Bachelor of Medical Research (53E)

This course is in teach-out and is not accepting new admissions

Overview  2024

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
This course is in teach-out, and has been replaced by the new Bachelor of Biomedicine, which features a major in Medical Research. Please visit that course page to learn more.

Uncover the mysteries of human health and disease, to expand our knowledge and contribute towards the global effort to preventing, managing, and treating disease.

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

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
  • 1 Demonstrate knowledge in the fields of medical research and biomedicine in the context of understanding of health and disease
  • 2 Design and conduct experiments and interpret scientific data
  • 3 Source, critically evaluate and analyse information relevant to medical research
  • 4 Communicate scientific information to a variety of audiences
  • 5 Describe the local and global importance and impact of medical research
  • 6 Conduct work in a legally, ethically, socially and culturally responsible manner
  • 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.

    This 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.

    Rhea Longley, Alumni

    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

    If you are starting in 2023 you can find your course planner here – this helps you plan what units to enrol in and when.

    In addition to the 6 core units students also complete 2 units of Electives in Year 1

    This unit focuses on the fundamental cellular mechanisms involved in health and disease. The emphasis is on cellular processes that can protect or injure cells and body systems, as well as genetic factors and biological and environmental agents that can…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

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

    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

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartHealth Study Period 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    LauncestonHealth Study Period 1
    Cradle CoastHealth Study Period 1
    Rozelle - SydneyHealth Study Period 1

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

    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

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    HobartHealth Study Period 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    LauncestonHealth Study Period 2
    Cradle CoastHealth Study Period 2
    Rozelle - SydneyHealth Study Period 2

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

    This unit introduces students to the fundamental concepts and methods relevant to health science and research literacy, offering perspectives from a range of health professions and fields of medical research. It will equip students with the skills to locate, evaluate,…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2
    OnlineHealth Study Period 1

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

    In addition to the 6 core units students also complete 2 units of Electives in Year 2

    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

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1

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

    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

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2

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

    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

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1

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

    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

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2

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

    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

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1

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

    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

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2

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

    In addition to the 4 core units students also complete 4 units of Electives in Year 3

    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

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1

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

    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

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2

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

    Before a successful experiment can begin, it first must be planned. This unit provides students with experience in planning research in biomedical science. Students will learn to identify the motivation behind the design of experiments, and how to understand their…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1

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

    This unit provides students with ‘hands-on’ experience in research in an area of biomedical science. This research project-based unit provide an opportunity for students to work with a research group and provides opportunities to further develop their research skills, including…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2

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

    Students may select 8 electives from any College or discipline area OR choose to undertake a major (8 units) with their electives.
    Students may select 8 electives from any College or discipline area OR choose to undertake a major (8 units) with their electives.
    Students may select 8 electives from any College or discipline area OR choose to undertake a major (8 units) with their electives - listed below is one major option students may consider

    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.

    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

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 1

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

    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

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

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

    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

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

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

    Choose one (1) unit from the following list:

    This introductory unit will explore the physical and cognitive changes that occur during the ageing process, and age-related pathological changes that can lead to diseases that cause dementia. This unit will introduce fundamental neuroscience concepts in the healthy adult, ageing…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1
    OnlineSpring school (extended)

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

    This unit provides an introduction to the study of therapeutic agents, probing into the fundamental concepts of therapeutic agent-target interactions and the intricate processes governing therapeutic agent metabolism within the human body. A major part of the unit consists of…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartHealth Study Period 2
    LauncestonHealth Study Period 2
    Cradle CoastHealth Study Period 2

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

    What is cultural responsiveness and why is it increasingly valued in workplaces? What does it mean to commit to cultural safety as a health practitioner? In this online unit, you will develop your understanding of culture and the need for…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 2
    OnlineHealth Study Period 1

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

    Human rights are fundamental rights that are inherent to every individual. They are underpinned by concepts of human dignity and the essential equality of all people. The unit takes an interdisciplinary approach to the development, application and cultural relativity of…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2
    Online5 Week Session Jan B

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

    Microorganisms, though invisibly small, collectively make up the majority of the living matter on Earth and have profound influences on many aspects of our lives. This unit will draw on contemporary, real-world examples to explore the influence and impact of…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2

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

    Genetics & Evolution is a core second year unit for BSc students majoring in Zoology or Plant Science and important for any student studying Biological Sciences. The unit offers an introduction to genetics and evolution, and integrates classical and molecular…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2

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

    Choose 4 units from the following list:

    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

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2

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

    In this unit we will explore recent advances in immunology and microbiology. We will investigate how the immune system can prevent disease through a molecular battle with infectious agents and how the immune system can contribute to disease with a…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1

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

    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

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2

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

    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

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1

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

    This unit provides an in-depth journey into neuroscience, with a particular focus on cellular and systems neuroscience: how neurons work together to create functional circuits. Learning material will cover the structure and function of the nervous system in the context…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2

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

    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 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 2022, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 85.15. 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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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

    Options for this course

    This is a full-fee course, which means you’ll need to pay the full amount for your studies. Commonwealth Supported Places are not available in this course. However, there are still support options available for eligible students to help you manage the cost of studying this course.

    You may be able to fund all or part of your tuition fees by accessing a FEE-HELP loan from the Australian Government. FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists domestic full-fee students to pay for University, which is repaid through the Australian Tax System once you earn above a repayment threshold. This means you’ll only have to start repaying the loan once you start earning above a specific amount

    Our scholarships and prizes program also offers more than 400 scholarships across all areas of study. You can even apply for multiple scholarships in one easy application.

    Further information

    Detailed 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
    Email
    Course.Info@utas.edu.au
    Online
    Online enquiries

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