• Length 4 years full-time
  • Minimum 192 Units
Admission requirements
  • Academic plan BMEDS / BPAST
  • CRICOS code 079093D
  • UAC code 130010
  • Academic contact

Understand how the human body works by studying a Bachelor of Medical Science. This degree lets you delve into genetics, immunology, nutrition, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry and anatomy.

You’ll gain the fundamental knowledge of the medical sciences required to continue with further study in medicine or pursue a career in areas such as medical research, pharmacy, physiotherapy, nutrition, dietetics and forensic science.

This is a practical degree that gives you the chance to interact with biomedical scientists and health professionals so you can gain an understanding of different professions.

For more information on our educational offerings, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories please visit our website.

Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.

This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.

As Australia’s engagement with the Pacific increases, so too does the need for graduates with Pacific expertise.

The Bachelor of Pacific Studies will provide you with a deep understanding of the diversity, history and contemporary issues of Oceania, so you can take a leading role in Pacific policy and development.

You will also have the opportunity to engage in internship and immersion programs in Oceania, boosting your language skills and expertise in the region.

Career Options

Graduates from ANU have been rated as Australia's most employable graduates and among the most sought after by employers worldwide.

The latest Global Employability University Ranking, published by the Times Higher Education, rated ANU as Australia's top university for getting a job for the fourth year in a row.

Employment Opportunities

The Bachelor of Medical Science is designed for students who are interested in how the human body works and for those who may plan graduate entry into medicine, other health professions, forensic science or medical research  ANU Bachelor of Medical Science graduates compete successfully at jobs requiring knowledge of modern molecular, cellular and biotechnological techniques. This degree will also give students who have an interest in health administration in both government and private sectors a sound basis for entry into this discipline.

The Bachelor of Medical Science is designed for students who are interested in how the human body works and for those who may plan graduate entry into medicine, other health professions, forensic science or medical research  ANU Bachelor of Medical Science graduates compete successfully at jobs requiring knowledge of modern molecular, cellular and biotechnological techniques. This degree will also give students who have an interest in health administration in both government and private sectors a sound basis for entry into this discipline.

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcome Bachelor of Medical Science

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

  • develop, apply, integrate and generate scientific knowledge in educational and professional contexts;
  • use a range of skills and methods to identify, analyse and respond to problems and issues;
  • convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;
  • work in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives; and
  • exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

Learning outcomes Bachelor of Medical Science Honours Year

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

  • Specific learning outcomes will depend on the nature of the research project. In general, on satisfactory completion of the program students will have the knowledge and skills to:
  • Plan and engage in an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a research topic in the field of biomedical sciences
  • Systematically identify relevant theory and concepts in the field of biomedical sciences, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions
  • Engage in critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources
  • Understand and apply principles of laboratory safety and relevant laboratory techniques.
  • Communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally
  • Record original data and apply statistical or other evaluation processes to original data when appropriate

Upon completion of a Bachelor of Pacific Studies, graduates will be able to:

  • Speak and write about theories, factual content and research approaches relevant to Pacific Studies.
  • Identify relevant regional and international literature relevant to Pacific Studies.
  • Determine the processes through which current knowledge about Pacific Studies has been developed.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of perspectives on indigenous, popular, policy and scholarly debates in Oceania.

Further Information

Students undertaking the Bachelor of Medical Science as part of a flexible double degree will need to take care when selecting 2000 level BIOL courses for a smooth progression into 3000 level BIOL courses. For advice, please book an appointment with the Science Sub Dean by calling 02 6125 2809.

Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Medical Science or wish to map out your degree? Click here to see a short program presentation video and access the study plan.Students undertaking the Bachelor of Medical Science as part of a flexible double degree will need to take care when selecting 2000 level BIOL courses for a smooth progression into 3000 level BIOL courses. For advice, please book an appointment with the Science Sub Dean by calling 02 6125 2809.

Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Medical Science or wish to map out your degree? Click here to see a short program presentation video and access the study plan.

Admission Requirements

Admission to all programs is on a competitive basis. Admission to undergraduate degrees is based on meeting the ATAR requirement or an equivalent rank derived from the following qualifications:

• An Australian year 12 qualification or international equivalent; OR
• A completed Associate Diploma, Associate Degree, AQF Diploma, Diploma, AQF Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate or international equivalent; OR
• At least one standard full-time year (1.0 FTE) in a single program of degree level study at an Australian higher education institution or international equivalent; OR
• An approved tertiary preparation course unless subsequent study is undertaken.

Click HERE for further information about domestic admission.

More information about ATAR requirements for individual programs can be found HERE.

The table below is a guide to the entry level required for domestic applicants. Exact entry level will be set at time of offer.

ATAR:
90
QLD Band:
6
International Baccalaureate:
33

Domestic applicant entry requirements

Queensland Band equivalents are a guide only - selection is made on a UAI equivalent that is not available to students.

International applicant entry requirements

International applicants may view further information on admissions requirements at Entry Requirements for International Undergraduate Applicants

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs as required.

Prerequisites

ACT major in Chemistry or NSW HSC Chemistry or equivalent.

Students who do not meet the chemistry requirement may be admitted into the program via a different pathway. Students who:

  • Have an ATAR score of 90 or higher, and
  • Commence the Bachelor of Science program after completion of the chemistry bridging course available in February through the ANU Research School of Chemistry (or equivalent) and complete CHEM1101 and BIOL1003 with a minimum average of 65%, may then apply to transfer to the Bachelor of the Medical Science program.

Adjustment Factors

The National Access Scheme 2014

ANU offers bonus points for nationally strategic senior secondary subjects, and in recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. 

Bonus points are applied to all applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedule, and no more than 10 points (maximum 5 academic points and maximum 5 equity points) will be awarded.

Bonus points do not apply to programs with an ATAR cutoff of 98 or higher.

Bonus Points are only awarded to domestic applicants applying for admission through UAC who have not previously attempted tertiary study.

How to apply

Academic Bonus Points: senior secondary students do not need to apply for ANU academic bonus points. They are automatically added in accordance with the schedule.

Educational Access Scheme: senior secondary students do not need to apply if their school is part of the Priority School Funding Program or Country Areas Program. All other applicants should refer to http://www.uac.edu.au/eas/  for more information.

Bachelor of Medical Science - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Bachelor of Pacific Studies - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

Annual indicative fee for international students
$43,632.00

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

Program Requirements

This double degree requires the completion of 192 units.

The Bachelor of Medical Science flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 30 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 96 units must include:

60 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

BIOL1003 Evolution, Ecology & Genetics

BIOL1004 Molecular & Cell Biology

BIOL2142 General Microbiology

BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression

BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition

BIOL3006 Human Physiology

BIOL3141 Infection and Immunity

BIOL3190 Medical Science in the Workplace

CHEM1101 Chemistry 1

CHEM1201 Chemistry 2

 

6 units from completion of courses from the following list:

BIAN3014 Research Design and Analysis in Biological Anthropology

BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology

BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology

ENVS1003 Introduction to Environment and Social Research

PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology

 

12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

BIOL2117 Cell Biology

BIOL2151 Genetics

BIOL2162 Molecular Gene Technology

BIOL2174 Cell Physiology in Health and Disease

 

18 units from completion of courses from the following list:

BIOL3107 Advances in Medical and Plant Biochemistry

BIOL3108 Hallmarks of Cancer

BIOL3142 Parasitology

BIOL3144 Advanced and Applied Immunology

BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications

BIOL3186 Human Anatomy

BIOL3191 Biology, Society and Ethics

BIOL3193 Bacteria and Health: an Ecological and Evolutionary Perspective

BIOL3203 Histology and Advanced Microscopy

BIOL3204 Genetics of Human Disease 1

BIOL3205 Genetics of Human Disease 2

BIOL3208 Biology Research Projects

BIOL3209 Biology Research Projects (12u)

NEUR3101 Cellular Neuroscience

NEUR3112 Sensory Neuroscience

POPH3000 Introduction to Population Health

Students must achieve a minimum 65% weighted average mark across all compulsory courses in the Bachelor of Medical Science component undertaken in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in order to continue in the Bachelor of Medical Science.

Students who do not achieve a minimum of 65% weighted average mark will be transferred from the Bachelor of Medical Science double degree to the equivalent Bachelor of Science double degree.

The Bachelor of Pacific Studies flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 96 units must include:

The Bachelor of Pacific Studies requires the completion of 144 units, of which:

A maximum of 60 units can come from completion of 1000 level courses

The 144 units must include:

48 units from completion of the Pacific Studies major

Either:

24 units from completion of a minor from following list:

Anthropology

Archaeology

Development Studies

Environmental Studies

Environmental Policy

Heritage and Museum Studies

History

Human Ecology

Australian Indigenous Studies

International Relations

Political Science

Social Research Methods

Sociology

Chinese

French Language and Culture

German Language and Culture

Hindi

Indonesian

Japanese

Spanish

Biodiversity Conservation and Management

Climate Science and Policy

Environmental Policy

Forest Science and Policy

Geography

Human Ecology

Integrative Methods in Environment and Society

Soil and Land Management

Sustainable Development

Water Science and Policy

Philosophy

24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

Or:

48 units from completion of a major from following list:

Anthropology

Archaeology

Development Studies

Environmental Studies

Gender, Sexuality and Culture

Geography

History

International Relations

Political Science

Sociology

Chinese

French Language and Culture

German Language and Culture

Hindi

Indonesian

Japanese

Spanish

Environmental and Landscape Sciences

Natural Resource Management

Sustainability Science

Philosophy

Visual Arts Practice

Majors

Bachelor of Pacific Studies Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Pacific Studies Minors

Study Options

Year 1 CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units PASI1011 Pacific Encounters: An introduction to Pacific Studies 6 units Major 1000 level course 6 units
CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units Pacific Studies Major ASIA1025 or ASIA1030 6 units Major 1000 level course 6 units
Year 2 BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression 6 units BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition 6 units PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalizing World 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units
BIOL2142 General Microbiology 6 units 2000 level B.MedSc elective from list 6 units PASI2002 Australia in Oceania in the 19th and 20th centuries 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units
Year 3 B.MedSc elective from list 6 units BIOL3141 Infection and Immunity 6 units Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units
2000 level B.MedSc elective from list 6 units BIOL3190 Medical Science in the Workplace 6 units Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units
Year 4 BIOL3006 Human Physiology 6 units 3000 level B.MedSc elective from list 6 units Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units
3000 level B.MedSc elective from list 6 units 3000 level Science elective 6 units Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units

Honours

The minimum requirements for admission to Honours program are:

1. the successful completion of 144 units including a minimum of 48 units of 2000 level science or 3000 level science courses relevant to the proposed field of Honours study, of which a minimum of 24 units must be 3000 level science courses

2. the attainment of an average of 2 for the 48 units, where HD = 4, D = 3, CR = 2, P = 0

3. the recommendation of the Head of School concerned, in the light of availability of resources and appropriate supervision.

Schools may have additional entry requirements and intending Honours students should contact the relevant Honours convener.

The work of the Honours year consists of advanced work in a selected field of study, details of which are provided by the individual Schools. The Honours program has specific dates which are advertised in the Honours Handbook. If you complete the requirements for the pass degree at the end of the first semester it is possible, subject to the approval of the School concerned, to commence the Honours program mid-year.

Graduates of other universities may be accepted for admission to Honours candidature provided that the undergraduate program and performance in the program are of a standard comparable to that applying in the relevant School.

Back to the Bachelor of Medical Science page

Do you want to know how the human body works?

The ANU Bachelor of Medical Science brings the disciplines of genetics, immunology, nutrition, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry and anatomy into a single degree.

Our well-regarded program will provide you with a fundamental knowledge of the medical sciences -giving you a platform from which to undertake further study in medicine, pharmacology, physiotherapy, nutrition, dietetics or forensic science.

This flexible degree also lets you choose additional subjects in complementary disciplines such as neuroscience, psychology, molecular biology and ethics in order to develop your interests further.

You will learn about the real applications of medical science by having the opportunity to interact with various health professionals through seminars, work place visits and interviews

This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement. 

The Bachelor of Medical Science can also be taken as a part of many double degrees. 






Single degree

  • This degree requires 144 units
  • A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
  • A minimum of 36 units 3000 level Science courses
  • An average of 65% in core Science courses must be maintained each semester to remain in the program
  • Other courses from the Science course list or another ANU College (maximum non-science allowed 48 units)

Double degree

  • This degree requires 96 units Science courses
  • A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level Science courses
  • A minimum of 36 units 3000 level Science courses
  • An average of 65% in core Science courses must be maintained each semester to remain in the program
  • Other courses from the Science course list

About this degree

Single degree

In a Bachelor of Medical Science single degree program you will study a total of 144 units.  Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across your whole degree.

You will need to complete a minimum of 16 science courses (96 units) but will also get to choose eight courses (48 units) from other ANU Colleges.  You can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-Science subject, such as history or marketing. The choice is yours.

 

Double degree

In a Bachelor of Medical Science double degree program you will study a total of 96 units.  Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree.  However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Medical Science degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.





Enrolment Status

It is possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester but it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be enrolled full-time in 24 units each semester.

  • You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
  • You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
  • You may take 1000-level courses later in your program.  But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Medical Science half of the double degree.

Electives

Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Medical Science program.






Study Options

Bachelor of Medical Science - single degree

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Medical Science.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units Science or non-science course 6 units Science or non-science course 6 units
CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units Science or non-science course 6 units Science or non-science course 6 units

Bachelor of Medical Science - double degree

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Medical Science with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts. Please note that for some double degrees (e.g. with Bachelor of Engineering) you may only be able to take one course in semester 1 for your science degree. In these circumstances it is recommended that in your first year you take CHEM1101, CHEM1201 and BIOL1004. You can then take BIOL1003 in your second year of study.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units Degree B course 6 units Degree B course 6 units
CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units Degree B course 6 units Degree B course 6 units

Academic Advice


For further information, you can:

  • Visit the Research School of Biology webpage here, or
  • Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
  • View our program presentation videos located on our New commencers & first year students page, or
  • Email us at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au, or
  • Come and talk to someone face-to-face. You can make an appointment with an academic advisor here or by calling Science Central on 6125 2809

Back to the Bachelor of Pacific Studies page

The Bachelor of Pacific Studies is offered through the School of Culture, History and Language.  Upon completion of this degree, you will have developed specific knowledge of Pacific Studies and a range of transferable skills that will prepare you for work or further study.

Single degree

  • This degree requires the completion of 144 units
  • A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses is allowed
  • 48 units must come from completion of the Pacific Studies major
  • 24 units from completion of a minor approved by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
  • 72 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

Double degree

  • This degree requires the completion of 96 units
  • A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses is allowed
  • 48 units must come from completion of the Pacific Studies major
  • 24 units from completion of a minor approved by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
  • 24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

About this degree

Single degree
In a Bachelor of Pacific Studies single degree program you will study a total of 144 units.  Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 (6-unit) courses across your whole degree. Once you have fulfilled the requirements of the Pacific Studies major, you can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a subject of your choice.

Double degree
You will need to complete a minimum of 96 units towards the Bachelor of Pacific Studies degree but will also get to choose 4 courses (24 units) from other ANU Colleges.

Enrolment Status

It is possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester but it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be enrolled full-time in 24 units each semester.

Remember you will need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.  You will be able to change your enrolment in courses up until the end of week 2 of each semester without penalty.

Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses

If you are intending to enrol into our language courses and have previous experience with the language you want to study, even if you think it might not be relevant or was too long ago, you need to sit a placement test for the College to ensure you are enrolled into the most appropriate level of language study.  

Relevant past experience include:

  1. Previous study of the language
  2. Being exposed to the language in childhood
  3. Travel or living in a country where the language is spoken
  4. The language being spoken in your home (even if you don’t speak it)

Languages available for the placement test:

  1.  Indonesian
  2. Chinese
  3. Japanese
  4. Korean

Majors and Minors

See available majors and minors for this program

Students in this degree must complete a Pacific Studies Major, and a minor from the following list:

  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Development Studies
  • Environmental Studies
  • Environmental Policy
  • Heritage and Museum Studies
  • History
  • Human Ecology
  • Australian Indigenous Studies
  • International Relations
  • Political Science
  • Social Research Methods
  • Sociology
  • Chinese
  • French Language and Culture
  • German Language and Culture
  • Hindi
  • Indonesian
  • Japanese
  • Spanish
  • Biodiversity Conservation and Management
  • Climate Science and Policy
  • Environmental Policy
  • Forest Science and Policy
  • Geography
  • Human Ecology
  • Integrative Methods in Environment and Society
  • Soil and Land Management
  • Sustainable Development
  • Water Science and Policy
  • Philosophy
  • Visual Arts Practice
Students can however can choose to do a second major from the following list in place of a minor:
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Development Studies
  • Environmental Studies
  • Gender, Sexuality and Culture
  • Geography
  • History
  • International Relations
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
  • Chinese
  • French Language and Culture
  • German Language and Culture
  • Hindi
  • Indonesian
  • Japanese
  • Spanish
  • Environmental and Landscape Sciences
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Sustainability Science
  • Philosophy
Once you've selected courses for a major, and/or a minor or second major, you should choose electives to make up the balance of your courses.

Electives

You can use your electives to enrol in any courses that you like, provided you meet prerequisite requirements. Students who choose to do a second major will need to take the additional 24 units for their major from their electives.

To find 1000-level courses, use the catalogue finder. Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College at the University if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Pacific Studies program.

Study Options

Bachelor of Pacific Studies Double Degree Study Plan

Study Options

Year 1 48 units PASI1011 Pacific Encounters: An introduction to Pacific Studies 6 units Language Course 6 units Course from other Degree 6 units Course from other Degree 6 units
PASI1012 Pacific Worlds: critical inquiry in Oceania 6 units Language Course 6 units Course from other Degree 6 units Course from other Degree 6 units

Academic Advice

If after reading through these guidelines you are unsure about your which courses to enrol in, you can come to an academic advice session at Melville Hall during Orientation week.

If you are seeking status (credit) from previous study at another university you will need to come to an academic advice session at Melville Hall during Orientation week, and we will help you choose the correct courses for your first year.

Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?

Contact Katerina Teaiwa at Katerina.Teaiwa@anu.edu.au

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