Bachelor of Medical Science
at Curtin University, Western 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 Curtin University 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 | TISC |
| 2023 | ATAR cutoff not published | TISC |
| 2022 | ATAR cutoff not published | TISC |
No verified cutoffs are available. Confirm the latest figure on the official TISC 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 lays the biomedical foundations: human anatomy, human physiology, general and organic chemistry, cell biology and an introduction to biostatistics or research skills. Teaching combines lectures with laboratory practicals where you learn microscopy, dissection basics and core lab techniques. Second year deepens the systems sciences: biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology and more advanced physiology. You start to specialise toward areas such as laboratory medicine, molecular biology, human biology or pathology, and laboratory work becomes more technique-heavy with formal lab reports. Curtin's Bentley science facilities and health-research links shape the applied units. Third year covers advanced units in your chosen area (for example pathology, medical microbiology, molecular genetics or clinical biochemistry) plus a research project or literature review. The degree is a common feeder into graduate-entry medicine, dentistry and allied-health programs, as well as research Honours, so many students tailor their final year toward postgraduate goals.
Example first-year subjects
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- General and Organic Chemistry
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Introduction to Biostatistics
- Foundations of Medical Science
How you will be assessed
- Final exams worth 40 to 60 per cent in science units
- Laboratory practicals and formal lab reports
- Practical and theory tests on anatomy and physiology
- Research project or literature review in later years
- Online quizzes and problem sets
- Scientific writing and data-analysis assignments
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
- Pathology or diagnostic laboratory technician
- Quality or scientific officer in industry
- Science communicator or technical writer
- Laboratory technician in hospital or university settings
- Graduate-medicine or allied-health applicant (further study)
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
The degree is widely used as a pathway into graduate-entry medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy and other clinical programs (which require sitting admissions tests such as the GAMSAT). Strong students take a one-year Honours, the entry point to research masters and PhD study at institutes and universities. Coursework postgrad options include the Master of Laboratory Medicine, Master of Public Health, Master of Biomedical Science and Master of Clinical Research. Graduates also enter laboratory and clinical-trial careers directly.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students who liked biology and chemistry and enjoy lab work
- People aiming at graduate medicine, dentistry or allied health
- Detail-oriented learners comfortable with heavy content
- Those curious about how the body works at a cellular level
- Students who can manage exam-heavy science assessment
It is probably not for you if
- Students seeking a direct clinical or patient-facing first job
- People who dislike laboratory work and memorisation
- Those wanting a maths-light or essay-based degree
- Students unsure about further study after the bachelor
Related courses at Curtin
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and ATAR cutoffs on the Curtin University handbook and on TISC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/curtin/bachelor-of-medical-science.