Medical Science - 3991

For students entering Medical Science in Stage 1 prior to 2007 or Stage 2 prior to 2008, the previous stream description and rules apply. Please click here.

This three-year degree program is jointly offered by the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Science. It provides the basis for a career in biomedical research and is also an appropriate first degree for students planning to enter graduate medical or paramedical programs.

Medical science is the area of science which underpins the practice of medicine. It incorporates the study of structure and chemistry of the cells that make up living organisms (Cell & Molecular Biology and Biochemistry) with particular reference to humans, and specifically of the structure and function of the human body (Anatomy and Physiology). It then deals with the general processes leading to disease (Pathology), the role of bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms in disease (Microbiology) as well as drugs which are used to cure human diseases (Pharmacology). Other areas available for study include the way in which our form and function is inherited (Genetics), the processes of development from the fertilised ovum (Embryology), the natural defences of the body (Immunology) and the study of the structure and function of the brain (Neuroscience).

Students enrolled in this program may have the opportunity to undertake a fourth year that involves a research program leading to an Honours degree.

A limited number of high-performing students may be able to gain entry to the UNSW Medicine program with advanced standing. For more information, please click here.

Students intending to apply for entry via this pathway must have completed all compulsory courses by the end of Stage 2.

Students enrolled in this program will have the opportunity to gain a broad perspective of the biomedical sciences, as well as having the opportunity to specialise in one or more of the above disciplines.

Notes:
¹ Students may complete SCIF1131 Science: Perspectives (6UOC) in Semester 2 instead of SCIF1111 Perspectives in Med. Science (6UOC) in Semester 1.
² Students must complete MATH1041 Statistics for Life and Social Sciences by the end of Stage 2.
³ Only one of these courses is required. Students who have completed high school Biology with a score of at least 75 and achieved at least a credit in BABS1201 can take either BABS2204 Genetics or BABS2202 Molecular Biology I. All other students should take BIOS1101.

The 48 UoC of courses taken in this Stage must include at least 36 UoC from the following 6 UoC courses. When making choices for Stage 2, students need to take account of prerequisite requirements for courses in Stage 3, in particular with respect to their intended area of specialisation. Please note that ALL 8 of the following 48 UoC courses must be completed by the end of Stage 3.

Semester 1

The 48 UoC of courses in this stage must consist of:

The 12 UoC of elective courses may be chosen from any Faculty, at any level, or can be from the list of courses below. When making their course choices, students who intend to do Honours must consult with the school of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences or the School of Medical Sciences about requirements for Honours prior to enrolment in Stage 3 of the program.

In the following section courses are arranged by discipline rather than by semester.

Progression to Honours is described in Program 4500 (BSc Honours). Entry to the BSc (Honours) Program is subject to academic performance and the number of places available in a School’s Honours program. Students are typically required to have a minimum overall WAM of a Credit for entry into Honours, although due to the competitive nature of Honours in some Schools, the level of academic performance required may be higher. Where students have an overall WAM that is less than but close to the entry requirements, Schools may consider academic performance in the major area of study. All decisions regarding entry to the BSc (Honours) are subject to the approval of the Program Authority.

Note: for 2014 only, Honours in Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, and Neuroscience will be completed as an additional year in program 3991.

Students seeking to enrol in Honours are required to have completed all the requirements for the BMedSci and satisfied all prerequisite requirements for Honours as specified by the School of Medical Science or the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science. Students should check prerequisite requirements for Honours with these Schools and consider potential projects and supervision as early as possible.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html

Students enrolled in Medical Science must complete 12 UoC of General Education, normally in stage 3 of the program. The rules for General Education can be found by clicking on the General Education link on the left side menu. Please note that students must complete their General Education requirements with courses that are from faculties other than Medicine and Science. This means that courses offered by the Faculties of Medicine or Science (including GENM and GENS courses) cannot be counted as General Education.

The Faculty of Science will award a Pass degree with Distinction to students who obtain a minimum WAM of 75 across their program and complete at least 72 units of credit at UNSW. Distinction awards will not be issued to students who continue to enrol in an honours program.