Study the Bachelor of Medical Science

Study Medical Science at Flinders

Investigate the science of the human body.

This specialised degree covers areas such as biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, molecular biology, neuroscience and more. It provides exciting options for students interested in a wide range of careers in the medical and health sciences, and emphasises the fundamental sciences that underpin virtually all fields of medical science.

Fast facts

Course facts at a glance.

Domestic

I am an
International Student

I am not a citizen of
Australia or New Zealand.

Switch to International

I am a
Domestic Student

I am an Australian or New Zealand Citizen.

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

Switch to Domestic

Prerequisites

None

Assumed knowledge

None

2024 selection rank

70.00

Guaranteed selection rank

75.00

TAFElink

Diploma or above

Adjustment factors available

Yes

SATAC code

214421

Delivery mode

In person:

– Bedford Park

Online: No

Duration

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

Annual indicative fee

2025: $9,314

How are these fees calculated?

Start dates

– March
– July

Student and ATAR profile

Save course

Student and ATAR profile

Save course

Apply via SATAC

214421 (Bedford Park)

Why study
Medical Science at Flinders

Access state-of-the-art research facilities
Choose topics from both biological sciences and medicine to combine a solid understanding of the human body with the laboratory skills for medical science
Laboratory practicals and experiments prepare you for work as a medical scientist
Be immersed in a strong clinical and research environment
Eligibility to apply, on graduation, for a sub-quota of up to 25 places in Flinders’ Doctor of Medicine (domestic students only)
Optional postgraduate pathways into nutrition and dietetics, speech pathology, audiology and medicine
Sub-quotas available for rural and remote applicants (domestic students only)

Pursue multiple passions with a combined degree

Expand your career options by combining this degree with the Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical) (Honours).

Search all combined degree options

Get inspired

Discover Flinders’ Medical Science degree, including what you can expect to study, the support available to you, unique learning experiences during your degree and what you can expect in your future career.

Your career

The degree provides options for students interested in a wide range of careers in the medical and health sciences. Graduates may find employment in such fields as medical science, pharmaceutical research, biomedical organisations, diagnostic laboratories, health administration, and health planning and policy.

Potential occupations include:

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

Potential employers include:

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

Prepare for a bright future career with our step-by-step guide designed for students studying Medical Science

Find out more

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, legal studies, nutrition and physics.

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.

View study program

Practical experience

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

Undertake a professional placement in your third year.
Get hands-on experience in a laboratory of your choice.
Develop important practical skills that enhance your employability.

Study abroad

There are opportunities to take your studies overseas for a semester as long as the topics align with the course curriculum.

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%

Add Innovation and Enterprise
to your degree

At Flinders University, we recognise that careers are evolving and the workplace of the future will look very different from today.

Whatever undergraduate course you are studying at Flinders, you can add innovation and enterprise electives to your degree to gain new, adaptable and transferrable skills that will equip you for the careers of tomorrow.

Learn More

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.

Apply via SATAC

214421 (Bedford Park)

Apply to transfer internally

Flinders students can apply to transfer to this course internally. Visit: www.flinders.edu.au/internaltransfer for more information.

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.

Please note that the rural and remote sub-quota is only available for Australian citizens and permanent residents and only considers rural and remote regions in Australia.

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

Study Medical Science at Flinders

Fast facts

Pursue multiple passions with a combined degree

Get inspired