Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Advanced) (BHlthMedSc(Adv))

Program Code
BHMSA

Program Faculty
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Academic Year
2025

These Program Rules should be read in conjunction with the University's policies (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies).

Overview

The Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Advanced) is designed for high-achieving students who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding in areas of health and medical sciences. In addition to general foundation studies in a broad range of areas in the Health and Medical Sciences, students specialise in one particular area of study as they progress through the degree. Unique to this program are courses which will develop skills for professional engagement, as well as fostering initiative and leadership skills.

The Clinical Trials Major will develop the expertise needed to design, develop and conduct clinical trials in hospitals, research organisations/institutes and pharmaceutical companies.

The Medical Sciences Major will provide an understanding of how the human body functions in health and disease, and how treatments for disease are developed. An understanding will be gained of the fundamental medical science disciplines of anatomy, physiology, and pathology.

The Neurosciences Major will provide an understanding of how the nervous system regulates the body and behaviour with a view to finding ways to prevent or cure neurological disorders.
 
The Nutritional Health Major will explore the body’s mechanical and physiological responses to food including how energy and nutrients from the food we eat is used.
 
The Public Health Major will provide the skills to measure the health of populations, understand how social, cultural and economic factors influence contemporary health problems in Australia and internationally, and develop practical skills in health promotion and health educational strategies.
 
The Reproductive and Childhood Health Major will provide knowledge about fertility, conception, pregnancy and birth. The key health issues that affect children and adolescents will also be considered.

The Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Advanced) is an AQF Level 7 qualification with a standard full-time duration of 3 years.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and competency in investigative techniques relating to one or more disciplines in health sciences.
  2. Describe the biology of the human species, the structure and function of the body and the biological basis of disease at the cellular, tissue, organ and system levels.
  3. Display a population as well as an individual view of health and an understanding of the relationship of the environmental and culture to health, the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, and the potential for disease prevention.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to acquire and critically appraise data and other information on health issues, including historical and comparative aspects, from a wide variety of sources in a timely manner.
  5. Communicate acquired information in writing and orally to a range of audiences.
  6. Acknowledge and reference sources of information appropriately.
  7. Display a respect for people whatever their age, gender, abilities, social circumstances or cultural background.
  8. Demonstrate effective teamwork skills.

Conditions

Condition of continuing enrolment: students enrolled in this program must maintain a GPA of 5.0 or will be required to transfer to the Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences.

Immunisation: Prior to any clinical placement, students will need to provide evidence of immunisation status. Students are required to have the appropriate level of immunisation required by the Immunisation Guidelines for Health Care Workers in South Australia Policy Guideline for tuberculosis (TB) screening and criminal history clearances (CHC), Prescribed Communicable Infections (PCI) screening, including recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.

Interruption of program: Students must apply for permission from the Program Director or Delegate before taking a Leave of Absence. Any extension of the leave without approval will result in the loss of place in the program but an application may be made to be re-admitted to the program subject to the admission procedures in place at the time.

Program Maximum Duration: As specified in Table 1 of the Coursework Academic Programs Policy, this program must be completed within a Maximum Duration which includes any periods of non-enrolment, leave of absence or approved study at other institutions for credit towards a Program. 
 

Academic Program Rules for Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Advanced)

There shall be a Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Advanced).

Qualification Requirements

To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Advanced), the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 72 units, comprising:

  1. Level I courses to the value of no more than 30 units, of which at least 12 units are Health and Medical Science courses, and which may include the Core courses and Closed electives
  2. Level II Health and Medical Science courses to the value of at least 12 units, which may include the Core courses and Closed electives
  3. Level III Health and Medical Science courses to the value of at least 24 units, which may include the Core courses and Closed electives OR Level III Health and Medical Science courses to the value of at least 21 units, which may include the Core courses and Closed electives and the Open elective ENTREP 3900 eChallenge (3 units)
  4. Core courses to the value of 9 units
  5. One major from the following:
    • Clinical Trials (27 units)
    • Medical Sciences (27 units)
    • Neurosciences (27 units)
    • Nutritional Health (27 units)
    • Public Health (24 units)
    • Reproductive and Childhood Health (27 units)
  6. Broadening Electives to the value of 9 units
  7. Additional elective courses to complete a total of 72 units for the program, which may include Closed and Open electives.

Core Courses

Major

Electives