Overview 2022
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
View archived years for this course
For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
View the current year's course page
The Bachelor of Medical Research is a research-focused course, designed and taught by active medical researchers at our Tasmanian School of Medicine. Your learning will also draw from the expertise of our specialist research and teaching institutes: the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, and the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre.
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.
You will build a strong foundation in biomedical sciences, developing your research skills, and giving you a deeper understanding of the technologies, strategies and tools used to address medical research problems. As you progress, you will cement that knowledge through research-focused core units that make up one third of your studies. In these, you’ll develop valuable knowledge and skills in research methodology, scientific observation and analysis, and advance your ability to identify and solve problems, think critically and communicate science to a broad audience.
Medical research is a global profession, and we share our networks and experience with you as we connect you to a global knowledge-base of research groups, institutes, and organisations through our ongoing collaborations and research.
Catalyst Program
Are you a high achiever and want to get the most out of your University experience? The Catalyst Program combines your Bachelor degree with scholarships, extracurricular experiences, special events, and networking opportunities. It was created for outstanding students, just like you. Learn more about the Catalyst Program
Course objectives
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
Learning Outcomes
Practical experience
The Bachelor of Medical Research includes guaranteed, real-world learning experiences such as laboratory work and participation in project-based research through research-focused core units that contribute one third of your studies.
These hands-on experience will help you develop your communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills, which are all crucial to the success of a researcher. Plus, you'll master the practical tools and techniques used in contemporary medical research.
You’ll develop valuable knowledge and skills in research methodology, scientific observation and analysis, and advance your ability to identify and solve problems, think critically and communicate science to a broad audience.
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.
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, improving existing drugs, testing new products, and figuring out measures to prevent and combat diseases.
Medical research incorporates the work of Biomedical Scientists, Clinical Research Scientists, Geneticists, Pharmacologists and many other medical science professionals. They work alongside other scientists, conducting tests and experiments and carrying out research projects in order to address problems relevant to human health.
You can forge exciting careers in a range of public and private organisations, including:
- Research Institutes
- University Departments
- Hospitals
- Pathology Laboratories
- Pharmaceutical
- Biomedical companies and Government Departments
Career opportunities can also include science communication, advisory roles, policy development and disease surveillance in industry, government, and health organisations.
Postgraduate study
If you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research.
Course structure
Year 1 Core units
Undertaking medical research requires a range of skills and knowledge related to the ways information is generated, evaluated and communicated. Processes like peer review and open evaluation are essential to ensure that the knowledge underpinning medicine, health care and medical…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CAM103 Scientific and Research Literacy
This unit will examine the biological processes that lead to disease. We will explore the world of infectious disease including bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic diseases, and how the body’s immune system detects and destroys these pathogens. This unit will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit equips you with introductory level clinical laboratory skills and theoretical knowledge in the disciplines of Haematology, Clinical Biochemistry and Microbiology. At the end of this unit, you will be competent in a range of basic laboratory techniques, using…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CXA101 Introduction to Medical Laboratory Sciences
This unit is designed to introduce students to human cells and tissues and the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, defence, musculoskeletal and neuroendocrine systems in the human body. The unit will include: (a) the basic facts and concepts relating…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Paramedicine Study Period 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Rozelle - Sydney | Paramedicine Study Period 1 | ||||
This unit is designed to introduce you to the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and digestive systems of the human body. The regulation of body temperature will also be studied in the unit. The unit will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Paramedicine Study Period 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Rozelle - Sydney | Paramedicine Study Period 2 | ||||
In this unit you will examine research methods that will help you design studies to investigate questions about relationships and differences among a variety of behavioural and health-related variables. You will learn when and how to use data analysis methods…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Year 2 Core units
This unit will consolidate and build on research skills that have been developed in first units within the Bachelor of Medical Research and will cover the principles of research design and analysis, ethics in medical research, scientific controversy, scientific critique…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CAM203 Contemporary Issues in Medical Research
This unit focuses on the key elements of experimental design, data analysis and communication in the context of medical research. In this unit, students will learn about design, data considerations and statistical analysis from different research disciplines including epidemiology, clinical…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CAM204 Experimental Design and Analysis in Medical Research
Provides students with a broad introduction to metabolic and nutritional aspects of biochemistry, and laboratory techniques in biochemical analysis of tissues and enzymes. Major topics include structure, function and metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids; the integration and control…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CBA260 Biochemistry: Metabolism & Nutrition
This unit provides students with a broad introduction to molecular biology and how it can be used to investigate health & disease. The focus of this unit is primarily on humans and other mammals, but most of the matters discussed…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CBA265 Molecular Biology in Health & Disease
Human Physiology (CHP207) builds on first year Biology-based units and gives students an understanding of the function of the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and nervous systems and their integration and interaction in the human body. Students will learn how to…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit focuses on the cellular and molecular functions of the human immune system in health and disease. Students will also be introduced to the molecular pathogenic mechanisms of selected infectious agents causing disease in humans; antibiotics and antibiotic resistance…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CJA212 Basic Pathological Processes and Immunity
Year 3 Core units
This unit provides students with an understanding of how contemporary approaches in molecular biology are being used to address problems in human health and wellbeing. This includes an introduction to genomics and proteomics. The use of molecular biology and protein…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for CAM312 Biomolecular Approaches to Medical Research
This unit provides students with an understanding of how systems-based approaches are being used to address problems in human health and wellbeing. Students will plan and undertake experiments investigating disease mechanism using systems-based tools and approaches to data collection and…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for CAM313 Systems-based Approaches to Medical Research
This unit provides students with ‘hands-on’ experience in research in an area of biomedical science. Students will be provided with the opportunity to develop their research skills, including experiment planning and design, conducting a research project and analysing data. In…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
This unit provides students with ‘hands-on’ experience in research in an area of biomedical science. Students will be provided with the opportunity to develop their research skills, including experiment planning and design, conducting a research project and analysing data. In…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Electives or Optional Major
Electives
Optional Major
Medical Science
Students are required to successfully complete 8 units which comprises of the following:
25 credit points in Year 1;
25 credit points in Year 2 and
50 credit points in Year 3.
Year 1
This unit introduces students to the foundation knowledge, skills and conceptual frameworks that underpin contemporary public health practice. It explores the biological, social, economic and environmental determinants of health and wellbeing as a basis for developing strategies and systems that…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Cell Biology, Genetics & Evolution is a core first year unit for BSc students majoring in Plant Science and important for any student studying Biological Sciences. Cell biology, genetics and evolution are fundamental to an understanding of the processes of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KPZ164 Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution
Year 2
This unit will explore communicable diseases of humans from an epidemiological perspective. It will provide an introductory overview of the basic biological knowledge needed to understand the interactions within and between populations of microbes, human and other animals. Students will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Chronic health conditions are the leading cause of illness, disability and death in Australia. This unit will explore the aetiology and epidemiology of the most common chronic diseases, exploring the risk factors which contribute to disease, the underlying mechanisms which…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Year 3
This unit provides an opportunity for you to study the topographical and systems macroscopic anatomy of the human limbs and trunk. Emphasis is placed upon the identification and description of structures and the correlation of structure with function. This includes…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit discusses human disease and provides students with an understanding of recent advances and innovation in the areas of inflammation, medical microbiology, and immunology. In addition, the unit is designed to enable students to develop skills to become effective…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for CAM311 Inflammation, Infection and Immunity
This unit provides students with an understanding of recent developments and contemporary issues in the areas of biochemistry and molecular biology. Areas covered include topics related to hormones and signal transduction, gene regulation and epigenetics, stem cells, transgenic animals and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CBA343 Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Genetics forms the nexus between human biology and the environment with almost every human disease having a genetic component. This course covers the basic tenets of human genetics, introducing genetic concepts and building on these throughout the course. This will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
The aim of this unit is to build on the knowledge you have gained regarding the structure and function of the nervous system in CHP311 and relate that to our current understanding of how the nervous system functions, for example…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Entry requirements
For Domestic students
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 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.
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 2021, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 85.05. 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 UTAS Diploma of University Studies (Health Science), with a Credit (60%) average
OR
- Previous tertiary study at Bachelor level or higher - complete or incomplete with a Credit (60%) average on the most recent 8 (Level 100 units or above) units studied (equivalent to 2 full semesters of study) over no more than 4 semesters, undertaken within the last five years, plus pre-requisites.
- Applicants with less than the equivalent of 2 full semesters of study must have a Credit (60%) average on Level 100 units or above + ATAR of 85 or above. If study was taken more than 5 years ago, it must be relevant and the applicant engaged in relevant employment which has kept their knowledge up-to-date.
- In addition, 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 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 admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course.
For International students
All international students will need to meet the minimum English Language Requirements, University General Entry Requirements and any course specific requirements such as pre-requisite subjects, if applicable.
English Language Requirements
This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.5, with no individual band less than 6.0. No equivalent tests accepted for this course.
See the English Language Requirements page for more information.
General Entry Requirements
Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12th year of education in Australia.
Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.
You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:
- Previous tertiary study at Bachelor level or higher - complete or incomplete with a Credit (60%) average on the most recent 8 (Level 100 units or above) units studied (equivalent to 2 full semesters of study) over no more than 4 semesters, undertaken within the last five years, plus pre-requisites.
- Applicants with less than the equivalent of 2 full semesters of study must have a Credit (60%) average on Level 100 units or above + ATAR of 85 or above.
- If study was taken more than 5 years ago, it must be relevant and the applicant engaged in relevant employment which has kept their knowledge up-to-date.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements, we offer the Foundation Studies Program.
Course Specific Requirements
The following course specific requirements must be met to be eligible to study this degree.
To be an eligible for an offer, you must have studies or experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subjects:
- CHM415115 Chemistry or equivalent
If you have not met a required pre-requisite, you will need to complete a University of Tasmania Foundation Studies Program before you start your course.
Credit transfer
Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.
Talk to us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online about your credit transfer.
Articulation
Students may be eligible to articulate from the Bachelor of Nutrition Science to the Bachelor of Medical Research Students may be eligible to articulate to the Bachelor of Nutrition Science from the Bachelor of Medical Research
Alternative entry pathways
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
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.
If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. This means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.
You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.
Further information is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.
Student contributionStudent contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.
Further informationDetailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
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
- 13 8827 (13 UTAS)
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries