Bachelor of Medical Science
at University of South Australia, 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 University of South 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 | 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 builds the science foundation: human biology, chemistry, cell and molecular biology, and introductory anatomy and physiology, plus laboratory skills and scientific communication. UniSA's health and biomedical teaching is laboratory-rich, so you spend significant time in practicals from the start. Second year deepens the core medical sciences: human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry and metabolism, microbiology, immunology and pharmacology. You learn how the body works at the molecular, cellular and system levels, and how disease processes disrupt normal function. Laboratory and data analysis skills become more advanced. Third year focuses on advanced and applied topics such as pathology, clinical and molecular diagnostics, infection and immunity, and a research project. UniSA's research and industry links support laboratory placements and project work. The degree is a common feeder into graduate medicine, dentistry and allied-health master programs, as well as research Honours.
Example first-year subjects
- Human Biology
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Scientific Communication and Data Skills
How you will be assessed
- Final exams worth a large share of mark in science courses
- Laboratory practical reports and assessments
- Data-analysis and problem-solving assignments
- Online quizzes and theory tests
- Research project report and presentation
- Group case studies and scientific posters
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-trials or research coordinator
- Diagnostic or pathology laboratory technician
- Quality or regulatory officer in biotech or pharma
- Scientific or medical sales and liaison roles
- Public-health or health-data officer
- Pathway entry to graduate medicine or allied health
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 pathway into graduate-entry medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy or other clinical master programs after sitting the relevant admission test. Others move into laboratory and research roles, or continue into Honours and a PhD. Postgraduate options include research degrees, the Master of Public Health, biomedical or laboratory-medicine masters, and clinical-science coursework.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students fascinated by how the human body works
- People who enjoy laboratory and practical science
- Methodical learners comfortable with detail and memorisation
- Students aiming at graduate medicine or research
- Those who like data, evidence and the scientific method
It is probably not for you if
- Students who dislike heavy exams and lab work
- Those wanting a hands-on clinical or patient-facing degree now
- People who prefer essay-based humanities study
- Students expecting a direct licence to practise on graduation
Related courses at UniSA
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and ATAR cutoffs on the University of South Australia handbook and on SATAC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/unisa/bachelor-of-medical-science.