Want to make positive changes and help the Third World? The ANU Bachelor of Development Studies is the right degree for you.
ANU is a leader in the field of Development Studies and has established relationships with Australian and international aid and development organisations.
You will gain an inter-disciplinary understanding of theory and practice concerning the processes of development in the Third World, with special competence concerning one or two of four areas: Central Asia and the Middle East, China, Oceania, South and Southeast Asia, together with a solid background in one of the relevant social science disciplines.
Follow in the footsteps of Nobel Prize winner Howard Florey and kick-start your career in medical research with the Bachelor of Medical Science.
You’ll delve into genetics, immunology, nutrition, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry and anatomy to understand how the human body works.
Learn directly from biomedical scientists and health professionals, who are working to develop new cancer vaccines or ground-breaking treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Find out more about medical science, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on 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.
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
Graduates have opportunities to work in a broad range of sectors. Some of these include aid agencies, multi-national companies, non-government organisations, government departments and international bodies, such as the United Nations.
Graduates have opportunities to work in a broad range of sectors. Some of these include aid agencies, multi-national companies, non-government organisations, government departments and international bodies, such as the United Nations.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Development Studies, graduates will be able to:
- identify the theory and principles of development
- analyse the practice of development through multilateral, bilateral, government and non-government agencies.
- recall critical development issues in particular regions of the South
- engage in one of the social science disciplines or a language other than English
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
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 National Register of higher education providers is an authoritative source of information that will help you confirm your institution of choice is registered to deliver higher education in Australia.
The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website is HERE. Based on surveys done by thousands of students across Australia you can find out about universities that interest you, doing side-by-side comparisons.
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 an ATAR 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: Chemistry (Major); NSW: Chemistry or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.
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
ANU offers rank adjustments for a number of adjustment factors, including for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. Rank adjustments are applied to Bachelor degree applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 points (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustments, maximum 10 equity-based adjustments and maximum 5 Elite Athlete adjustments) will be awarded. Subject and performance-based adjustments do not apply to programs with a minimum selection rank of 98 or higher. Visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Development Studies - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Medical Science - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $48,000.00
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
The Bachelor of Development 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:
A maximum of 24 units from completion of undergraduate introductory courses from the following list:
ANTH1002 Culture and Human Diversity: Introducing Anthropology
ANTH1003 Global Citizen: Culture, Development and Inequality
ASIA1025 Asia and the Pacific: Power, diversity and change
ASIA1030 Asia and the Pacific in Motion
ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research
POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts
POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues
SOCY1002 Self and Society
SOCY1004 Analysing the Social World: An Introduction to Social Psychology
18 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
ANTH2009 Culture and Development
POLS2011 Development and Change
SOCY2030 Sociology of Third World Development
A minimum of 24 units from completion of Development Studies courses from the following list:
ANTH2017 Culture, Social Justice and Aboriginal Society Today
ANTH2026 Medicine, Healing and the Body
ANTH2129 Crossing Borders: Migration, Identity and Livelihood
ANTH2134 States and Citizens: Anthropological Perspectives
ANTH2135 Vietnam Field School
ANTH3014 Indonesia Field School: Contemporary Change in Indonesia
ANTH3017 Indigenous Worlds: Challenges of Emergence, Recognition, and Change
ASIA2067 Economies of Emerging Asia
ASIA2090 The Political Economy of Myanmar
ASIA2516 Indonesia: Politics, Society and Development
BIAN2120 Culture, Biology and Population Dynamics
ECHI2006 The World Economy Since 1800 (P)
ECON2900 Development Poverty and Famine
ENVS2005 Island Sustainable Development: Fiji Field School
ENVS2017 Vietnam Field School
ENVS2023 Sustainable Agricultural Systems
ENVS2025 Indigenous Cultural and Natural Resource Management
ENVS3007 Participatory Resource Management: Working with Communities and Stakeholders
ENVS3033 International Environmental Policy
INDG3001 Public policy development and implementation and Indigenous Australians
MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East
PASI2003 Environment and Development in the Pacific
PASI3001 The Contemporary Pacific: Society, Politics and Development
PASI3005 Pacific Islands Field School
POLS2055 Pacific Politics
POLS2064 Global Social Movements
POLS2070 Politics in Central Asia
POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy
POLS2095 Politics in Latin America
POLS2101 Refugee Politics: Displacement and Exclusion in the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries
POLS2113 Human Rights
SOCY2022 Environmental Sociology
SOCY2055 Social Inequality in Comparative Perspective
SOCY2162 Sociology of Health and Illness
A minimum of 6 units from completion of advanced-level courses from the following list:
ANTH3014 Indonesia Field School: Contemporary Change in Indonesia
ANTH3017 Indigenous Worlds: Challenges of Emergence, Recognition, and Change
ENVS3007 Participatory Resource Management: Working with Communities and Stakeholders
ENVS3033 International Environmental Policy
INDG3001 Public policy development and implementation and Indigenous Australians
PASI3001 The Contemporary Pacific: Society, Politics and Development
PASI3005 Pacific Islands Field School
Either
24 units from completion of one of the following complementary minors:
Advanced Arabic
Advanced Chinese Language
Advanced French Studies
Advanced German Studies
Advanced Italian Studies
Advanced Japanese Language
Advanced Korean Language
Advanced Persian
Advanced Spanish Studies
Anthropology
Arabic
Burmese Language
Chinese Language
Environmental Studies
French Language and Culture
Geography
German Language and Culture
Hindi Language
Human Ecology
Indonesian Language
Italian Language and Culture
Japanese Language
Korean Language
Mongolian Language
Persian
Political Science
Russian
Sociology
Spanish
Tetum Language
Thai Language
Vietnamese Language
Or:
24 units from completion of an internship
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.
Minors
Bachelor of Development Studies Minors
Study Options
Year 1 | Development Studies Major 1000 level Course 6 units | Language Minor 1000 level Course 6 units | CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units | BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units |
Development Studies Major 1000 level Course 6 units | Language Minor 1000 level Course 6 units | CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units | BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units | |
Year 2 | Development Studies Major 2000 level Course 6 units | Language Minor 2000 level Course 6 units | BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression 6 units | BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition 6 units |
Development Studies Major 2000 level Course 6 units | Language Minor 2000 level Course 6 units | BIOL2142 General Microbiology 6 units | 2000 level B.MedSc elective from list 6 units | |
Year 3 | Development Studies Major 2000/3000 level Course | Development Studies Major 2000/3000 level Course | B.MedSc elective from list 6 units | BIOL3141 Infection and Immunity 6 units |
Development Studies Major 2000/3000 level Course | Development Studies Major 2000/3000 level Course | 2000 level B.MedSc elective from list 6 units | BIOL3190 Medical Science in the Workplace 6 units | |
Year 4 | Regional Studies in Development Specialisation 2000 level Course | Regional Studies in Development Specialisation 2000 level Course | BIOL3006 Human Physiology 6 units | 3000 level B.MedSc elective from list 6 units |
Regional Studies in Development Specialisation 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Regional Studies in Development Specialisation 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | 3000 level B.MedSc elective from list 6 units | 3000 level Science elective 6 units |
Honours
For information about honours, please see Bachelor of Development Studies (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.
Single degree
This following information is to be read in conjunction with the program rules that are outlined on the “Study” tab. Please always make sure that you refer to the program rules for the year that you commenced your program.
Bachelor of Development Studies consists of 144 units. Most courses are worth 6 units each, with 48 units (8 courses) per year being the standard full-time load.
A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one list such as in a major or minor or designated list. For example, you are not permitted to count POLS1005 towards the International Relations Major and the Human Rights Major.
For the Bachelor of Development Studies you will need to complete:
- A maximum of four undergraduate introductory courses from the designated list (24 units)
- Three compulsory courses (18 units)
- A minimum of four Development Studies courses from the designated list (24 units)
- A minimum of one Advanced-level course from the designated list (6 units)
- One complementary minor (24 units) or an approved internship (24 units)
- Eight electives (48 units) from across the ANU
Please note that you are only permitted to count ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your program.
You are advised to complete a Program Plan for the Bachelor of Development Studies. This will help you seek advice on your course choices, ensure you meet the program requirements and give you a plan that you can refer to for the duration of your program.
Double degree
This following information is to be read in conjunction with the program rules that are outlined on the “Study” tab. Please always make sure that you refer to the program rules for the year that you commenced your program.
Bachelor of Development Studies Double Degree program consists of 96 units. Most courses are worth 6 units each, with 48 units (8 courses) per year being the standard full-time load. During each semester you are likely to take two courses from your Bachelor of Development Studies degree and another two courses from the other half of your double degree – making up a total of four courses per semester.
A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one list such as in a major or minor or designated list. For example, you are not permitted to count POLS1005 towards the International Relations Major and the Human Rights Major.
You will need to complete:
- A maximum of four undergraduate introductory courses from the designated list (24 units)
- Three compulsory courses (18 units)
- A minimum of four Development Studies courses from the designated list (24 units)
- A minimum of one Advanced-level course from the designated list (6 units)
- One complementary minor (24 units) or an approved internship (24 units)
Please note that you are only permitted to count six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your degree.
You are advised to complete a
Program
Plan for the Bachelor of Development Studies. This will help you seek
advice on your course choices, ensure you meet the program requirements and
give you a plan that you can refer to for the duration of your program.
Enrolment Status
While it is possible for domestic students to enrol in fewer than four courses per semester, which is called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be full-time.
First year students are not permitted to study more than four courses (24 units) per semester.
If you are beginning your program in Semester 1, you should enrol for all your courses for both Semester 1 and Semester 2 (8 courses for full time), so that you can plan your study year.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
When you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as ARTS1234. Whilst it is important to take 1000-level courses in your first year (so that you can meet the pre-requisites for later year courses) they also can be taken later in your program.
You can only count a maximum of ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Bachelor of Development Studies half of the double degree.
In your first year you need to enrol in:
- A maximum of 24 units from the following undergraduate introductory courses:
- ANTH1002 Culture and Human Diversity: Introducing Anthropology
- ANTH1003 Global Citizen: Culture, Development and Inequality
- ASIA1025 Asia and the Pacific: Power, diversity and change
- ASIA1030 Asia and the Pacific in Motion
- ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research
- POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts
- POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues
- SOCY1002 Self and Society
- SOCY1004 Analysing the Social World: An Introduction to Social Psychology
- Courses for the complementary minor
- Elective courses for students undertaking the single degree.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
See available minors for this program.
You are not required to take a major in the Bachelor of Development Studies, however you can use your electives to make up a major or extra minors.
Electives
For students in the single degree, your electives (48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU) can be additional courses from your discipline (including the option of a major or minor) or courses from another ANU College. If you have an interest in another discipline, for example management, psychology or mathematics, then you should explore first year courses in your area of interest. In particular look at the majors and minors. These will give you an idea of the first year courses you can study.
If you are interested in undertaking a language and have
prior knowledge/experience with that language you may need to undertake a
placement test – you should check with the relevant language area for further
details.
Study Options
Study Plan
Please refer to the “Study” tabStudy Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the “Study” tabStudy Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |
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: