Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Health Science requires the completion of 144 units, of which:
A maximum of 60 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
A minimum of 30 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list.
The 144 units must consist of:
72 units from completion of compulsory courses from the following list:
BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology
BIOL1008 Human Biology
HLTH1001 Health in the 21st Century
HLTH1002 Research Methods in the Health Sciences
HLTH2001 Health Systems and Policy: An Introduction
HLTH2002 Introduction to Global Health: Issues, Theories and Practices
HLTH3001 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
HLTH3002 Professional Practice in Health Science
MEDN2001 Medical Physiology and Pharmacology
MEDN2002 Pathogenesis of Human Disease
POPH3000 Introduction to Population Health
SCOM3033 Health Promotion Principles and Practice
Either:
Applications of Health
A minimum of 18 units from completion of courses from the following list:
ANTH2026 Medicine, Healing and the Body
BIAN2119 Nutrition, Disease and the Environment
BIAN2130 Ancient Medicine
BIOL2142 General Microbiology
BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression
BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition
BIOL2174 Cell Physiology in Health and Disease
CHEM1101 Chemistry 1
CHEM1201 Chemistry 2
PHYS1004 Life Physics
PSYC1003 Psychology 1: Understanding Mind, Brain and Behaviour
PSYC1004 Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context
PSYC1005 The Wellbeing Formula: The Science and Practice of Making a Good Life
PSYC2007 Biological Basis of Behaviour
PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology
SCOM2031 Science, Risk and Ethics
SOCY2162 Sociology of Health and Illness
A minimum of 6 units from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list
Or:
Pre-Medicine
18 units from completion of the following courses:
BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition
CHEM1101 Chemistry 1
CHEM1201 Chemistry 2
6 units from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list.
48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU
Elective Study
Once you have met the program requirements of your degree, you may have enough electives to complete an additional elective major, minor or specialisation.
Study Options
Year 1 48 units | HLTH1001 Health in the 21st Century 6 units | BIOL1008 Human Biology 6 units | Pre-Med Stream: CHEM1101 Applications of health elective | ANU Elective |
HLTH1002 Research Methods in the Health Sciences 6 units | BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units | Pre-Med Stream: CHEM1201 Applications of health elective | ANU Elective | |
Year 2 48 units | HLTH2001 Health Systems and Policy: An Introduction 6 units | MEDN2001 Medical Physiology and Pharmacology 6 units | Pre-Med Stream: BIOL2171 Applications of health elective | ANU Elective |
HLTH2002 Introduction to Global Health: Issues, Theories and Practices 6 units | MEDN2002 Pathogenesis of Human Disease 6 units | POPH3000 Introduction to Population Health 6 units | ANU Elective | |
Year 3 48 units | HLTH3001 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health 6 units | HLTH3002 Professional Practice in Health Science 6 units | ANU Elective | ANU Elective |
SCOM3033 Health Promotion Principles and Practice 6 units | 3000 level Science course | ANU Elective | ANU Elective |
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.
Additional requirements
Admission to the Bachelor of Health Science also requires a successful assessment of suitability based on responses included in the Bachelor of Health Science Supplementary Form. The form must be submitted by 25th May for domestic students that are applying direct to the ANU and November 30th in the year of application for UAC applications. International applicants need to submit this form by the 30th November in the year of application. Submission of this form is compulsory for all applicants.
There are 60 places available in each intake of the Bachelor of Health Science.
Of the 60 places available in the Bachelor of Health Science, 15 places are reserved for applicants from a rural background. Applicants from a rural background are asked to indicate this in their supplementary form and are required to submit supporting documentation with their application.
Places are also available in the Bachelor of Health Science for applicants who are of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. Applicants are asked to indicate this in their supplementary form and are required to submit supporting documentation with their application.
Supporting documentation must also be submitted by 31st May for direct applications submitted to ANU and November 30th in the year of application for UAC applications.
Please see ANU Undergraduate – Additional Selection Criteria for further information.
Entry requirements
Domestic School-leavers
Domestic students completing an Australian Year 12 or the IB program (November session) in Australia in 2019 apply directly to The Australian National University by submitting an Admission, Scholarships and Accomodation application here. All students will still need to meet the published entry requirements for the program they have applied for.
In addition to meeting the published entry requirements, school leavers are required met the co-curricular or service requirement (CCS). The CCS functions as a threshold that is either met or not met, you can learn more about the CCS and check if you’ve met the CCS requirement here.
You will be directed to the appropriate application system when you select ‘Apply’.
Domestic Non school-leavers
Domestic non-school leavers (including students transferring to ANU, mature age applicants and students who are otherwise not a school-leaver) can apply to ANU via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
You will be directed to the appropriate application system when you select ‘Apply’.
International applicants
International applicants may view further information on admissions requirements at Entry Requirements for International Undergraduate Applicants.
Additional information for applicants
More information about ATAR requirements for individual programs can be found on the ANU website.
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 allows you to do side-by-side comparisons of Australian universities, so you can find out more about the universities that interest you.
The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs as required.
The admission requirements listed on this page are 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:
- 34
Prerequisites
There are no formal program prerequisites and many first-year science courses assume little specific knowledge. The exceptions are:
- For many of the biology majors, chemistry is a requirement, therefore it is recommended that students have at least an ACT minor (but preferably a major) in chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in the biological streams of biochemistry and cell biology, microbiology and immunology, molecular genetics, animal and human physiology, and some parts of botany and neuroscience. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
- CHEM1101: ACT major in Chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent, is required. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in chemistry. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
- MATH1003: Assumed knowledge: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent
- MATH1005: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent
- MATH1013: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics Major - Minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent. Students with a good pass in ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent will be considered
- MATH1115: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics double major or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent. Students with excellent marks in either ACT Specialist Mathematics major-minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent may be permitted to enrol
- PHYS1101: There is a corequisite of MATH1013/1115. See the entries above. There is no formal physics prerequisite but preparation is assumed and recommended. Recommended preparation is - NSW: a high standard in 2 unit physics or a multistrand science; ACT: a high standard in physics (major).
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. Please note that Adjustment Factors vary and do not apply to a select few programs, please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $47,880.00
For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees
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.
Tackle some of the greatest health challenges of our time with the Bachelor of Health Science.
The Bachelor of Health Science draws upon the world-leading strengths of ANU in medical education, biomedical science, population health, psychology, social science and public policy to prepare you for a future in medical, allied health and health-related professions.
It will equip you with a broad understanding of the themes explored in advanced studies of medicine and offers a potential pathway to the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery at ANU.
Find out more about health 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
With a Bachelor of Health Science, you can launch your career path in medicine, allied health, health organisations and the public service, including in hospitals, public health units, healthcare foundations and academia.
See
where a Bachelor of Health Science could take you: our career
wheel will help you turn your interests into a career
in science.
Learning Outcomes
understand the biomedical sciences underpinning the functioning of the healthy body.
understand the determinants of good and poor health including biological, social and economical factors as they apply to Australian and global contexts.
demonstrate an understanding and a commitment to professional ethics, social accountability, and cultural competency.
search, analyse and synthesise information and to propose research questions relevant to biomedical science, population health and public health policy.
succeed in leading and participating in teams to deliver successful health outcomes.
Inherent Requirements
Information on inherent requirements is currently not available for this program.
Other Requirements
Information on inherent requirements is currently not available for this program.
Further Information
The Bachelor of Health Science offers a pathway to the postgraduate Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) at ANU without having to sit the GAMSAT. At the end of their second year in the Bachelor of Health Science up to 30 students will receive an offer of entry to the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD), contingent upon their grade point average (GPA), an interview process, and successful completion of the Bachelor of Health Science. Ten of the 30 places in the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) program are reserved for rural and Indigenous students from the Bachelor of Health Science.Back to the Bachelor of Health Science page
Tackle some of the greatest health challenges of our time with the Bachelor of Health Science.
The Bachelor of Health Science draws upon the world-leading strengths of ANU in medical education, biomedical science, population health, psychology, social science and public policy to prepare you for a future in medical, allied health and health-related professions.
This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.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
- Other courses from the Science course list or another ANU College (maximum non-science allowed 48 units)
About this degree
In a Bachelor of Health Science 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.
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 courses you must take in your first year:
Electives
Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College.
Academic Advice
For further information, you can:
- 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