Single degree

The Bachelor of Medical Science requires 144 units (24 courses), including:

• A maximum of 10 x 1000-level courses
• A minimum of 5 x 3000-level courses from courses listed in the core requirements of the BMEDS
• 9 x compulsory courses
• A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses
• 1 x quantitative skills course
• A maximum of 2 x courses from the BMEDS electives list
• A maximum of 10 courses from the lists in the BMEDS not previously taken or other ANU electives

Double degree

The total number of overall units in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) depends on the FDD combination eg.

• 4050: 192 units
• 4350, 4569, 4750: 240 units

 Of which a minimum of 2 courses must be tagged as transdisciplinary problem-solving. These courses may be taken in either component of the FDD.

The Bachelor of Medical Science component of an FDD requires 96 units, including:

• A maximum of 6 x 1000-level courses
• A minimum of 5 x 3000-level courses from courses listed in the core requirements of the BMEDS
• 9 x compulsory courses
• A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses
• 1 x quantitative skills course
• A maximum of 2 x courses from the BMEDS electives list
• A maximum of 2 courses from the lists in the BMEDS  not previously taken or other ANU electives

About this degree

Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses

In this degree, you will have to complete 12 units of courses flagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (TD). TD courses can be identified using the Programs and Courses search engine. 

You can satisfy this requirement through a course/s listed in the program or through the ANU electives it all depends on how you structure your degree and your other enrolment choices.

Enrolment Status

Duration

The Bachelor of Medical Science typically takes three years to complete on a full-time basis. Students will usually take 24-units (four six-unit courses) each semester and there are two semesters each year. One course is typically worth six-units.

In total, students need to complete 144 units of study towards the Bachelor of Biotechnology. This will be 24 courses if all courses are worth six-units, but may be fewer if one or more courses of 12-units or more are taken.

• If you combine the Bachelor of Medical Science with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree, you will need to complete a total of 192 units (32 six-unit courses) or 240 units (40 six-unit courses)  depending on the combination. This will typically take four years for a 192-unit degree or five years for a 240-unit degree .

 Domestic students may choose to enrol in fewer than 24-units in any semester or half-year study period. Students studying 18 or more units in a half year (January – June or July – December) are considered full-time. Students studying less than this are considered part-time.

If you take fewer than 24-units in any half year period, then your degree is likely to take longer than three years to complete.

International students on a student visa are required to enrol in a full-time study load of 24-units in each half year study period (Summer, Semester 1, Autumn or Winter, Semester 2, Spring) unless they have been approved for Reduced Study Load or program leave.

Maximum time for completion

• The maximum period for completion of the single Bachelor of Medical Science degree is ten years from the date of first enrolment in the program. This ten years includes any periods of leave.
• The maximum period for completion of a flexible double degree is ten years for a 192-unit degree or 11 years for a 240-unit degree from the date of first enrolment in the program. The maximum period includes periods of leave.

A transfer of credit (status) from previous studies will reduce the total amount of time remaining to complete the balance of your degree. When you are assessed for credit, you will be notified of the new maximum end date for your degree in your credit offer.

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:

• Semester 1: CHEM1101 and BIOL1003
• Semester 2: CHEM1201 and BIOL1004

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 10 courses from another ANU College at the University if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Medical Science program.

How do I use my electives?

Electives are courses that provide freedom for you to select subjects that align to your personal interests and career aspirations in a more individualised way than is possible through general major or degree requirements. An ANU elective is a course that you can select without restriction, beyond the global requirements of your program (e.g. limits on 1000-level courses, etc).

We also recommend holding some ANU electives in reserve to keep other opportunities open, such as international exchange, internships, and meeting the transdisciplinary requirements of your degree.

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

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

Academic Advice

For further information, you can:

• Visit the Research School of Biology webpage https://biology.anu.edu.au/ here, or
• Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
• View the information at our New commencers & first year students page, or
• Email us at students.cos@anu.edu.au, or
• Come and talk to someone - you can make an appointment with an academic advisor here

If you need help on any aspect of university life, our "Need Help" webpage is a good place to start and can link you to services across the University.