Study Medical Science at Flinders

Investigate the science of the human body.

The Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) – 4 years is designed to offer students an opportunity to extend their undergraduate studies by demonstrating their ability to work in a research environment. The course extends the curriculum offered in the Bachelor of Medical Science (BMS) and includes higher performance expectations.

The BMS degree has been designed to produce graduates who as medical scientists are specialists in a major area of science and possess well-developed skills to liaise with other groups of scientists, such as medical practitioners and biotechnologists. Extending on this, the Honours year provides students with the opportunity to undertake an individual research project in an area of medical science, from design to execution. Students will gain experience in research design, and develop their abilities in critical analysis of information, data management and theory generation using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Fast facts

Course facts at a glance.

Domestic

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International Student

I am not a citizen of
Australia or New Zealand.

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I am a
Domestic Student

I am an Australian or New Zealand Citizen.

I'm an Australian Permanent Resident
(including Humanitarian Visa holders).

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Prerequisites

None

Assumed knowledge

None

2024 selection rank

85.00

Guaranteed selection rank

90.00

TAFElink

Advanced Diploma or above

Adjustment factors available

Yes

SATAC code

244891

Delivery mode

In person:

– Bedford Park

Online: No

Duration

4 years full-time
(or part-time equivalent)
Deferrable: Yes

Annual indicative fee

2024: $9,200

How are these fees calculated?

Start dates

– March
– July

Student and ATAR profile

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Student and ATAR profile

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Why study Medical Science at Flinders?

Access state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities
Choose topics from biological and biomedical science to combine a solid understanding of the human body
Laboratory practicals and experiments equip you with the laboratory skills to prepare you for work as a medical scientist
Be immersed in a strong clinical and research environment
Incorporate real word experience into academic study with a professional placement in medical science
Eligibility to apply, on graduation, for a sub-quota of up to 25 places in Flinders’ Doctor of Medicine (domestic students only)
Opportunity postgraduate pathways in allied health fields
Sub-quotas available for rural and remote medicine applicants (domestic students only)
Indigenous sub quotas also available

Your career

Graduates will find career opportunities in diverse areas such as medical research carried out in universities and government and industry-funded organisations, the pharmaceutical industry, government regulatory industries, industry-based biomedical companies, and diagnostic laboratories.

Potential occupations include:

bone densitometry technician
cardiac physiologist
medical laboratory technician
medical research scientist
development scientist.

Potential employers include:

universities
government
industry-funded organisations
the pharmaceutical industry
government regulatory bodies
biomedical companies
diagnostic laboratories.

What you will study

First year

A typical first year may include:

core topics in biology, chemistry, physiology, and skills for medical scientists

a selection of option topics from a range of areas including biotechnology, chemistry, biostatistics, public health, business studies, nutrition and innovation.

Or choose to study one of three majors:
- Major 1 – Human physiology, neuroscience and anatomy
- Major 2 – Molecular medicine
- Major 3 – Human immunology and infectious diseases.

Second year

A typical second year may include:

core topics in biochemistry, human physiology, molecular biology, and skills for medical scientists

a selection of option topics from a range of areas including human immunology and infectious diseases, fundamental neuroscience, virology, and microbiology.

Third year

A typical third year may include:

core topic in skills for medical scientists

study in a specialisation in physiology and neuroscience, medical biotechnology, pharmacology and toxicology, biochemistry and molecular biology, nutrition, or microbiology

a professional placement topic involving a semester of laboratory-based project work.

Honours year

A typical honours year may include:

Students immerse themselves in the research environment by completing a one-year research project. Honours year studies can be completed in a range of science disciplines. Depending on your area of interest, expand your advanced understanding and gain valuable skills in reviewing literature, planning, and executing experiments, time management, organisational skills and science communication and presentations.

The Honours year provides students with the opportunity to undertake an individual research project in an area of medical science, from design to execution. Students will gain experience in research design, and develop their abilities in critical analysis of information, data management and theory generation using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

If you’re thinking about taking your career further with a postgraduate opportunities, do it with the university known for its results.

First year

core topics in biology, chemistry, physiology, and skills for medical scientists
a selection of option topics from a range of areas including biotechnology, chemistry, biostatistics, public health, business studies, nutrition and innovation.
Or choose to study one of three majors:
- Major 1 – Human physiology, neuroscience and anatomy
- Major 2 – Molecular medicine
- Major 3 – Human immunology and infectious diseases.

Second year

core topics in biochemistry, human physiology, molecular biology, and skills for medical scientists
a selection of option topics from a range of areas including human immunology and infectious diseases, fundamental neuroscience, virology, and microbiology.

Third year

core topic in skills for medical scientists
study in a specialisation in physiology and neuroscience, medical biotechnology, pharmacology and toxicology, biochemistry and molecular biology, nutrition, or microbiology
a professional placement topic involving a semester of laboratory-based project work.

Honours year

Students immerse themselves in the research environment by completing a one-year research project. Honours year studies can be completed in a range of science disciplines. Depending on your area of interest, expand your advanced understanding and gain valuable skills in reviewing literature, planning, and executing experiments, time management, organisational skills and science communication and presentations.

The Honours year provides students with the opportunity to undertake an individual research project in an area of medical science, from design to execution. Students will gain experience in research design, and develop their abilities in critical analysis of information, data management and theory generation using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

If you’re thinking about taking your career further with a postgraduate opportunities, do it with the university known for its results.

View study program

Practical experience

The degree provides you with practical experience that prepares you for the workforce.

Undertake a professional placement in your 3rd year and a one-year research project in your 4th year.
Get hands-on experience in a laboratory of your choice.
Develop important practical skills that enhance your employability with support from the Research Education and Development (RED) Hub
Access a range of laboratories as part of the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) covering a range of different disciplines and research areas.

There are no specific placement requirements, but some labs may have vaccination requirements, working with children or police checks, if working with patients.

Research Education
and Development (RED) Hub

RED Hub is here to help you grow your research skills and networks to maximise your research outcomes and real-world impact. There is always something happening at RED Hub, including training workshops, a mentorship program, networking and social events, professional and personal development opportunities.

Find out more

Projects for Honours Candidates

ATAR and Student Profile Information

ATAR and Selection Rank profile

The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published

ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds	ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors	Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer	99.95	99.95
Median rank to receive an offer	95.55	98.25
Lowest rank to receive an offer	64.30	65.00

Student Profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024)	Number of students	Percentage of all students
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	35	28%
Vocational education and training (VET) study	0	0
Work and life experience	<5	<5
Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	63	51%
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test)	11	9%
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways)	<5	<5
International Students	8	7%
All students	123	100%

How to apply

Choose your preferred course.

Check the entry requirements and admission pathways available to you.

Choose other courses to include in your preferences.

Visit SATAC and submit your application online.

Rural and remote sub-quotas

An annual subquota is available for applicants from rural and remote areas. To be considered for the rural and remote subquota applicants must apply to SATAC in the normal way.

Applicants must also, within 10 working days after submitting the SATAC application, submit a Statutory Declaration to SATAC which confirms that they have lived in non-metropolitan areas of Australia (Remoteness Classifications RA2 to RA5) for at least 5 consecutive years, or 10 years cumulatively, from birth (i.e. during any period of their life). A Statutory Declaration form can be downloaded here (PDF 95KB).

Applicants can check their eligibility in accordance with the definition above using the search tool at the Remoteness Area (RA) Locator site. Filter your search using the ASGS Remoteness Areas (2016) layer.

Am I eligible?

Admission pathways

Applicants can apply for this course using Year 12 qualifications, previous higher education study, TAFE/VET qualifications, or through adult entry (STAT/Foundation Studies/tertiary preparation course).

Find the entry path that’s right for you.

Explore our pathways

Choosing your preferences

When choosing your preferences through SATAC, other Flinders degrees you might want to include in your list are:

How to apply

Select your course.

Check entry requirements.

Check your eligibility for credit.

Apply online

Obtain certified documents.

Submit your application and documents.

View further details

English language pathways

If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.

This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.

Find out more

Academic program pathways

If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.

Find out more

Course enquiries

Want more information about studying at Flinders University? Contact us to find out more – we’d love to help you decide if Flinders University is the right choice for you.

Course enquiries

For all course enquiries phone or email us or complete the course enquiry form.

1300 354 633

askflinders@flinders.edu.au

Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours)

Study Medical Science at Flinders

Fast facts