Bachelor of Medical Science
at The University of Adelaide, South Australia.
A biomedical degree covering anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology and pathology. A common feeder programme for graduate medicine and other clinical postgraduate pathways.
ATAR cutoff history
Published cutoff data for the The University of Adelaide Bachelor of Medical Science. We never invent figures; entries marked "not published" mean the university or admissions centre has not released a verified cutoff for that intake.
| Intake year | ATAR cutoff | Admissions centre |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ATAR cutoff not published | SATAC |
| 2023 | ATAR cutoff not published | SATAC |
| 2022 | ATAR cutoff not published | SATAC |
No verified cutoffs are available. Confirm the latest figure on the official SATAC cutoff release.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
Brush up on each prerequisite with our state-syllabus explainers and dot points.
What you will study
First year at the University of Adelaide builds the biomedical foundation: human anatomy and physiology, chemistry and biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and an introduction to research and laboratory skills. Weekly practicals sit alongside lectures, and the load is science-heavy from the start. Adelaide's health and medical sciences are a genuine research strength, with links to the SAHMRI precinct. Second year deepens core systems and mechanisms: pathophysiology, pharmacology, immunology, microbiology, genetics and neuroscience. Laboratory work becomes more sophisticated and quantitative, and you start interpreting experimental data and reading primary research literature. Third year is specialisation and research. You choose advanced courses in fields such as molecular medicine, infection and immunity, neuroscience or human physiology, and many students complete a laboratory-based research project. Strong students continue into an Honours year, and the degree is a common feeder into graduate medicine, dentistry and other clinical postgraduate pathways.
Example first-year subjects
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Introduction to Research and Laboratory Skills
How you will be assessed
- Final exams of 40 to 60 per cent in biomedical-science courses
- Laboratory reports and pre-lab quizzes
- Data-interpretation and problem-based assignments
- Online quizzes and mid-semester tests
- Independent research project or extended lab report in third year
- Oral and poster presentations of research
Career outcomes
- Graduates work as medical-laboratory scientists, clinical-trial coordinators and research assistants in hospital pathology departments.
- Common destinations include diagnostic-laboratory roles at Australian Clinical Labs and Sonic Healthcare, and research roles at the Garvan, WEHI and QIMR Berghofer.
- Many alumni progress into graduate medicine, dentistry and physiotherapy or into research Honours and PhD study.
Typical first jobs
- Medical-laboratory or research assistant
- Clinical-trial coordinator or research officer
- Diagnostic-laboratory technician (with further training)
- Quality or regulatory officer in biotech and pharma
- Science communicator or technical writer
- Graduate in a health or research agency (pending further study for clinical roles)
Graduate starting salary
$58,000 - $68,000 per year
Source: https://www.qilt.edu.au/surveys/graduate-outcomes-survey-(gos). Last reviewed 2026-05-24.
After graduation
Many graduates use the degree as a feeder into graduate-entry medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy or other clinical masters, often combined with a strong GAMSAT or interview performance. Others take a fourth-year Honours program and proceed to research masters or a PhD, leading to roles at SAHMRI, universities, the Robinson Research Institute and biotech firms. Direct-entry roles include laboratory and clinical-trial work, with further pathways into science communication and health policy.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students who enjoy biology, chemistry and laboratory work
- Those aiming at graduate medicine, dentistry or research
- People comfortable with detailed, science-heavy study
- Analytical thinkers who like interpreting experimental data
- Independent learners who manage practical and theory loads
It is probably not for you if
- Students who dislike laboratory work or chemistry
- Those wanting a direct clinical or vocational outcome at graduation
- People seeking a non-science or essay-based degree
- Students who want low-contact, fully online study
Careers this leads to
Australian career pathways that name this Bachelor of Medical Science as an entry route. Each page shows uni, TAFE and apprenticeship alternatives.
Related courses at Adelaide
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and ATAR cutoffs on the The University of Adelaide handbook and on SATAC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/adelaide/bachelor-of-medical-science.