173299 v.4 Bachelor of Science (Medical Science)

Introduction

Medical science is divided into six major areas of study - clinical biochemistry, haematology and blood transfusion serology, histopathology, diagnostic cytology, medical microbiology, medical biotechnology and immunology. All disciplines involve the study, examination and analysis of body fluids and tissues by physical, chemical, biochemical and biological methods to provide information essential for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

None. Chemistry, Applicable Mathematics and Human Biology or Biology are desirable.

Specific Requirements

Applicants with TAFE qualifications should contact the School to arrange an interview. The STAT is not accepted for entry to this course. Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening/Clearance Section of this publication.

Note

Applicants without some of these TEE subjects will be considered but may be required to do extra work in first semester.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This course is three years full-time or equivalent part-time study.

Course Organisation

The first year of the course provides a foundation in life and general sciences together with attention to communication skills. The first year medical laboratory science units form a basis for the study of the individual disciplines in the second year. In the third year of the course, there is specialisation in three major disciplines, plus a requirement to complete four weeks (or 160 hours) of work experience. Students will have completed all prescribed units in the year before proceeding to subsequent years. Students are advised that maximum and minimum student enrolment quotas will apply in third year units.

Professional Recognition

The Australian Institute of Medical Scientists and other appropriate professional societies recognise the bachelor degree as fulfilling academic requirements for membership. However, before admission to full membership of the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists, graduates must complete a professional component of postgraduate employment in an approved laboratory.

Career Opportunities

A degree in medical science offers a diversity of career opportunities in hospital laboratories, academic and research centres, private pathology, veterinary pathology, PathCentre, the biomedical and biotechnology industries, as well as employment opportunities overseas.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Availability

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.