The Bachelor of Medical Sciences aims to develop graduates who are able to apply knowledge of pathology, clinical investigation or nutrition to clinical practice in a  health professional role, or biotechnology in support industries.  To enable this ability in graduates, the program is designed to build a high level of technical and evaluative skill so graduates can assess and implement recommendations for best practice in patient testing, monitoring and education.  The program also aims to develop high level communication skills so that graduates can interact positively with patients and other health professionals and are ready for the clinical or scientific work environment.  Clinical decision making and problem solving ability will be promoted in graduates through opportunities to build skills in designing, conducting and interpreting medical research.

Program Learning Outcomes

• 1. Apply knowledge of pathology, clinical investigation, biotechnology or nutrition to practice in the context of their professional role.
• 2. Respond appropriately during interactions with patients and other health professionals
• 3. Evaluate recommendations for best practice in patient testing, monitoring and education within the context of their clinical discipline.
• 4. Develop new testing procedures to increase efficacy of patient diagnostic testing.
• 5. Develop new strategies to effect therapeutic behavioural change in patients
• 6. Participate actively in discussion of topics relevant to their professional practice
• 7. Adapt standard protocols effectively to meet novel requirements.
• 8. Demonstrate skills in research design, application and interpretation

Students must complete 24 courses (144 units of credit). Students choose from the Pathology, Clinical Investigation, Biotechnology or Nutrition specialisations on successful completion of the first 8 courses (48 units of credit) of study (See Courses for detailed study plan).

Recommended study schedules

The detailed study plan is designed for full-time students who usually enrol in 4 courses per term (24 units of credit). Part-time students should therefore modify this schedule to suit their own needs. The normal study load for part-time students is 2 courses per term (12 units of credit).

Interim award

Students wishing to gain employment at Health Technician level may apply for the interim award of Associate Degree on successful completion of the compulsory 16 courses (96 units of credit) that comprise the first and second year of the program and a minimum of 5 weeks work placement (see More Details for further information about work placement).  Students with advanced standing in any degree must complete 50% and at least 1 year equivalent of full time study (48 units of credit).

Students requiring an interim award of the Associate Degree of Medical Science (Specialisation) will be required to contact their Program Advisor http://www.cqu.edu.au/programadvisor. Students are required to contact their Program Advisor in the year they are eligible for the award.