Bachelor of Medical Science
| Course Information | |
|---|---|
| Assumed Knowledge | Mathematics and Chemistry and either Physics or Biology |
| Duration | 3 years full-time 6 years part-time |
| Information for Domestic Students | |
|---|---|
| UAC Course code - 1st Year Entry | 512080 |
| UAC Course code - 2nd Year Entry | 512081 |
| 2012 ATAR cut-off | 92.05 |
| Commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution | Undergraduate indicative student contribution for a CSP commencing from 1 January 2012 is $4,673 per year of full-time study. More information. |
| Information for International Students | |
|---|---|
| CRICOS code | 016246B |
| Admission requirements | Academic admission requirements |
| Tuition fees | Undergraduate indicative tuition fee commencing from 1 January 2012 is $37,920 per year of full-time study. |
| Is mid-year entry available? | No |
| English language requirements | Standard - View details |
Course overview
When you study the Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSc) you will gain an understanding of the structure and the function of the human body, from molecules to whole systems. You will also be introduced to aspects of abnormal functioning.
The basic sciences - physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, microbiology and biochemistry - are taught by schools in the Faculty of Science. A unique feature of the course is that the clinical sciences – anatomy, pathology, physiology, pharmacology, infectious diseases and immunology – are taught by schools in the Sydney Medical School. You have the opportunity to complete your honours year in one of these disciplines.
You can enter this course at the first year level or at the second year level. After completing one year of a science course including a full year of study of mathematics, chemistry, biology/molecular biology and genetics and physics/psychology, you can apply for second year entry. If you have completed one year of a science course with slightly different units, you may be accepted if these units are deemed equivalent by the Faculty.
Course structure
These tables provide two examples of how you can structure the Bachelor of Medical Science course. Other ways to structure the course exist and you may choose to explore these other options.
Sample course structure 1
| YEAR 1 | YEAR 2 | YEAR 3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Mathematics | Mathematics | Medical Science | Medical Science | Major 1 | Major 1 |
| Chemistry | Chemistry | Medical Science | Medical Science | Major 1 | Major 1 |
| Physics or Psychology | Physics or Psychology | Medical Science | Medical Science | Major 2 or elective | Major 2 or elective |
| Biology | Molecular Biol. & Genetics |
Elective | Elective | Major 2 or elective | Major 2 or elective |
| 24 CREDIT POINTS | 24 CREDIT POINTS | 24 CREDIT POINTS | 24 CREDIT POINTS | 24 CREDIT POINTS | 24 CREDIT POINTS |
Sample course structure 2
| YEAR 1 | YEAR 2 | YEAR 3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Mathematics | Mathematics | Medical Science | Medical Science | Medical Science | Medical Science |
| Chemistry | Chemistry | Medical Science | Medical Science | Major 1 | Major 1 |
| Physics or Psychology | Physics or Psychology | Elective | Elective | Major 1 | Major 1 |
| Biology | Molecular Biol. & Genetics |
Elective | Elective | Elective | Elective |
| 24 CREDIT POINTS | 24 CREDIT POINTS | 24 CREDIT POINTS | 24 CREDIT POINTS | 24 CREDIT POINTS | 24 CREDIT POINTS |
In first year, you will take units in chemistry, mathematics, physics and/or psychology, and biology/molecular biology and genetics.
In second year, you begin taking medical science units built around one of the following themes:
- cell structure and function
- molecular basis of medical sciences
- cardiac, respiratory and renal function
- digestion, adsorption and metabolism
- hormones, reproduction and development
- sensory and motor functions
- microbes and body defences
- disease in society
You can also begin taking science or non-science electives in your second year.
In third year, you will choose from units offered in anatomy and histology, biochemistry, biology (genetics), immunology, infectious diseases, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology and physiology, as well as having the option to study an elective.
If you are interested in research, the Faculty offers an opportunity to complete an honours year by completing an additional year of study and research.
Career opportunities
The BMedSc is an obvious choice if you wish to undertake the University of Sydney’s graduate medical and dentistry programs, available after completion of your undergraduate course.
The BMedSc program also forms an ideal base for graduate research in medical science. If you are planning a career in medical research, you should plan to study an honours year followed by research for a Masters or PhD.
Alternatively, you may choose, as many graduates do, to undertake an administrative career in private industry or government where a good knowledge of the medical sciences is an advantage.