Bachelor of Medical Science
at Federation University Australia, Victoria.
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 Federation University Australia 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 | VTAC |
| 2023 | ATAR cutoff not published | VTAC |
| 2022 | ATAR cutoff not published | VTAC |
No verified cutoffs are available. Confirm the latest figure on the official VTAC 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 is a biomedical foundation: human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry and biostatistics. Lab work is a key part of every subject and you start learning the analytical techniques used in pathology and research labs. Second year you specialise into majors such as physiology, pharmacology, microbiology and immunology, pathology, neuroscience or human genetics. Subjects become more research-led, with lab classes running three to six hours a week and an introduction to research methods. Third year features advanced major subjects, a literature review or research project, and a capstone subject. Many students prepare for the GAMSAT or UCAT to apply for graduate medicine, dentistry or other clinical postgraduate degrees. Strong students take an Honours year, which is the entry point to research masters and PhDs in biomedical science.
Example first-year subjects
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Chemistry for Biomedicine
- Biostatistics
How you will be assessed
- Final exams worth 50 to 70 per cent in core science subjects
- Weekly lab reports and practical write-ups
- Anatomy and physiology lab tests (spotter or oral exams)
- Research literature reviews
- Honours-year thesis (8 to 15 thousand words) for those continuing
- Group case-based assignments
- Mid-semester quizzes
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 scientist trainee in hospital pathology
- Clinical-trial coordinator at a hospital or CRO
- Research assistant at WEHI, Burnet, Hudson or Florey institutes
- Diagnostic-laboratory technician at Australian Clinical Labs or Sonic
- Pharmaceutical sales or medical liaison representative
- Quality and regulatory officer at a medical-device or pharma company
- Pathway to graduate-entry medicine, dentistry or physiotherapy
Graduate starting salary
$58,000 - $72,000 per year
Source: https://www.qilt.edu.au/surveys/graduate-outcomes-survey-(gos). Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
After graduation
Common pathways: graduate-entry medicine (MD), dentistry, physiotherapy or other allied health postgrad, Master of Public Health, Master of Genetic Counselling, or an Honours year leading to research masters and PhD. Many graduates also enter the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, medical sales or clinical research.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students who liked biology and chemistry in VCE
- Patient lab workers who follow protocols carefully
- Students targeting graduate medicine or dentistry
- Readers comfortable with scientific journals
- Self-starters who pursue summer research scholarships
It is probably not for you if
- Students unsure about lab-based work
- Those who dislike final exams or memorisation-heavy subjects
- People wanting direct registration to practise on graduation
- Students who prefer humanities-style essay work
Related courses at FedUni
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and ATAR cutoffs on the Federation University Australia handbook and on VTAC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/federation/bachelor-of-medical-science.