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

Are you a maths whiz who wants stimulating work, limitless potential and an ever growing salary? This is the esteemed degree that will make you a thought leader in a wide variety of areas. With an ANU Bachelor of Actuarial Studies, you can excel in your career literally anywhere in the world. Risk is all around us - in investment markets, on the roads, from our health and the climate. This degree will teach you how to apply your mathematical talent in understanding, measuring and managing these risks. Graduates will apply mathematical, statistical, financial, economic and other skills to untangle the most complex and difficult problems facing the commercial world.

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

ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.

We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.

Employment Opportunities

Actuaries work in a wide variety of areas, often in positions of seniority in a business. Examples of the job titles associated with actuarial studies are listed below:

Investment analyst

Trained to analyse the activities and future prospects and earnings of companies and securities for the purpose of investment.

Investment manager

Specialises in the investment of a portfolio of securities on behalf of individuals and/or organisations subject to the guidelines and directions of the investor.

Liability manager

Engaged by holders of liabilities, such as insurance companies, banks or superannuation funds, to advise on appropriate payment strategies and organisational structures to meet a stream of obligations.

Consultant

Offer their professional services for a fee, provide a wide range of services, including; advice on financial decisions, independent valuations, design of insurance funds, and future financial planning strategies.

Data analyst

Processes and investigates large of amounts of data for or on behalf of organisation, in order to solve business problems and take advantage of business opportunities.

Senior manager

In addition to the roles described above, many actuaries successfully move into high-level administrative and management positions. Their broad training reflects the strong interdisciplinary nature of the actuarial profession, which mixes the need for strong theoretical skills with the need for sound practical intuition.

Actuaries work in a wide variety of areas, often in positions of seniority in a business. Examples of the job titles associated with actuarial studies are listed below:

Investment analyst

Trained to analyse the activities and future prospects and earnings of companies and securities for the purpose of investment.

Investment manager

Specialises in the investment of a portfolio of securities on behalf of individuals and/or organisations subject to the guidelines and directions of the investor.

Liability manager

Engaged by holders of liabilities, such as insurance companies, banks or superannuation funds, to advise on appropriate payment strategies and organisational structures to meet a stream of obligations.

Consultant

Offer their professional services for a fee, provide a wide range of services, including; advice on financial decisions, independent valuations, design of insurance funds, and future financial planning strategies.

Data analyst

Processes and investigates large of amounts of data for or on behalf of organisation, in order to solve business problems and take advantage of business opportunities.

Senior manager

In addition to the roles described above, many actuaries successfully move into high-level administrative and management positions. Their broad training reflects the strong interdisciplinary nature of the actuarial profession, which mixes the need for strong theoretical skills with the need for sound practical intuition.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Utilise concepts in financial mathematics, including the time value of money, annuities, bond and loan calculations.
  2. Describe the fundamental concepts of micro and macroeconomics.
  3. Apply mathematical statistics, regression modelling and other advanced statistical techniques in various discipline backgrounds.
  4. Describe and apply stochastic processes, survival models and their application in actuarial contexts.
  5. Using a diverse range of discipline backgrounds and varied data, model and value cashflows dependent on death, survival, illness, retirement, and other contingencies.
  6. Apply risk modelling techniques across a variety of financial contexts.
  1. develop, apply, integrate and generate scientific knowledge in educational and professional contexts;
  2. use a range of skills and methods to identify, analyse and respond to problems and issues;
  3. convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;
  4. work in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives; and
  5. exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

Further Information

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Actuarial Studies enables students to undertake a sequence of accredited courses that satisfy certain educational requirements of the Actuaries Institute. For more information visit the ANU Actuaries Institute exemption policy page. The ANU is also a designated Centre of Actuarial Excellence for the Society of Actuaries (US) and is accredited to grant credit for their exams under the University Earned Credit (UEC) program. For more information visit the ANU Society of Actuaries (SOA) page.

Student Responsibility

It is the student's responsibility to select electives in such a way that:

  • they satisfy prerequisites for the corresponding course/s.
  • they conform to the rules set out in Programs and Courses or if unsure seek advice from CBE Student Services.

It is the student's responsibility to select the courses appropriate for their program.

Electives

Students have 48 units of electives in a single degree program. No more than 10 courses at 1000 level.

Assessing Degree Transfer Requests:

For students wishing to transfer into the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies, in addition to the standard internal transfer processes (Procedure: Admissions (Coursework) clauses 34-38), the following mathematics requirements apply:

  • Students with less than 48 units of study at ANU will be assessed based on their application to study at the university and their ability to meet the math requirements.
  • Students with at least 48 units of study at ANU will have to achieve an appropriate GPA and have completed both MATH1013 and MATH1014 (with an average mark of at least 75) or MATH1113 (with a mark of at least 70) or both MATH1115 and MATH1116 (with an average mark of at least 65).

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Actuarial Studies enables students to undertake a sequence of accredited courses that satisfy certain educational requirements of the Actuaries Institute. For more information visit the ANU Actuaries Institute exemption policy page. The ANU is also a designated Centre of Actuarial Excellence for the Society of Actuaries (US) and is accredited to grant credit for their exams under the University Earned Credit (UEC) program. For more information visit the ANU Society of Actuaries (SOA) page.

Student Responsibility

It is the student's responsibility to select electives in such a way that:

  • they satisfy prerequisites for the corresponding course/s.
  • they conform to the rules set out in Programs and Courses or if unsure seek advice from CBE Student Services.

It is the student's responsibility to select the courses appropriate for their program.

Electives

Students have 48 units of electives in a single degree program. No more than 10 courses at 1000 level.

Assessing Degree Transfer Requests:

For students wishing to transfer into the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies, in addition to the standard internal transfer processes (Procedure: Admissions (Coursework) clauses 34-38), the following mathematics requirements apply:

  • Students with less than 48 units of study at ANU will be assessed based on their application to study at the university and their ability to meet the math requirements.
  • Students with at least 48 units of study at ANU will have to achieve an appropriate GPA and have completed both MATH1013 and MATH1014 (with an average mark of at least 75) or MATH1113 (with a mark of at least 70) or both MATH1115 and MATH1116 (with an average mark of at least 65).

Admission Requirements

ATAR:
92
International Baccalaureate:
37

Prerequisites

  • ACT:

Required: Mathematical Methods (Major) / Further Mathematics (Major) / Specialist Mathematics (Major) / Specialist Methods (Major)

Recommended: Specialist Mathematics/Specialist Methods (Major/Minor)

  • NSW:

Required: Mathematics Advanced or equivalent

Recommended: Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent

  • VIC: Mathematics Methods or equivalent
  • QLD: Mathematics Methods or equivalent
  • TAS: Mathematical methods/Mathematics Specialised/Mathematics 1 and II through U Tas/Both Mathematics 1 and II through UTAS/Both Advanced Calculus and Applications 1A and 1B through UTAS
  • SA / NT: Mathematical Methods or equivalent
  • WA: Mathematical Methods or equivalent
  • IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations HL/Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL or HL

ACT: Chemistry (Major)

NSW: Chemistry or equivalent

VIC: Chemistry

QLD: Chemistry

TAS: Chemistry

SA / NT: Chemistry

WA: Chemistry

IB: Chemistry SL or HL


  • More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here .
  • Students who do not meet the chemistry requirement are advised to seek academic advice by contacting students.cos@anu.edu.au. A Chemistry bridging course is available in February through the ANU Research School of Chemistry - contact rsc.teaching@anu.edu.au for more information.


Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors are combined with an applicant's secondary education results to determine their Selection Rank. ANU offers adjustment factors based on equity, diversity, and/or performance principles, such as for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.

To be eligible for adjustment factors, you must have:

  • achieved a Selection Rank of 70 or more before adjustment factors are applied
  • if you have undertaken higher education, completed less than one year full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) of a higher education program
  • applied for an eligible ANU bachelor degree program

Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.

Bachelor of Actuarial 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
$53,700.00

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 Actuarial Studies flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 48 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 96 units must include:

72 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

ACST3032 Actuarial Data Analysis

ECON1101 Microeconomics 1

STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods

STAT2005 Introduction to Stochastic Processes

STAT2013 Introductory Mathematical Statistics for Actuarial Studies

STAT2014 Regression Modelling for Actuarial Studies

STAT2032 Financial Mathematics

STAT3032 Survival Models

STAT3037 Life Contingencies

STAT3038 Actuarial Techniques

STAT3057 Risk Modelling 1

STAT3058 Risk Modelling 2


6 units from completion of a course from the following list:

ECON1100 Economics 1 (H)

ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1


6 units from completion of a course from the following list:

MATH1013 Mathematics and Application 1

MATH1113 Mathematical Foundations for Actuarial Studies

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Application 1


12 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU, which may include courses from the following list:

BUSN1001 Business Reporting and Analysis

CBEA2001 Australian Indigenous Perspectives in Business and Economics

CBEA3001 College of Business and Economics Special Industry Project (UG)

CBEA3066 Global Business Immersion

CBEA3070 ANU College of Business and Economics Internship Program

FINM1001 Foundations of Finance

FINM2001 Corporate Finance

FINM2002 Derivatives

FINM3003 Continuous Time Finance

FINM3011 Investments

MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2

Students may choose to take two MATH courses instead of MATH1113. The options are MATH1013 / MATH1014 or MATH1115 / MATH1116. MATH1013 / MATH1014 is recommended for students with the bare minimum of mathematical background for the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies or for those not confident in their mathematical ability. MATH1115 / MATH1116 is a higher level of MATH1013 / MATH1014 and is recommended for those who are considering further mathematical study. Should two MATH courses be chosen, an elective MATH course should be taken from the last list.

In the requirements of the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies above, it is not possible to gain full exemptions from the Actuaries Institute Foundation Program requirements as some exemption courses are not listed as compulsory courses. For details pertaining to the Actuaries Institute exemptions, please refer to the ANU Actuaries Institute exemption policy page. For details pertaining to the granting of credit for the Society of Actuaries exams under the University Earned Credit program, please refer to the the ANU Society of Actuaries (SOA) page. By including any missing exemption courses in the other flexible double degree, or non-award study (i.e. applying to take more than the standard four courses in some semesters on non-award basis which means you will need to pay full fees for the courses you are overloading), students may be able to complete the courses required to fully satisfy the accreditation program.

If your flexible double degree is within the College of Business and Economics (for example Commerce and Economics), the suggested study plan may show the same course twice. If this is the case, you must only do the course once and replace the other course with a University Wide Elective.

The minor in Business and Economics Essentials will not be listed on transcripts for students completing the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies.

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:

54 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

BIOL1003 Evolution, Ecology & Genetics (6 units)

BIOL1004 Molecular and Cell Biology (6 units)

BIOL2142 General Microbiology (6 units)

BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression (6 units)

BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition (6 units)

BIOL3190 Medical Science in the Workplace (6 units)

CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 (6 units)

CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 (6 units)

MEDN2001 Medical Physiology and Pharmacology (6 units)


6 units from completion of quantitative research skills courses from the following list:

BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology (6 units)

BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology (6 units)


A maximum of 12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

BIOL1008 Human Biology (6 units)

BIOL2117 Cell Biology (6 units)

BIOL2151 Genetics (6 units)

BIOL2174 Cell Physiology in Health and Disease (6 units)


 A minimum of 24 units from completion of 3000- level courses from the following lists:

A minimum of 12 units of core biomedical courses from the following list:

BIOL3107 Advances in Medical and Plant Biochemistry (6 units)

BIOL3108 Hallmarks of Cancer (6 units)

BIOL3141 Infection and Immunity (6 units)

BIOL3142 Biomedical Parasitology (6 units)

BIOL3144 Advanced and Applied Immunology (6 units)

BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications (6 units)

MEDN3186 Human Anatomy (6 units)

MEDN3820 Biomedical Imaging: Principles, Technologies and Applications in Health Sciences (6 units)

NEUR3101 Cellular Neuroscience (6 units)

NEUR3112 Systems Neuroscience (6 units)

POPH3000 Introduction to Population Health (6 units)


A maximum of 12 units from completion of research project/topics courses from the following list, in which the project/topic must be in the field of Medical Science:

BIOL3023 Special Topics in Biology (6 units)

BIOL3208 Biology Research Project (6 units)

BIOL3209 Biology Research Project (12 units)


Minors

Bachelor of Actuarial Studies Minors

Study Options

Year 1 ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 6 units STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods 6 units CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units
ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1 6 units MATH1113 Mathematical Foundations for Actuarial Studies 6 units CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units
Year 2 STAT2013 Introductory Mathematical Statistics for Actuarial Studies 6 units STAT2014 Regression Modelling for Actuarial Studies 6 units BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression 6 units BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition 6 units
STAT2005 Introduction to Stochastic Processes 6 units STAT2032 Financial Mathematics 6 units BIOL2142 General Microbiology 6 units BMEDS or ANU elective 6 units
Year 3 STAT3057 Risk Modelling 1 6 units BUSN1001 Business Reporting and Analysis 6 units MEDN2001 Health and Medical Physiology 6 units BMEDS or ANU elective 6 units
STAT3058 Risk Modelling 2 6 units STAT3037 Life Contingencies 6 units BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology 6 units BIOL3190 Medical Science in the Workplace 6 units
Year 4 CBE List 1 STAT3032 Survival Models 6 units 3000 level BMEDS Course 6 units 3000 level BMEDS Course 6 units
ACST3032 Actuarial Data Analysis 6 units STAT3038 Actuarial Techniques 6 units 3000 level BMEDS Course 6 units 3000 level BMEDS Course 6 units

Back to the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies page

The Bachelor of Actuarial Studies is offered through the Research School of Finance, Actuarial Studies and Applied Statistics. You will learn how to combine skills from mathematics, statistics, economics, and finance to assess, evaluate and manage future financial risk, thereby addressing a wide range of practical problems in long-term financial planning and management. Actuarial skills are utilised in many areas, including insurance, superannuation, investment, banking, and government.

Single degree

  • This degree requires 24 courses (144 units)
  • A maximum of 10 courses (60 units) of 1000 level courses
  • 14 compulsory courses
  • 10 electives (of which 2 must be CBE List 1 elective courses)
    • Please note that in the suggested study plan, Finance courses are listed as suggested electives in order to maximise a student's chances at meeting the Actuaries Institute of Australia Foundation Exemptions 
Commencing Semester 1:

Semester 1 

Semester 2 

  • ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1 - 6 units
  • FINM2001 Corp Finance - 6 units
  • MATH1113 Math Fnd for Act Stud - 6 units
  • Elective Course - 6 units

Commencing Semester 2:
Semester 2 

Double degree

  • This degree requires 16 courses (96 units) of CBE courses
  • A maximum of 8 courses (48 units) of 1000 level CBE courses
  • 14 compulsory courses.
  • 2 CBE List 1 elective courses
Commencing Semester 1:

Semester 1 

Semester 2 

  • MATH1113 Math Fnd for Act Stud - 6 units
  • ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1 - 6 units

Commencing Semester 2:
Please talk with the CBE Student Services Team about a study plan commencing in S2

About this degree

Single degree
In a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies single degree program you will study a total of 24 courses (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 CBE courses (96 units) but will also get to choose 8 courses (48 units) from other ANU Colleges.  You can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-CBE subject, the choice is yours.  Please note that in the suggested study plan, Finance courses are listed as suggested electives in order to maximise a student's chances at meeting the Actuaries Institute of Australia Foundation Exemptions 

Double degree
In a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies 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 Actuarial Studies degree and then 2 courses from the other 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, or have an approved Reduced Study Load.

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 ECON1101.

Please also note that:

  • You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
  • In your first year, you cannot 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) in total towards your single degree.
  • You can change your enrolment via ISIS in courses up until the Monday of Week 2. 

Electives

You can use your electives to enrol in any courses that you like, provided you meet prerequisite requirements.

Remember that you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Actuarial Studies degree. 

  • Please note that in the suggested study plan, Finance courses are listed as suggested electives in order to maximise a student's chances at meeting the Actuaries Institute of Australia Foundation Exemptions 

If you are in a double degree, your electives must be CBE courses.

Don't forget the maximum number of 1000 level courses is 10 in single degree.


Study Options

Bachelor of Actuarial Studies

This is a typical study plan for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies meeting the Actuaries Institute Part 1 requirements. Please note that the study options provided are for reference only and may not suit all students, especially those starting in Semester 2. If you have any questions, please discuss your study plan with the CBE Student Services Team to ensure you will meet all requirements.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 6 units FINM1001 Foundations of Finance 6 units BUSN1001 Business Reporting and Analysis 6 units STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods 6 units
ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1 6 units FINM2001 Corporate Finance 6 units MATH1113 Mathematical Foundations for Actuarial Studies 6 units Elective course 6 units

Bachelor of Actuarial Studies - Double Degree

This is a typical study plan for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies degree with another degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts (degree B)

Study Options

Year 1 48 units ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 6 units STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods 6 units Degree B course 6 units Degree B course 6 units
MATH1113 Mathematical Foundations for Actuarial Studies 6 units ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1 6 units Degree B course 6 units Degree B course 6 units

Disciplines

For further information on specific discipline you can:


Academic Advice

You may choose to take two MATH courses instead of MATH1113.  The options are MATH1013/1014 or MATH1115/1116MATH1013/1014 is recommended for students with the bare minimum of mathematical background for the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies or for those not confident in their mathematical ability.  MATH1115/1116 is a higher level of MATH1013/1014 and is recommended for those who are considering further mathematical study.  Should two MATH courses be chosen, please discuss your amended study plan with the CBE Student Services Team to ensure you are able to progress though the degree.

Please refer to the CBE Fast Track page:
https://www.cbe.anu.edu.au/fasttrack 



Please note that in the Flexible double degree (Bachelor of Actuarial program with another ANU College degree) it may not be possible to gain full exemptions from IAAust Part I requirements (as you can only do 16 courses), however you may meet the requirements by taking courses as non-award.

If after reading through these guidelines you are unsure about which courses to enrol in, you can email info.cbe@anu.edu.au


Please refer to the CBE Fast Track page:
https://www.cbe.anu.edu.au/fasttrack 



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.

Note: Advice on this page is indicative only. Where a number of courses has been identified, it assumes that all of your courses are 6-units. If you take a course worth 12-units please refer to the unit-load in the study requirements in the program orders.

This degree can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD). When the Bachelor of Medical Science is combined with another undergraduate degree through a Flexible Double Degree, 48 units of ANU electives units are replaced with the core requirements of the other degree and the total program duration is expanded to 192 units (4 years Full-Time) or 240 units (5 years Full-Time) depending on the duration of the other program.

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:

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

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:

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.

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