Overview 2021
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the International Online Course Guide (PDF 809KB) for courses that are offered to international students
Optometry is an important and rewarding career within the health industry. Optometrists support eye and vision care for a range of patients, from babies and children through to the elderly. They provide a variety of services including vision checks and tests, treating eye injuries, glasses and lens fitting, and monitoring of eye conditions.
With our Optometry Pathway Course, you will study one year on the Launceston campus at the University of Tasmania. This foundation year will cover the basics in chemistry, anatomy and physiology, physics, biochemistry and cell biology. You will then transfer to South Australia for a further four years of study, graduating with a Bachelor of Medical Science (Vision Science)/Master of Optometry, from Flinders University.
During your study with Flinders University, you will undertake a range of placements within the industry. Most of these placements occur within private practice, and where possible your placements will be organised at facilities within Tasmania. This means you will be learning from the professionals who you will one day work alongside.
This double degree from Flinders University prepares you with the skills you will need to provide vital optometry services to the community. When you finish the degree, you will have the qualifications to become a registered optometrist. You can choose to begin your practice, or follow a pathway through to a career in research.
Course structure
Year One - Semester One
This unit explores the basic chemical concepts with a particular focus on biological systems and processes such as bonding and structure of organic molecules, aerobic respiration, ions in physiological systems, nutrient cycles and photosynthesis.Topics include fundamental chemical bonding theory, molecular…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
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 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit introduces the determinants of health and wellbeing including lifestyle factors. Students are introduced to the types of measures that are used in reporting health information and the ways in which this information is presented and utilised. Students will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for CXA103 Health: Determinants and Analysis
An introductory physics course for health science professionals. This subject provides an introduction to the topics of mechanics, waves, fluids and thermodynamics, sound, optics, atomic and nuclear physics. CXA115 aims to provide a basic understanding of physical processes and physical…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Year One - Semester Two
This unit focuses on developing students’ health literacy. Health literacy is the capacity to understand, evaluate and apply information to make decisions about health and health care. Students will explore how health information is communicated and how to distinguish evidence-based…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Biochemistry is an important biological science, often referred to as the chemistry of life, because biochemical processes are essential in order for all living organisms (e.g. humans, fish and plants) to exist. It is biochemistry that allows the mechanisms behind…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit is designed to introduce you to foundation knowledge relevant to the structure and function of the human body. Concepts in biological chemistry, cell metabolism, microscopy, cell biology and molecular and descriptive genetics will be covered in the unit,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit explores how historical, cultural and social elements and policy frameworks have shaped the health and wellbeing of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. Cultural safety, self-determination and collaboration are central concepts within this unit. You will…
Credit Points: 6.25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Rozelle - Sydney | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CNA156 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Well Being
Health service providers in Australia need to respond effectively to diverse populations. This unit will introduce to you the diversity of races, ethnicities, religions, sexualities, genders and abilities in Australia. You will examine how belonging to a diverse group can…
Credit Points: 6.25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Rozelle - Sydney | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for CNA157 Responding to Diversity: Global Perspectives
Need help choosing your first year units? Try the Unit Selection Guide.
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements
This course is available on campus only. Due to a technical issue in the application system you will see an option for “off campus”. Please do not select this option: Only select “on-campus”.
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)
The minimum ATAR for this course is 95. Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. 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 meet the subject prerequisites listed below.
Domestic applicants with higher education study
To be eligible for an offer, you must have:
- Completed a course at Associate Degree level or higher at any Australian higher education provider (or an equivalent overseas qualification); or
- Completed at least four units of study (equivalent to 50 UTAS credit points) of a course at Associate Degree level (or an equivalent overseas qualification) with results equivalent to a grade point average of 5.25 on a 7 point-scale. If you have failed any units your application may be subject to further review before an offer is made
You must also meet the subject prerequisites listed below.
You can enquire online for advice on converting your results into grade point average on a 7-point scale.
Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study
To be eligible for an offer, you must have:
- completed a Certificate IV or higher in a health-related field; or
- completed a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in any field
You must also meet the subject prerequisites listed below.
Domestic applicants with work and life experience
Applicants are not admitted to this course on the basis of work and life experience. You can enquire online for advice on available pathways and alternative course options.
Subject Prerequisites
To be an eligible for an offer, you must have studies or experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in all of the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subjects:
- Chemistry (CHM415115); and
- General Mathematics (MTG315115) (or higher); and
- Physics (PHY415115);
You can enquire online for information on interstate and international equivalents to the Tasmanian senior secondary subjects above. If you have not met this prerequisite you will need to complete a UTAS foundation unit before you start your course.
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
This course is not available to international students.
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
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
2021 Total Course Fee (international students): $96,138 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $30,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).
* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.
International students
International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
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
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries