The scope of the Bachelor of Health Science program is multi-disciplinary with an emphasis on relevant physical, biological and psychosocial sciences. The intent of the program is to provide a structure of core, optional and elective courses that enable students to construct a program of study in their preferred area of interest in health science.
Career prospects
The Bachelor of Health Science degree will provide graduates with the skills and knowledge to gain employment in positions such as
- Scientific Advisor
- Allied Health Worker
- Pathology Technician
- Industry Representative
- Technical Sales
- Ambulance Attendant
- Laboratory Assistant
- Research Assistant
Other career areas may be pursued in
- Public Service
- Teaching with further study
- Industry
- Research
In addition, entry into Honours or Masters Programs in medical research may be possible in the following areas.
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Clinical Physiology
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Clinical Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Forensic Osteology
- Genetic Counselling
Graduate profile
Students who successfully complete the program will have
- a sound knowledge of health and biomedical science
- an understanding of the principles of primary health care
- communication and interpersonal skills
- the ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary context
- the ability to critically evaluate situations and to effect change
Foundation Year Health
The FYH is designed to provide students in the health/medical related sciences with a sound preparation for second year study and is undertaken by those enrolled in
- Health Science
- Biomedical Science
- Dental Science/Oral Health
- Pharmacy
- Medical Science
- Exercise Science
- related programs
In this Foundation Year particular emphasis is placed on basic chemistry since it is crucial to subsequent study in the biological sciences. In addition, a firm grounding in body structure and function is provided, from cells and cellular control mechanisms to basic anatomy and the integrated function of major body systems. Students are also introduced to the role psychology plays in understanding health related issues.
The University and teaching staff have made a concerted effort to aid transition into University level study, with provision of
- a common, integrated laboratory program for the three science courses, where students attend one laboratory session per week at the same time with the same teaching staff
- a comprehensive package of lecture materials, available as printed booklets and on the FYH website
- revision sheets and other assessment items which give a realistic guide to the standards expected in mid and final exams
- regular open, voluntary tutorials where lecturers discuss students questions
- a series of voluntary workshops to provide students with additional assistance in areas some find difficult, including basic mathematics, a First Year Advisor to help students with course related concerns, learning difficulties, personal problems, career advice etc.
- a peer mentor, an advanced level student whose role is to help first year students find their feet at uni
And because the Foundation Year program is common, in very large part, to all students in the Biomedical, Health and Medical Sciences, more flexibility is provided to students who wish to subsequently change their enrolled program of study within Health. Note, to gain access to higher level programs, students must achieve at a high level in the Foundation Year.
In Semester I, four courses are offered:
- Cell Biology (1005MSC)
- Cells, Tissues and Regulation (1014MSC)
- Chemistry for Biological Systems I (1013ENV)
- Psychology for the Health Sciences (1006PSY)*
These are followed by four common courses in Semester II
- Anatomy & Physiology I
- Anatomy & Physiology II
- Biophysics & Quantitative Biology
- Chemistry for Biological Systems II
Information about theses courses will be made available prior to the start of Semester II.
More information
[* Please note, Pharmacy students replace Psychology for the Health Sciences (10006PSY) with a course in Mathematics]