The Bachelor of Medical Science aims to develop your skills to apply knowledge of Clinical Measurement, Nutrition or Pathology to clinical practice in a health professional role, or Biotechnology in support industries and medical research. The course is designed to build a high level of technical and evaluative skill so you can assess and implement recommendations for best practice in patient testing, monitoring, education or to develop therapeutics in the cutting-edge medical biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry. The course also aims to develop high level communication skills so that you can interact positively with patients/clients, other health professionals or industry leaders and are ready for the clinical or scientific work environment. Clinical decision making and problem solving ability will be promoted through opportunities such as developing skills in designing, conducting and interpreting medical research.
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 |
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.
Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion within the last 5 years or:
completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United states of America, which will meet the English proficiency.
If you do not satisfy any of the above you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores as below:
English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.
Each student will be assessed individually.
Interim Awards | CB25 - Associate Degree of Medical Science |
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Exit Awards | CL13 - Diploma of Health Science CB25 - Associate Degree of Medical Science |
Accreditation |
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Compulsory Residential School | There are several compulsory residential schools/workshops attached to the following course when taken in the Distance mode. See More Details for more information. |
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Click here to view all Residential Schools |
BMSC12005 - This unit is specific to students enrolled in the Pathology and Clinical Measurement majors. Students are required to undertake up to 480 hours of compulsory work experience throughout the course. Refer to the More Details section within the Handbook for further information. |
BMSC13012 - All students enrolled in Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Specialisation) are required to undertake this unit. Students are required to undertake up to 480 hours of compulsory work experience throughout the course. Refer to the More Details section within the Handbook for further information. |
Year | Number of Students |
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2024 | 128 |
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 | ||||||
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Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
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 |
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 |
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 units may be available across more than one campus, students enrolled on the Bachelor Medical Sciences can only select the , Brisbane, Rockhampton or Distance Learning option.
Year 1 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC11003 | Professional Practice in Medical Sciences | |
BMSC11001 | Human Body Systems 1 | |
CHEM11043 | Atoms, Molecules and Matter | |
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 | |
BMSC11006 | Food, Nutrition and Health | |
ESSC11002 | Measurement and Evaluation in Health Science | |
BMSC11005 | Foundations of Biochemistry |
Number of units: 15 | 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 | |
MBIO19012 | Microbiology | |
BIOL12106 | Molecular Biology |
Year 2 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BIOL12105 | Scientific Analysis and Statistics | |
CHEM13080 | Analytical Science | |
BMSC12010 | Clinical Biochemistry | |
BMSC12012 | Molecular Cell Biology |
Year 2 - Term 3 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BIOL12107 | Genomes, Genetics & Evolution |
Year 3 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC13009 | Immunology | |
BMSC13014 | Biotherapeutics and Industry | |
BMSC13010 | Pharmacology |
Year 3 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
CHEM13081 | Biomaterials: Environmental and Medical Applications | |
BMSC13015 | Molecular Targeted Therapies | |
BMSC13012 | Advanced Work Integrated Learning | |
BMSC13013 | Research Project |
Number of units: 15 | 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 | |
BIOH12008 | Human Pathophysiology |
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: | ||
BMSC13012 | Advanced Work Integrated Learning | |
BMSC13013 | Research Project | |
BMSC13019 | Advanced Cardiovascular and Respiratory Measurement |
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 | |
BMSC12013 | Nutritional Physiology | |
NUTR12001 | Human Nutrition | |
BMSC12010 | Clinical Biochemistry |
Year 2 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC12014 | Pharmacology for Health Professionals | |
CHEM12077 | Food Science & Analysis | |
NUTR12002 | Nutrition in Practice | |
ENVH12001 | Food Safety |
Year 3 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC13009 | Immunology | |
HLTH13031 | Population Health Epidemiology | |
NUTR13001 | Public Health Nutrition | |
BMSC13002 | Advanced Clinical Biochemistry |
Year 3 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC13012 | Advanced Work Integrated Learning | |
BMSC13013 | Research Project | |
BMSC13017 | Food and Nutrition Services | |
BMSC13018 | Technology in Health Care and Communication |
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: | ||
BIOL12106 | Molecular Biology | |
BMSC12005 | Work Integrated Learning | |
BMSC12003 | Haematology and Transfusion Science | |
MBIO19012 | Microbiology |
Year 2 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC12010 | Clinical Biochemistry | |
BMSC12001 | Histological and Cytological Techniques | |
BMSC12011 | Medical Microbiology 1 | |
BMSC12012 | Molecular Cell Biology |
Year 3 - Term 1 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC13009 | Immunology | |
BMSC13016 | Advanced Histopathology and Cytopathology | |
BMSC13002 | Advanced Clinical Biochemistry | |
BMSC13010 | Pharmacology |
Year 3 - Term 2 | ||
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Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
BMSC13011 | Advanced Transfusion Science | |
BMSC13003 | Medical Microbiology 2 | |
BMSC13012 | Advanced Work Integrated Learning | |
BMSC13001 | Advanced Haematology |
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.