Bachelor of Medical Science
at The University of Queensland, Queensland.
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 Queensland 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 | QTAC |
| 2023 | ATAR cutoff not published | QTAC |
| 2022 | ATAR cutoff not published | QTAC |
No verified cutoffs are available. Confirm the latest figure on the official QTAC cutoff release.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
Brush up on each prerequisite with our state-syllabus explainers and dot points.
What you will study
The UQ Bachelor of Medical Science is a three-year laboratory-focused biomedical degree taught from St Lucia, with anatomy and clinical sciences drawing on the Herston health precinct. Year one lays the molecular and structural foundations: human anatomy, cell biology, biochemistry, introductory physiology and chemistry, plus statistics and the scientific method. Practical classes pair lectures with histology, dissection-based anatomy and wet-lab work from the outset. Year two builds the core of human biomedical science: systems physiology, medical biochemistry and metabolism, immunology, microbiology, genetics and the principles of pharmacology. Laboratory work intensifies, with students running experiments, analysing data and learning the diagnostic and research techniques used in pathology and biomedical research. Year three carries advanced and integrative units in pathology, infection and immunity, neuroscience, molecular medicine and the mechanisms of disease, alongside an option for a research-style project working with UQ research groups or institutes such as QIMR Berghofer. The degree is deliberately structured as a strong feeder into graduate-entry medicine and other clinical programs, and into research Honours.
Example first-year subjects
- Human Anatomy (Structure and Histology)
- Cell Biology and Genetics
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Systems Physiology
- Chemistry for the Biomedical Sciences
- Introductory Statistics and Research Methods
How you will be assessed
- Final exams of 40 to 60 percent in core biomedical units
- Laboratory reports, practical write-ups and pre-lab quizzes
- Histology and anatomy spot tests and practical exams
- Problem-based data-analysis and case assignments
- Research project or literature review in third year
- Online quizzes and in-semester progress tests
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 or technician in hospital pathology
- Diagnostic-laboratory scientist at Australian Clinical Labs and Sonic Healthcare
- Research assistant at QIMR Berghofer, the Garvan and WEHI
- Clinical-trials coordinator or research officer
- Quality and laboratory officer in biotech and pharmaceuticals
- Scientific or technical officer in government and industry
Graduate starting salary
$60,000 - $70,000 per year
Source: https://www.qilt.edu.au/surveys/graduate-outcomes-survey-(gos). Last reviewed 2026-05-24.
After graduation
The most common pathways are graduate-entry clinical programs, especially the UQ Doctor of Medicine, along with the Doctor of Dental Medicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other allied-health masters for which a biomedical bachelor satisfies prerequisites. Research-minded students take the one-year Honours research project as the standard entry into MPhil and PhD study at UQ and affiliated medical research institutes. Coursework masters in fields such as biotechnology, public health, molecular biology and clinical research are also widely taken. A laboratory-science career is available directly, often with later specialisation through postgraduate study.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students fascinated by how the human body works at a molecular and cellular level
- Those comfortable with intensive laboratory and practical work
- People aiming for graduate medicine, dentistry or biomedical research
- Students who can retain detailed bioscience and quantitative content
- Independent learners willing to pursue Honours and research
It is probably not for you if
- Students wanting direct patient-contact clinical training from year one
- Those who dislike laboratory practicals, dissection or heavy bioscience
- Anyone hoping to avoid exams and quantitative assessment
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 UQ
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and ATAR cutoffs on the The University of Queensland handbook and on QTAC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/uq/bachelor-of-medical-science.