338 Clinical Bacteriology
BMS315 Medical Microbiology
BMS306 Advanced Haematology
BMS324 Immunohaematology & Blood Transfusion
BMS351 Integrated Clinical Placement 2
Clinical Physiology specialisation (96 points)
BMS239 Clinical Measurement
BMS291 Pathophysiology & Pharmacology 1
BMS292 Pathophysiology & Pharmacology 2
BMS301 Medical Science Special Topic
BMS321 Clinical Neuroscience
BMS329 Clinical Neurophysiology
BMS332 Clinical Cardiovascular Physiology
BMS237 Integrated Clinical Placement 1
RSC201 Cardiorespiratory Anatomy and Physiology
RSC301 Asthma Management
RSC431 Advanced Pulmonary Function Testing
RSC441 Advanced Respiratory Laboratory Diagnostics
Enrolment pattern
Bachelor of Medical Science (generic)
By full time study
Session 1
CHM104 Chemistry 1A
BMS105 Introductory Medical Science
IKC100 Indigenous health
BMS129 Physiological Sciences 1
Session 2
CHM107 Chemistry 1B
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology
BMS130 Physiological Sciences 2
STA201 Scientific Statistics
Session 3
BCM210 Foundations & Techniques of Biochemistry
BMS240 Human Molecular Genetics
[restricted elective]
[restricted elective]
Session 4
BMS241 Molecular Cell Biology
[restricted elective]
[restricted elective]
[restricted elective]
Session 5
BMS308 Immunology
[restricted elective]
[restricted elective]
[restricted elective]
Session 6
[restricted elective]
[restricted elective]
[restricted elective]
[restricted elective]
By part time distance education study
Session 1
CHM104 Chemistry 1A
BMS105 Introductory Medical Science
Session 2
CHM107 Chemistry 1B
STA201 Scientific Statistics
Session 3
IKC100 Indigenous health
BMS129 Physiological Sciences 1
Session 4
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology
BMS130 Physiological Sciences 2
Session 5
BCM210 Foundations & Techniques of Biochemistry
BMS240 Human Molecular Genetics
Session 6
BMS241 Molecular Cell Biology
[restricted elective]
Session 7
BMS308 Immunology
[restricted elective]
Sessions 8-12
Student complete a total of 8 restricted electives
Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathology)
By full time study
Session 1
CHM104 Chemistry 1A
BMS105 Introductory Medical Science
IKC100 Indigenous health
BMS129 Physiological Sciences 1
Session 2
CHM107 Chemistry 1B
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology
BMS130 Physiological Sciences 2
STA201 Scientific Statistics
Session 3
BCM210 Foundations & Techniques of Biochemistry
BMS240 Human Molecular Genetics
BMS216 Introductory Haematology
BMS229 Histotechniques
Session 4
BMS241 Molecular Cell Biology
BMS207 Clinical Biochemistry 1
BMS337 Histopathology
BMS338 Clinical Bacteriology
Session 5
BMS308 Immunology
BMS237 Integrated Clinical Placement 1*
BMS315 Medical Microbiology
BMS302 Clinical Biochemistry 2
Session 6
BMS351 Integrated Clinical Placement 2*
BMS352 Molecular Pathology
BMS306 Advanced Haematology
BMS324 Immuno-haematology
By part time distance education study
Session 1
CHM104 Chemistry 1A
BMS105 Introductory Medical Science
Session 2
CHM107 Chemistry 1B
STA201 Scientific Statistics
Session 3
IKC100 Indigenous health
BMS129 Physiological Sciences 1
Session 4
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology
BMS130 Physiological Sciences 2
Session 5
BCM210 Foundations & Techniques of Biochemistry
BMS240 Human Molecular Genetics
Session 6
BMS241 Molecular Cell Biology
BMS207 Clinical Biochemistry 1
Session 7
BMS216 Introductory Haematology
BMS229 Histotechniques
Session 8
BMS337 Histopathology
BMS338 Clinical Bacteriology
Session 9
BMS308 Immunology
BMS237 Integrated Clinical Placement 1
Session 10
BMS306 Advanced Haematology
BMS324 Immunohaematology
Session 11
BMS315 Medical Microbiology
BMS302 Clinical Biochemistry 2
Session 12
BMS351 Integrated Clinical Placement 2
BMS352 Molecular Pathology
Bachelor of Medical Science (Clinical Physiology)
By full time study
Session 1
CHM104 Chemistry 1A
BMS105 Introductory Medical Science
IKC100 Indigenous health
BMS129 Physiological Sciences 1
Session 2
CHM107 Chemistry 1B
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology
BMS130 Physiological Sciences 2
STA201 Scientific Statistics
Session 3
BCM210 Fundamentals & Techniques of Biochemistry
BMS239 Clinical Measurement
BMS240 Human Molecular Genetics
RSC201 Cardiorespiratory Anatomy & Physiology
Session 4
BMS241 Molecular Cell Biology
BMS321 Clinical Neuroscience
RSC301 Asthma Management
BMS332 Clinical Cardiovascular Physiology
Session 5
BMS237 Integrated Clinical Placement 1*
BMS291 Pathophysiology & Pharmacology 1
BMS308 Immunology
BMS329 Clinical Neurophysiology
Session 6
BMS292 Pathophysiology & Pharmacology 2
BMS301 Medical Science Special Topic
RSC431 Advanced Pulmonary Function Testing
RSC441 Advanced Respiratory Laboratory Diagnostics
By part time distance education study
Session 1
CHM104 Chemistry 1A
BMS105 Introductory Medical Science
Session 2
CHM107 Chemistry 1B
STA201 Scientific Statistics
Session 3
IKC100 Indigenous health
BMS129 Physiological Sciences 1
Session 4
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology
BMS130 Physiological Sciences 2
Session 5
BMS239 Clinical Measurement
BMS240 Human Molecular Genetics
Session 6
BMS241 Molecular Cell Biology
RSC301 Asthma Management
Session 7
BCM210 Fundamentals & Techniques of Biochemistry
RSC201 Cardiorespiratory Anatomy & Physiology
Session 8
BMS321 Clinical Neurophysiology
BMS332 Clinical Cardiovascular Physiology
Session 9
BMS237 Integrated Clinical Placement 1
BMS291 Pathophysiology & Pharmacology 1
Session 10
BMS292 Pathophysiology & Pharmacology 2
BMS301 Medical Science Special Topic
Session 11
BMS308 Immunology
BMS329 Clinical Neurophysiology
Session 12
RSC431 Advanced Pulmonary Function Testing
RSC441 Advanced Respiratory Laboratory Diagnostics
Bachelor of Medical Science (Biotechnology)
By full time, on-campus study
Session 1
BMS129 Physiological Sciences 1
BMS105 Introductory Medical Science
CHM104 Chemistry 1A
IKC100 Indigenous Health
Session 2
BMS130 Physiological Sciences 2
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology
CHM107 Chemistry 1B
STA201 Scientific Statistics
Session 3
BCM210 Foundations & Techniques of Biochemistry
BMS240 Human Molecular Genetics
BMS238 Foundations of Biotechnology
BMS215 Microbial Biotechnology
Session 4
BMS241 Molecular Cell Biology
BMS237 Integrated Clinical Placement 1
BMS235 Protein Biochemistry
BMS304 Fundamentals of DNA fingerprinting
Session 5
BMS308 Immunology
SCI300 Biotechnology and Industry (16 points)(commence)
BMS315 Medical Microbiology
BCM302 Food and Beverage Biotechnology
Session 6
SCI300 Biotechnology and Industry (16 points)(complete)
BMS345 Therapeutic Proteins
BMS312 Molecular Immunology
BMS346 Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics
By distance study
Session 1
BMS105 Introductory Medical Science
CHM104 Chemistry 1A
Session 2
CHM107 Chemistry 1B
STA201 Scientific Statistics
Session 3
BMS129 Physiological Sciences 1
IKC100 Indigenous Health
Session 4
BMS130 Physiological Sciences 2
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology
Session 5
BCM210 Foundations & Techniques of Biochemistry
BMS240 Human Molecular Genetics
Session 6
BMS241 Molecular Cell Biology
BMS235 Protein Biochemistry
Session 7
BMS238 Foundations of Biotechnology
BMS215 Microbial Biotechnology
Session 8
BMS237 Integrated Clinical Placement 1
BMS304 Fundamentals of DNA fingerprinting
Session 9
BMS308 Immunology
BMS315 Medical Microbiology
Session 10
BMS312 Molecular Immunology
BMS345 Therapeutic Proteins
Session 11
SCI300 Biotechnology and Industry (16 points)(commence)
BCM302 Food and Beverage Biotechnology
Session 12
SCI300 Biotechnology and Industry (16 points)(complete)
BMS346 Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics
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.
Workplace learning
On campus students who enroll in one of the three specialisations must complete a minimum of six weeks clinical experience in an approved laboratory to be eligible to graduate.
Distance education students who are not in appropriate employment will also be required to complete such professional experience. This is not a requirement of the students enrolled in the generic course.
Admission requirements
Mathematics and chemistry are assumed knowledge for the Bachelor of Medical Science.
To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:
- previous studies, and
- 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.
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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
214554
Apply online
Distance education - ESLS
On campus - KSLR
International Students
Apply online
On campus - ISLR
Distance education - JSLR
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.
More information:
Consider also:
Follow on study:
About the School of Biomedical Sciences
We offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in health-related areas across the Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga campuses and we are committed to providing a quality learning experience for our students and graduates for the professions who understand the journey of lifelong learning.
Our courses are characterised by hands on learning and commitment to rural health. Our graduates are highly regarded by industry and regularly gain employment before graduation and receive prestige industry award
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
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