Bachelor of Medical Research (53E)

The information on this page is for current students. If you are applying for our next intake, please view our active course offerings here.

Overview  2020

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 3 Years, up to a maximum of 7 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students

The diversity of the Bachelor of Medical Research enabled me to explore my interests in all fields, build upon and make connections between different areas of study. It also gave me knowledge and a greater understanding of the sciences that serve as a platform for further studies in Medicine.

Jessica Teoh, Bachelor of Medical Research Alumni
The Bachelor of Medical Research is a research-led course, providing a strong foundation in medical research. It is designed to help you develop the skills to push the boundaries of what science knows about human health. If you've got a passion for saving lives, helping people and conducting scientific experiments, then this is the degree program for you.

At its core are the concepts and principles underlying human health and disease, as well as an understanding of the technologies, strategies and tools used to address medical research problems.

In choosing the Bachelor of Medical Research you will:

  • Build a degree that is tailored to your own interests: your choices for a Major are Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Pathology or Anatomy and Physiology
  • Learn from active research scientists who are well equipped to teach research methods and skills as they apply to their disciplines.
  • Acquire transferable skills – teamwork, critical thinking and the ability to communicate clearly - that will equip you for lifelong learning
  • Enjoy practical real-world learning experiences such as laboratory work and participation in project-based research

In your first year of study you will learn the fundamentals of cells and the systems of the body. The following year, you will start to navigate the interacting systems that make up the human body – including exploring biochemical pathways and physiological systems fundamental to human health and disease.

In your third and final year, you will specialise in an area of interest and gain invaluable real-world experience in medical research. This course emphasises the acquisition of research skills and students will have exposure throughout the course to scientists actively involved in medical research, who are investigating current research questions in a range of fields.

As well as an in-depth knowledge of the disciplines that underpin Biomedicine, students develop important attributes, including:

  • Effective communication skills.
  • Critical and creative thought and problem solving skills.
  • Ethical and social understanding
  • Global perspectives
  • Demonstrate knowledge in one or more biomedical discipline(s) in the context of understanding of health and disease
  • Design and conduct experiments and interpret scientific data
  • Source, critically evaluate and analyse information relevant to biomedical research
  • Communicate discipline-specific information to a variety of audiences
  • Describe the global importance and impact of medical research
  • Conduct work in a legally, ethically, socially and culturally responsible manner

The Bachelor of Medical Research program includes real-world learning experiences such as laboratory work and participation in project-based research.

Career outcomes

I was supported by an excellent group of researchers and academics at the University of Tasmania who encouraged me to pursue my goals which led to a PhD in malaria at the University of Oxford.

Rhea Longley, Alumni

This vital field of medical work requires its practitioners to have a strong aptitude for science, the ability to make clear and precise observations, to work accurately under pressure, and be able to identify and analyse problems and develop practical solutions.

What do medical researchers do?

Medical research incorporates the work of Biomedical Scientists, Clinical Research Scientists, Geneticists, Pharmacologists and many other medical science professionals. Medical researchers work alongside other scientists, conducting tests and experiments and carrying out research projects in order to address problems relevant to human health.

Where do medical researchers work?

Medical Researchers use their skills in a range of careers including:

  • Research Institutes
  • University Departments
  • Hospitals
  • Pathology Laboratories
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Biomedical companies and Government Departments

Careers in Medical Research

Medical researchers apply their expert scientific skills and research findings to develop a better understanding of illnesses and other medical problems. They work towards practical solutions, developing new medicines, finessing existing drugs, testing new products and figuring out measures to prevent and combat diseases.

This course will give you the necessary skills to work in medical research across a range of industries, including the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors, research institutes, hospitals, and universities.

Professional Recognition

The Bachelor of Medical Research is not limited to a single professional discipline but designed to provide a basis for medical research in a variety of settings.

Course structure

The Bachelor of Medical Research consists of a total of 24 units comprising:

  • Ten Core units: 4 introductory, 2 intermediate, 4 advanced units
  • A discipline-specific major of 8 units: 2 introductory, 2 intermediate, 4 advanced units
  • A minor of 4 units: 2 introductory, 2 intermediate units
  • Two elective units consisting of 1 degree elective and 1 breadth unit.

Please note that the first year of the degree may be studied on the Newnham campus in Launceston.

YEAR 1

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

   

YEAR 2

Choose two intermediate units from the following
     

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

and

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

OR

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

and

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

     

YEAR 3

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

     
Plus, choose two advanced units from the following list:
      

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

                                        

Year 1

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    
Year 2

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    
Year 3

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

YEAR 1

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

     
YEAR 2

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    
YEAR 3

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

YEAR 1

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    
YEAR 2

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

   
YEAR 3

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

YEAR 1

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    
YEAR 2

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    
YEAR 3

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    

YEAR 1
Hobart Students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Launceston Students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    
YEAR 2

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

YEAR 1
Hobart Students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Launceston Students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

     
YEAR 2

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Choose one unit from the following:

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Choose one unit from the following:

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2
HobartIntensive Session Jan B
HobartIntensive Session Jun

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
Cradle CoastWinter school

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
Hobart5 Week Session Feb A

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Need help choosing your first year units? Try the Unit Selection Guide.

Entry requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.

DOMESTIC APPLICANTS

Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education (completed in the past two years)

Guaranteed entry ATAR: 85.

Applicants with an ATAR of 85 or above will be guaranteed entry into this course upon satisfying the prerequisites below. In 2019, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 79.65. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

To be eligible for an offer, you must also have a satisfactory achievement in Tasmanian Senior Secondary Chemistry (CHM415115) (or equivalent). If you have not met this prerequisite, you will need to complete a UTAS foundation unit before you start your course.

Domestic applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for an offer, you must have:

  • Completed at least eight units of study at Bachelor level or higher (equivalent to 100 UTAS credit points); and
  • Maintained a credit average (minimum of 60%) in the last eight units of higher education study you completed. These eight units must have been undertaken within the past five years and over no more than four semesters; and
  • Prior studies and/or experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in Tasmanian Senior Secondary Chemistry (CHM415115). If you have not met this prerequisite, you will need to complete a UTAS foundation unit before you start your course.

Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

Applicants are not eligible for admission to this course on the basis of VET or TAFE study. You can enquire online for advice on available pathways and alternative course options.

Domestic applicants with with work and life experience

Applicants are not eligible for admission to this course on the basis of work or life experience. You can enquire online for advice on available pathways and alternative course options.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

Admissions information for international applicants, including English language requirements, is available from the International Future Students site. You can also enquire online to check your eligibility.

Credit for appropriate studies completed from other university courses may be granted. Please contact the University Admissions Team for further information.

Credit for appropriate studies completed in other university courses may be granted.

Students interested in pursuing an Honours course should contact the Course Coordinator.

If you meet the minimum ATAR but haven't completed the required pre-requisite unit(s), we offer foundation units to help you bridge the gap:

HECS scholarships may be available for Domestic Students run during spring and summer school so you can meet a prerequisite and not delay the start of your Bachelor level studies.

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

International students

International students should refer to the International Students course fees page to get an indicative course cost.

Scholarships

For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

How can we help?

Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

Domestic
1300 363 864
International
+61 3 6226 6200
Email
Course.Info@utas.edu.au
Online
Online enquiries

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