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Overview

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 … For more content click the Read More button below. Students completing this program with exceptional performance may have the opportunity to enrol in an Honours 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.

Learning Outcomes

1.
Be able to demonstrate an understanding of biomedical science and its relevance to society, as well as an understanding of science as a profession and the skills required;
  • Scholars
2.
Have knowledge of the components of biomedical sciences and their relationship to one another with an ability to appropriately apply theoretical, computing or laboratory techniques in these areas as relevant;
  • Scholars
  • Global Citizens
3.
Have knowledge and skills in scientific inquiry, analysis, and reporting, including an ability to formulate hypotheses, appropriately use scientific literature and data, analyse and synthesise information, and draw conclusions;
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4.
Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in diverse contexts;
  • Leaders
  • Scholars
5.
Be able to communicate effectively and appropriately to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes;
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6.
Be able to work effectively within a team and contribute positively to collaborative scientific research;
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  • Leaders
7.
Be able to work responsibly, safely and with respect to diversity, within ethical, academic, and regulatory frameworks relevant to biomedical science;
  • Professionals
  • Global Citizens
8.
Be able to self-manage and work independently with an ability to take responsibility for their own learning, and an appreciation of the value of learning;
  • Scholars
  • Professionals

Program Structure
144 Units of Credit:

Students must complete 144 UOC as a standalone program.

120 UOC Medical Science courses:
- 90 UOC of core courses across Stages 1 and 2.
- 6 UOC Science elective taken in Stage 1.
- 24 UOC of Directed Electives in Stage 3. The Stage 3 electives can be used to complete an optional major.

12 UOC Free Electives. These courses can be taken from any Faculty of the University. It is recommended that Free Electives are taken in Stage 3.
12 UOC General Education courses. These courses cannot be Science or Medicine courses. Please see the rules regarding General Education below. It is recommended that General Education courses are taken in Stage 3.

Please click the Sample Programs link below to view a typical enrolment pattern for this program.

Majors

Students may elect to complete a major, or a double major, from the following areas. Where a student would like to graduate with a major (this is not a compulsory part of the program) this must be declared by the commencement of a student's final year of study.

Please Note: Students may complete a maximum of two majors but no double-counting of courses between majors is allowed at Level 3.

Level 3 Prescribed Electives

Students must take at least 24 UOC of the following courses.

Please Note: 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.

Science Elective

Students must take 6 UOC of the following courses (Psychology, Physics or other Mathematics courses are recommended)

Free Electives

Students must take 12 UOC of the following courses.

General Education

Students must take 12 UOC of the following courses.

Any course defined as a Science or Medicine course cannot be taken as General Education (GE). All other courses can be used to fulfil the GE requirement of this program, including GEN# coded courses. Any exceptions to these rules must be approved by the Associate Dean (Academic Programs) or nominee.

Course Information Rule

GEN# courses cannot count towards the free elective component, or towards science core courses or science electives in the program. Any exceptions to these rules must be approved by the Associate Dean (Academic Programs) or nominee.

Excluded General Education Courses

Students may not undertake any of the following excluded courses.

Level 2 Maturity Requirements

Students must normally have completed 24 UOC of Level 1 courses before enrolling in Level 2 courses.

Level 3 Maturity Requirements

Students must have completed 96 UOC before taking any of the following courses.

Sample Programs

To access sample program(s), please visit:

Related Programs

Related Programs

Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) - BAdvSci(Hons)3962 - Advanced Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Science - BSc3970 - Science

Program Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning

Progression Requirements

Pathways

Honours Programs

Bachelor of Science (Honours) - BSc(Hons)4500 - Science (Honours)

Post Graduate

Master of Biomedical Engineering - MBiomedE8660 - Biomedical Engineering

Professional Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Recognition of Achievement

University Medal

Award of Pass with Distinction

Additional Information

Definition of 'Science' courses

Table 1

Science Handbook Rules and Editions

Students must follow the program rules and requirements in the UNSW Handbook published in the year they commence their studies with the Faculty of Science.

Students who transfer from another UNSW Faculty into Science (for example, from a Bachelor of Arts into a Bachelor of Science) must follow the program rules and requirements in the UNSW Handbook published in the year of their transfer.

Students, who are readmitted to UNSW after a period of unapproved absence or deferment, or after exclusion, must satisfy the program rules in the Handbook published in the year of their readmission. In addition, these students may be subject to restrictions on which courses taken at UNSW may be counted on their return. In some cases, students returning from an unapproved absence may be required to repeat courses. See the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Advanced Standing section below for more details. Students who take approved leave or deferment will follow the Handbook for the year of their original commencement unless otherwise approved by the Associate Dean (Academic Programs). 

Faculty of Science Rules

The Faculty of Science has some rules that relate to all students enrolled in programs offered by the Faculty in relation to recognition for prior learning, general education, course exclusions, study load, and cross-institutional study. All students should read the information contained on the Faculty General Rules and Requirements page.

Program Fees

At UNSW fees are generally charged at course level and therefore dependent upon individual enrolment and other factors such as student's residency status. For generic information on fees and additional expenses of UNSW programs, click on one of the following:

Pre-2019 Handbook Editions

Access past handbook editions (2018 and prior)