Medical Research
Uncover the mysteries of human health and disease by studying a Bachelor of Medical Research.
The Bachelor of Medical Research is a distinctive research-focused course, designed and taught by active medical researchers. The course is structured to provide a strong foundation in biomedical sciences and equips graduates with an understanding of the emerging technologies, strategies and tools used to address medical research problems.
A strength of the course is the research focused core units, in which students develop valuable knowledge and skills in research methodology and advance their ability to problem solve, think critically and communicate science to a broad audience. These transferable skills and abilities provide graduates with an expansive skill set and equip graduates for lifelong learning and careers in contemporary medical research and health-related fields.
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Medical Research you will join a world-wide network of researchers that create the new knowledge needed to advance our understanding of health and disease from right here in Tasmania.
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 about university terminology and definitions in our glossary
Course Options
Bachelor of Medical Research
3 years full-time, up to 7 years part-time.
Hobart CRICOS 055221K
Bachelor of Medical Research with Honours
1 year full-time, up to 2 years part-time
Hobart, Online CRICOS 058589J
Acquire skills specific to medical research and experience a learning environment with a multidisciplinary and integrated focus.
Learn research methods, critical thinking and communication skills from world-leading medical research scientists.
Enjoy an immersive research experience and participate in project-based and hands-on research in a lab setting.
Double degrees
Our new double degrees allow you to deepen your knowledge and expertise within two separate study areas. This means you can choose from our range of exciting, diverse courses and embark on a journey as unique as you are.
Pathways
At the University of Tasmania, we’ll help you get the skills you need to pursue a degree. We offer a wide range of preparatory and pathway programs, as well as short foundation programs, to assist in the transition to university.
Course breakdown
The Bachelor of Medical Research (300 credit points)
3 years full-time, up to 7 years part-time.
Core units (200 credit points)
You’ll complete 16 units of core knowledge, which combine essential biomedical knowledge with an immersive research experience.
The core units cover the fundamental areas of biomedicine (including anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology and pathology). In addition, the core units provide extensive training in research skills and methodology including scientific literacy, experimental design, analysis and interpretation and students will develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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 perspective
Elective units (100 credit points)
These elective units will broaden your learning experience and complement your area of study.
Students may choose to use their elective units to complete a major in Medical Science. This major is comprised of 100 credit points of study (eight units).
The Medical Science Major has been designed to complement the core units of the Bachelor of Medical Research and provides student with the opportunity to further apply the knowledge and skills. The first units in this major explore the origin, epidemiology and broader public health implications of disease, while third year offers students further specialisation and the opportunity to advance their knowledge in key bioscience disciplines.
Career outcomes
Rhea Longley, Alumni
“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 are not limited to a single professional discipline, you can pursue a career based on your strengths and interests. These could include careers in laboratory-based research, clinical research, public health, disease surveillance, academia, biotechnology, science communication, or policy development and management in Government-based departments or organisations.
The healthcare industry in expected to grow by over 15 percent over the next five years.
*Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business five Year projections from May 2019 to May 2024.
The current world-wide health crisis highlights the importance of medical research in helping to manage and treat disease on both an individual and population basis.
Entry information
Entry requirements
Entry requirements vary across courses. You'll find the requirements on our individual course pages. These can be accessed from Course Options, which is located at the top of this page.
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, our admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Credit for prior learning
The University of Tasmania aims to provide you with credit for approved prior study or equivalent professional experience which exceeds standard entrance requirements for courses. For more information please visit Recognition of Prior Learning.
English language requirements
For those applicants who are nationals of and currently residing in a country where English is not the official language, evidence of an IELTS or TOEFL test must be provided. For more information, please visit International Future Students.
