Medical science is the foundation that the practice of medicine is built on. This degree delves into how the human body functions and responds to disease and drug treatments. It incorporates facets of several scientific disciplines to provide you with an extensive understanding of the human body.

The Bachelor of Medical Science explores:

• the structure and chemistry of the cells that make up living organisms (cell & molecular biology and biochemistry)
• the structure and function of the human body (anatomy and physiology)
• the general processes leading to disease (pathology)
• the role of bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms in disease (microbiology)
• drugs which are used to cure human diseases (pharmacology)
• the way in which our form and function is inherited (genetics)
• the processes of development from the fertilised ovum (embryology)
• the natural defences of the body (immunology)
• the structure and function of the brain (neuroscience).

This degree provides the basis for a career in biomedical research and is also an appropriate first degree if you’re planning to progress to graduate medical or paramedical degrees.

Key features

• Two UNSW faculties
  This degree is jointly offered by UNSW Science and UNSW Medicine & Health, combining the expertise of two industry-leading faculties.

• Optional majors
  If you want to tailor your study to a particular area of interest, you can choose to complete a major or a double major. 

• Wide range of career opportunities
  This degree can lead to a career in a variety of fields including:

• medical research

• paramedical professions

• health policy

• medical laboratory science

• pathology and forensic science

• patents and intellectual property

• market research and product development

• pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

• Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities
  At UNSW Science, we focus on delivering the optimal balance of theory and practical work to equip you with the skills and experience to fast-track your career. The SCIF3199 Science Work Placement course gives you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through an internship. Previous work placement students have interned with IT companies, start-ups, government departments and large biomedical and biotechnology companies. Along with new professional skills and connections, you’ll also gain course credit for your work placement.