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.
The ANU Bachelor of Music nurtures outstanding musical artistry through the intersection of performance, composition and technology. We believe that discovery lies at the heart of both creativity and excellence. We foster artistry through offering a diversity of musical experiences in an environment that encourages excellence, passion and entrepreneurship.
Our program provides students with a unique 21st Century musical experience which includes classical, jazz and contemporary performance, multimedia composition and audio engineering and recording.
Students can specialise in one or more of five majors: performance; composition for film and video games, composition, music technology; and musicology.
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
A Bachelor of Medical Science will give you a fundamental knowledge of the medical sciences and skills in modern molecular, cellular and biotechnological techniques required to continue with postgraduate study in medicine or research.
You can also
pursue a career in pharmacy, physiotherapy, nutrition, dietetics, forensic
science or health administration in the public or private sectors.
A Bachelor of Medical Science will give you a fundamental knowledge of the medical sciences and skills in modern molecular, cellular and biotechnological techniques required to continue with postgraduate study in medicine or research.
You can also
pursue a career in pharmacy, physiotherapy, nutrition, dietetics, forensic
science or health administration in the public or private sectors.
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
- Understand the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques of a broad range of musics;
- Demonstrate deep knowledge of and proficiency in one or more areas of musical performance, composition arranging and sound design, musicology, or music technology by applying specialist cognitive and technical skills;
- Evaluate and interpret musical ideas and concepts by engaging with relevant research of others, and thinking creatively, critically, ethically, and independently to solve research questions through words and/or creative practice such as performance or composition;
- Communicate ideas, problems and arguments to do with music and the arts, through words and/or creative practice such as performance or composition, clearly and coherently in modes suited to a range of audiences; and
- Work independently and collaboratively in response to authentic music project demands.
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 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.
Entry to Performance courses is by audition. Applicants undertaking an audition will be expected to have pre-existing musical knowledge such as a competency level equivalent to NSW Music 2 or Music Extension, or AMEB Grade 5 performance, or equivalent qualifications or experience. Applicants wishing to enrol in Performance courses are advised to contact the School to arrange for an audition as soon as possible. E: schoolofmusic@anu.edu.au
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 Medical Science - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Music - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $48,480.00
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 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:
48 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
BIOL1003 Evolution, Ecology & Genetics
BIOL1004 Molecular and Cell Biology
BIOL2142 General Microbiology
BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression
BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition
BIOL3190 Medical Science in the Workplace
CHEM1101 Chemistry 1
CHEM1201 Chemistry 2
6 units of physiology from completion of courses from the following list:
BIOL3006 Human Physiology
MEDN2001 Medical Physiology and Pharmacology
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 Environmental 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
24 units from completion of courses from the following lists:
A minimum of 12 units of core biomedical courses from the following list:
BIOL3108 Hallmarks of Cancer
BIOL3141 Infection and Immunity
BIOL3142 Parasitology
BIOL3144 Advanced and Applied Immunology
BIOL3186 Human Anatomy
BIOL3204 Genetics of Human Disease 1
BIOL3205 Genetics of Human Disease 2
NEUR3101 Cellular Neuroscience
NEUR3112 Systems Neuroscience
A maximum of 12 units of biomedical electives from the following list:
BIOL3107 Advances in Medical and Plant Biochemistry
BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications
BIOL3191 Biology, Society and Ethics
BIOL3193 Bacteria and Health: An Ecological and Evolutionary Perspective
BIOL3203 Advanced Microscopy in Biosciences
BIOL3208 Biology Research Project
BIOL3209 Biology Research Project (12u)
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 Music flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units can come from completion of 1000 level courses.
A minimum of 84 units must come from completion of courses from the subject area MUSI Music and courses from any majors listed in the Bachelor of Music.
The 96 units must consist of:
24 units from completion of courses on the following compulsory courses:
MUSI1105 Music Theory & Aural Skills 1
MUSI1106 Music Theory & Aural Skills 2
MUSI2203 Music Theory & Aural Skills 3
MUSI2204 Music Theory & Aural Skills 4
12 units from completion of courses on the following list:
MUSI3319 Music Theory & Aural Skills 5
MUSI3320 Music Theory & Aural Skills 6
MUSI3322 Advanced Jazz Studies 1
MUSI3323 Advanced Jazz Studies 2
A minimum of 6 units from completion of courses on the following list, which may be double counted towards one major or minor in which they are listed:
INDG2002 Contemporary Australian Indigenous Music Studies
MUSI1109 Music from 1900 to the Present: A Century of Crisis and Change
MUSI1113 Introduction to Ethnomusicology
6 units from completion of the following compulsory course, which may be double counted towards one major or minor in which it is listed:
MUSI1110 Introduction to Music Technology
48 units from completion of one of the following majors:
Composition for Film and Video Games
Composition
Music Technology
Musicology
Performance
A maximum of 24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU
Majors
Bachelor of Music Majors
Minors
Bachelor of Music Minors
Study Options
Year 1 | CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units | BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units | For study plans, please see following link http://cass.anu.edu.au/current-students/degrees-and-program-plans | - |
CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units | BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units | - | - | |
Year 2 | BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression 6 units | BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition 6 units | - | - |
BIOL2142 General Microbiology 6 units | 2000 level B.MedSc elective from list 6 units | - | - | |
Year 3 | MEDN2001 Medical Physiology and Pharmacology 6 units | 2000 level B.MedSc elective from list 6 units | - | - |
3000 level B.MedSc elective from list 6 units | BIOL3190 Medical Science in the Workplace 6 units | - | - | |
Year 4 | 3000 level B.MedSc elective from list 6 units | 3000 level B.MedSc elective from list 6 units | - | - |
3000 level B.MedSc elective from list 6 units | B.MedSc elective from list 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 30 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 30 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.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
There are 4 compulsory 1000 level Science courses you must take in your first year:
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:
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 Music consists of 144 units. Most courses are worth 6 units each, with 48 units (8 courses) per year being the standard full-time load.
For the Bachelor of Music, a minimum of 14 courses (84 units) must come from completion of courses from the subject area MUSI Music and courses from any majors listed in the Bachelor of Music.
You will need to complete:
- A minimum of four courses from the Music Theory & Aural Skills list (24 units)
- A minimum of one course from the designated list which may be double counted towards the major it is listed in (6 units)
- One compulsory course which may be double counted towards the major it is listed in (6 units)
- One Major from the designated list of majors (48 units)
- A minimum of eight electives from across the ANU (48 units)
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 Music. 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 Music 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 Music degree and another two courses from the other half of your double degree – making up a total of four courses per semester.
For the Bachelor of Music, a minimum of 14 courses (84 units) must come from completion of courses from the subject area MUSI Music and courses from any majors listed in the Bachelor of Music.
You will need to complete:
- A minimum of four courses from the Music Theory & Aural Skills list (24 units)
- A minimum of one course from the designated list which may be double counted towards the major it is listed in (6 units)
- One compulsory course which may be double counted towards the major it is listed in (6 units)
- One Major from the designated list of majors (48 units)
- Two electives from across the ANU (12 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 Music. 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 Music half of the double degree. In your first year you need to enrol in:
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 such as management, psychology or mathematics, then you should explore first year courses in these areas. In particular look at the majors and minors in these areas. 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" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |