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  

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:
  • 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 (104 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
BMS235 Protein Biochemistry
BMS256 Exercise Science for Health Practice
BMS305 Genetic engineering & Bioinformatics
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

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 Micriobiology
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 placemnt 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

Professional recognition

Graduates from the Pathology specialisation of this course are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists.

In addition, this course is designed to provide a variety of levels of eligibility for membership of a range of professional bodies, such as AACB, ASC, ASBMB, ASMR, ASPA, ANZRS, ASM and HGSA.

Workplace learning

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.

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:

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

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:

• have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
• were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
• have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
  or
• have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.

All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.

Acceptable tests for English proficiency

Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:

• an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
• a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
• a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
• a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
• a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
• a C pass in English at the GCE 'A' level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
• completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
• a C pass in 'Use of English' in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
• completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in 'Use of English';
• completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
• successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
• a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
• a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
• IRI Diploma of English.

An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

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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Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2