Bachelor of Medical Science | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Medical Science

Is your dream to become a doctor? Take your first steps on a challenging and fulfilling career path. This highly competitive program provides provisional direct entry (subject to entry requirements) to Griffith University’s Doctor of Medicine program at Sunshine Coast University Hospital – and to your future medical career.

In this program you will:

  • Understand how the human body works and what happens when diseases, infections and clinical disorders occur
  • Study the foundations of medical science, including pathophysiology, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology and pharmacology
  • Gain provisional direct entry (subject to entry requirements) to Griffith University’s Doctor of Medicine program at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital
  • Build hands-on clinical knowledge and skills in a small group of like-minded students

Semester 1, 2024 applications – closing date is 29 December 2023

Location

Entry threshold

99.80 ATAR/Rank
ATAR/Rank

Duration

3 years 3 years Full-time only Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time only Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2023 fees (A$)

A$8,296 - 2023 Fees CSP
CSP

QTAC code

013231

Start

  • Semester 1

Start
  • Semester 1
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
Total courses
24
Total units
288
Duration
3 years 3 years
UniSC program code
SC385
Program coordinator
Program structure
Introductory courses (7) 84 units

LFS100 Cell Biology
LFS112 Human Physiology
LFS122 Human Anatomy
MLS101 Foundations in Medical Science
PUB112 Public Health Foundations
SCI105 Introductory Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods

Developing and Graduate courses (15) 180 units

BIM202 Medical Genetics
BIM263 Introduction to Pharmacology
BIM331 Immunology
CHM202 Organic Chemistry
LFS203 Integrated Physiology
LFS251 Biochemistry
LFS261 Microbiology
LFS262 Medical Microbiology
LFS303 Pathophysiology
MED202 Communication Skills for Medicine
MED301 Integrated Medical Science
MLS211 Medical Biochemistry
NUR222 Health, Law and Ethics
PUB361 Epidemiology and Biostatistics
SPX201 Functional Anatomy

Specified electives (2) 24 units

Select 2 courses (24 units) from:

BIM303 Clinical Trials Management
BIM341 Biochemical Pharmacology
BIM371 Clinical Embryology
CHM311 Medicinal Organic Chemistry
MBT301 Pharmaceutical and Food Microbiology
MBT353 Microbial Pathogenesis
MBT361 Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
SRP301 Special Research Project
SRP321 Special Research Project
WPL310 Workplace Learning I
WPL320 Workplace Learning II

*a GPA of at least 5.00 and a minimum pass grade required for entry to Doctor of Medicine

Study sequences

This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.

Student profile

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Applicant background No. of students % of all students

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Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.

Minimum entry threshold

Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.

Location ATAR/Rank
Sunshine Coast 99.80

Special selection criteria

The BMedSc program is restricted to high-achieving secondary school students who have completed Year 12 no more than three (3) years before admission. Applicants must not have previously attempted any tertiary study at diploma level or higher. Current USC students are not able to apply internally for the BMedSc program. Enrolments into the program will be capped at 20 places each year.

A limited number of places in this program may be set aside for applicants from a rural background. Refer to Rural Access Scheme to check eligibility.

Post admission requirements

Students must comply with the following requirements before the start of the last semester of study:

  • Hold a valid Blue Card (Working with Children Check) from QLD Government Blue Card Services. You
    should allow 12 weeks for Blue Card Services to issue the card.
  • Comply with QLD Health vaccination requirements.
  • Complete the QLD Health student orientation requirements

Additional entry information

Completion of Year 12 no more than three (3) years before application with no previous attempt at tertiary study.

Provisional entry to Griffith's Doctor of Medicine is dependent on a cumulative GPA of at least 5.00 and a minimum Pass grade in MED202 Communication Skills for Medicine.

Note: Due to the competitiveness of this program special entry schemes including Access USC and the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) do not apply.

Applicants from a non-English speaking background must attain an IELTS score of 7.0 (with a minimum of 6.5 in all subtests) and should refer to the English language requirements.

Refer also to the Rural Access Scheme.

This program is only available to Domestic students. Not available to International students.

Prerequisites

English (Units 3 and 4, C)

Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
  • Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
Program notes
  • Part-time study NOT AVAILABLE in this program
  • Courses within the program incorporate a range of assessment regimes that match the learning outcomes for the course, and also the program. They include the use of assignments, reviews, technical reports, standard and on-line review quizzes, seminar and poster presentations (individual and group), creative project work, research projects and final examinations.
  • Students will be required to purchase personal protection equipment (laboratory coat, safety glasses, closed footwear) for use during the practical work at USC. There will be costs associated to the purchase of course text books and readers. Possible cost of travel to clinical sites for students choosing an elective course in work integrated learning.
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
  • The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
  • It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
  • Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
  • The Study Overseas Program is not currently available to Medical Science students.
Inherent academic requirements

Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.

Refer to Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Science, Medical Science - Inherent Academic Requirements

UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.

What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?

The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.

Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.

Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.

Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?

IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.

How does this affect you?

To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.

If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.

If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.

Career opportunities

  • Clinical practice
  • Education
  • Health service administration
  • Primary-care and rural medicine
  • Public health
  • Research

Memberships

Graduates may be eligible to become members of:

  • Australian Physiological Society
  • Australian Society for Biotechnology
  • Australian Society for Immunology
  • Australian Society for Microbiology
  • Australian Society for Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
  • Public Health Association of Australia

Accreditation

Graduates who gain a GPA of 5.0 or better and a pass grade in the course Communication Skills for Medicine will be offered provisional direct entry into the Griffith University Doctor of Medicine (MD) graduate-entry program to become accredited medical practitioners.

CSP estimate
A$8,296 - 2023 Fees

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.

If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.

Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

QTAC code

Location QTAC code
Sunshine Coast 013231
Provisional direct entry to Griffith University’s Doctor of Medicine
Eligible to apply to numerous scientific societies
Abigail McAllister
Abigail McAllister Student

Student story

“I am thrilled that as a new school leaver I can stay in my home town and begin my dream degree."