The Bachelor of Medical Sciences aims to develop graduates who are able to apply knowledge of pathology, clinical investigation or nutrition to clinical practice in a health professional role, or biotechnology in support industries. To enable this ability in graduates, the program is designed to build a high level of technical and evaluative skill so graduates can assess and implement recommendations for best practice in patient testing, monitoring and education. The program also aims to develop high level communication skills so that graduates can interact positively with patients and other health professionals and are ready for the clinical or scientific work environment. Clinical decision making and problem solving ability will be promoted in graduates through opportunities to build skills in designing, conducting and interpreting medical research.
Core Program Learning Outcomes (see specific specialisation learning outcomes)
Graduates of the Bachelor of Medical Science course from CQUniversity have developed the expertise and skills to work as health professionals in clinical physiology, biotechnology pathology or nutritional areas.
The Clinical Physiology specialisation will prepare students for employment as clinical physiologists and medical scientists. The specialisation offers multidisciplinary training in diagnostic physiological measurement in cardiac sciences, respiratory sciences, neurophysiology and sleep science.
The Nutrition specialisation is targeted at students who will pursue a career in nutrition related health promotion and food and nutrition industries and provide a pathway for postgraduate study in health education, research and public health.
The Biotechnology specialisation will prepare students for the medical research or biotechnology industries. With an emphasis on cutting-edge technologies in the development and application of therapeutics, the student is ideally placed to pursue a career in the biopharmaceutical industry or medical research laboratories.
The Pathology specialisation (3-year exit only award for the CL10 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science Honours course) will prepare students for employment in diagnostic medical laboratories where haematological, biochemical, microbiological and histological analysis of human blood, urine and tissue samples is conducted.
Duration | 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time |
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Credit Points that Must be Earned | 144 |
Number of Units Required | CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24). |
Expected Hours of Study | One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term. |
Course Type | Undergraduate Award |
Qualification (post nominal) | BMedSc |
AQF Level | Level 7: Bachelor Degree |
Course Fees |
Indicative Year - 2025
Indicative Year - 2024
Indicative Year - 2023
Indicative Year - 2022
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Rank Threshold | SR 69 | ATAR 69 |
Domestic students
Nil
International students should visit http://www.cqu.edu.au/international for further information including English language requirements.
Recommended study - English (4, SA), Maths B (4, SA), Chemistry, Biology, Science
Interim Awards | CB25 - Associate Degree of Medical Science |
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Exit Awards | Not applicable |
Accreditation |
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Compulsory Residential School | There are several compulsory residential schools/workshops attached to the following program when taken in the Distance mode. See More Details for more information. |
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Click here to view all Residential Schools |
BMSC13012 - Students are required to undertake up to 480 hours of compulsory work experience throughout the program. Refer to More Details for further information. |
BMSC12002 - Students are required to undertake up to 480 hours of compulsory work experience throughout the program. Refer to More Details for further information. |
BMSC12005 - Students are required to undertake up to 480 hours of compulsory work experience throughout the program. Refer to More Details for further information. |
Year | Number of Students |
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2024 | 135 |
2023 | 161 |
2022 | 196 |
2021 | 193 |
2020 | 213 |
Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.
If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements apply to this course and as such are subject to compulsory pre-placement conditions referred to as mandatory checks and are outlined in the health, security and other compulsory requirements sections. Mandatory checks are determined by industry, organisations, legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures. To be eligible for a WIL placement, students must first achieve compliance with mandatory checks by each closing date prior to a WIL placement and maintain current evidence for the duration of the course.
Mandatory health requirements include immunisation and vaccination evidence (and serology where required) to the following diseases: Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Varicella, Pertussis, Influenza, and Tuberculosis screening. Additional vaccinations and screening are subject to the site or state health authority.
Effective 25 September 2023, updates have been made to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Queensland Health sites and the Queensland Ambulance Service. While Queensland Health does not currently mandate evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, it's essential to recognise that other organisations may enforce their own vaccination specific criteria. This situation is similar across other states and territories, with the exception of Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all healthcare students.
Mandatory security requirements may include an Australian Federal Police clearance, working with children check, and NDIS worker screening clearance.
Other mandatory requirements may include a First Aid and CPR certificate, student agreement to privacy and confidentiality, fitness to participate in WIL student declaration, jurisdictional and site-specific compulsory requirements, and other training modules.
Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||||
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Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | ||||||||
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | ||||||||
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | ||||||||
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | ||||||||
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | ||||||||
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | ||||||||
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | ||||||||
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | ||||||||
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | ||||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | ||||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner |
Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | ||||||||
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | ||||||||
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | ||||||||
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | ||||||||
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | ||||||||
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | ||||||||
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | ||||||||
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | ||||||||
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | ||||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | ||||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner |
Course Learning Outcomes | |||||||
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Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | |||||||
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | |||||||
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | |||||||
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | |||||||
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | |||||||
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | |||||||
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | |||||||
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | |||||||
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | |||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | |||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner |
Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | ||||||||
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | ||||||||
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | ||||||||
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | ||||||||
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | ||||||||
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | ||||||||
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | ||||||||
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | ||||||||
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | ||||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | ||||||||
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner |
Number of units: 8 | Total credit points: 48 |
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Students must complete:
Please note that whilst individual courses may be available across more than one campus, students enrolled on the Bachelor Medical Sciences can only select the Rockhampton or Flexible Learning campus option.
Year 1 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC11001 | Human Body Systems 1 | |
BMSC11003 | Professional Practice in Medical Sciences | |
CHEM11041 | Chemistry for the Life Sciences | |
ESSC11004 | Study and Research Skills for Health Science |
Year 1 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC11002 | Human Body Systems 2 | |
BMSC11004 | Introduction to Biochemistry | |
ESSC11002 | Measurement and Evaluation in Health Science | |
BMSC11006 | Food, Nutrition and Health |
Number of units: 16 | Total credit points: 96 |
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Year 2 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BIOH12008 | Human Pathophysiology | |
BMED19007 | Forensic Science | |
MBIO19012 | Microbiology | |
MRKT11029 | Marketing Fundamentals |
Year 2 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BIOL12105 | Scientific Analysis and Statistics | |
BIOL12107 | Genomes, Genetics & Evolution | |
MBIO19013 | Environmental Microbiology | |
BMSC12010 | Clinical Biochemistry |
Year 3 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BIOL12106 | Molecular Biology | |
MRKT19034 | Entrepreneurship, Innovation and New Ventures | |
BMSC13010 | Pharmacology | |
BMSC13002 | Advanced Clinical Biochemistry |
Year 3 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ENVH12001 | Food Safety | |
BMSC13012 | Advanced Work Integrated Learning | |
BMSC13013 | Research Project | |
BMSC12011 | Medical Microbiology 1 |
Number of units: 16 | Total credit points: 96 |
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Year 2 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC12006 | Cardiorespiratory Physiology and Measurement | |
BMSC12007 | Neurological Physiology & Measurement | |
MBIO19012 | Microbiology | |
BMSC12003 | Haematology and Transfusion Science |
Year 2 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC12005 | Work Integrated Learning | |
BMSC12009 | Sleep Physiology and Measurement | |
BMSC12010 | Clinical Biochemistry | |
ESSC12005 | Applied Exercise and Sport Physiology |
Year 3 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC13006 | Advanced Neurophysiological Measurement | |
BMSC13009 | Immunology | |
BMSC13010 | Pharmacology | |
BMSC13002 | Advanced Clinical Biochemistry |
Year 3 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC13008 | Advanced Cardiorespiratory Measurement | |
ESSC13005 | Advanced Clinical Exercise Science | |
BMSC13012 | Advanced Work Integrated Learning | |
BMSC13013 | Research Project |
Number of units: 16 | Total credit points: 96 |
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Students completing the Nutrition stream in CG93 Medical Sciences program will select an elective course in each term of second and third year of the program. Selection of elective courses should consider pre-requisite courses. Recommended elective courses can be in areas such as exercise science, psychology, education, media and communications. Please see the "More Details" tab for further information.
Year 2 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
NUTR12001 | Human Nutrition | |
ESSC12001 | Exercise and Sport Physiology | |
EDVT11021 | Food Technology |
Year 2 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
HLTH12028 | Health Promotion Strategies | |
NUTR12002 | Nutrition in Practice | |
BMSC12010 | Clinical Biochemistry |
Year 3 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
MBIO19012 | Microbiology | |
NUTR13001 | Public Health Nutrition | |
BMSC13010 | Pharmacology |
Year 3 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
ENVH12001 | Food Safety | |
BMSC13012 | Advanced Work Integrated Learning | |
BMSC13013 | Research Project |
Number of units: 16 | Total credit points: 96 |
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Year 2 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC12002 | Work Integrated Learning 1 | |
BMSC12003 | Haematology and Transfusion Science | |
MBIO19012 | Microbiology | |
BIOL12106 | Molecular Biology |
Year 2 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC12001 | Histological and Cytological Techniques | |
BMSC12005 | Work Integrated Learning | |
BMSC12011 | Medical Microbiology 1 | |
BMSC12010 | Clinical Biochemistry |
Year 3 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC13001 | Advanced Haematology | |
BMSC13002 | Advanced Clinical Biochemistry | |
BMSC13009 | Immunology | |
BMSC13010 | Pharmacology |
Year 3 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC13003 | Medical Microbiology 2 | |
BMSC13011 | Advanced Transfusion Science | |
BMSC13012 | Advanced Work Integrated Learning | |
BMSC13013 | Research Project |
PLEASE NOTE: ONLY THE CLINICAL PHYSIOLOGY MAJOR CAN BE STUDIED INTERNALLY ON CAMPUS AT BUNDABERG. All other majors can be studied on Rockhampton campus or Online.
Work Placement
Students are required to undertake work placement in health industry professional discipline areas relevant to their specialisation (Biotechnology, Clinical Physiology, Nutrition). From 2025, there will be no student enrolment in the Nutrition specialisation. Students should enrol in the Bachelor of Nutrition courses (CM60, CM61, CM62). Existing Nutrition specialisation students will continue with their course planner. Experience in authentic work environments is very valuable as it develops the professional skills and ‘work readiness' of graduates. Work placements are currently required for the following units:
Clinical Physiology
BMSC12005 - 6 weeks
BMSC13012 – 6 weeks
Nutrition
BMSC13012 – 6 weeks
Biotechnology
BMSC13012 – 6 weeks
Failure to complete work placement and submit the compulsory activities (verified log book and supervisor evaluation) will result in students being deemed ineligible to graduate until this component is satisfactorily completed, regardless of whether all other required elements of the course have been successfully completed.
Before commencing work placement or Work Integrated Learning units, students must have gathered the following:
Current National Police Check (not older than 3 years), or current Blue card for Queensland residents;
Completed Queensland Health student health professionals' clinical placement or field work orientation checklist (http://www.health.qld.gov.au/SOP/) if attending a clinical placement within a Queensland Health facility;
Current first aid certificate;
Blue Card; and
Evidence of Immunisations as per the CQUniversity Policy for Vaccination of students in health courses.
Residential Schools
Online/mixed mode students will be required to attend residential schools on Rockhampton campus to promote development of course learning outcomes.
Computing Requirements
It is a requirement of enrolment in this course that students have access to the CQUniversity website. Students may be required to undertake various components of study in the course using email and the Internet.
It is strongly recommended that students have access to a broadband connection or higher to access online student resources that would include but not limited to, email, internet, video streaming, electronic assessment submission.
Recognition of prior learning and application for credit transfer
Course credit may be granted to students who are able to demonstrate appropriate prior learning or experience. Credit transfer will only be granted where a student is able to demonstrate that tertiary studies, equivalent in content and depth to the CQUniversity course, have been successfully completed. Students should examine the unit synopses in this handbook to determine the units for which they may be eligible to claim exemption.
Refer to the Credit Transfer website at http://www.cqu.edu.au/credittransfer for further details on the guidelines and application process.
You can apply for direct credit against CQUniversity units, if equivalent tertiary level study has been completed. You must supply relevant documentation (study guides, unit profiles, etc) to do this. If your study was undertaken more than 10 years ago, you may not be eligible for credit.