Worldwide the health industry is experiencing ongoing rapid change. There is an increasing demand for skilled graduates who can manage government and private agencies and programs in the context of changing public expectations, an ageing population and a global trend towards a more integrated and multidisciplinary approach to health care. The Bachelor of Health Sciences Program offers a broad education in areas relevant to the health care industry that reflects changing industry and government requirements, and public expectations.

All Health Sciences students undertake core courses in Human Biology, Public Health, Biology of Disease and Pharmacology during first and second year, and elective courses that fit with individual interests and career aspirations can be chosen from a variety of other areas. Depending on the choice of stream within the program, graduates will have the capacity to work in a variety of health settings including government, academia, industry, business and the community, in a range of areas such as laboratory or community-based research, provision of health services, surveillance and education, health promotion and policy.

While not designed to provide a specific vocational qualification, the Bachelor of Health Sciences program does provide a firm foundation for entry-level employment in a range of positions in the health care industry, for further study, and equips graduates with skills appropriate for lifelong learning.

The program provides for a study of the health sciences with various options. It is structured so that students can pursue pathways oriented towards public health, biomedical sciences, including neuroscience and reproductive health, exercise science and/or behavioural sciences. All students undertake the level I courses in Human Biology and Public Health and the level II courses; Biology of Disease II, and Drugs, Chemicals and Health. These courses provide core knowledge in the areas of human biology, social analysis, public health, basic pathology of disease and prevention and therapeutic management of disease and provide the basis for study of majors in selected areas of specialiation at level III of the program. The Honours degree of the Bachelor of Health Sciences requires an extra year of full-time study in a single area of specialisation.

• Anatomical Sciences, Pathology, Pharmacology, Psychology, Public Health, Physiology and Nutrition 
• Interdisciplinary streams of Neuroscience and Reproductive Health
• Areas of study in the School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences - Genetics, Biochemistry (Infection and Immunity, Microbiology and Immunology)

In previous years, Bachelor of Health Sciences graduates have found work in Australia and overseas in:

• Medical research
• University, hospital and pathology laboratories
• Forensic sciences
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Commercial clinical trial laboratories
• Government agencies (e.g. Therapeutic Goods Administration, State Health Department agencies, Drug and Alcohol Services Council, etc)
• Medical and hospital administration
• Counselling and clinical psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Human resources and personnel selection
• Educational, Forensic, Health, Sport, and Community Psychology
• Local government (e.g. planning for community sporting needs)
• State government (e.g. Department of Human Services, Community Health Services)
• Federal government (e.g. Department of Health and Ageing, Health Insurance Commission)
• Government funded research institutes (e.g. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, CSIRO)
• State government funded organisations (e.g. Drug and Alcohol Service Council)
• Hospital health promotion units
• Non-government organisations (e.g. Oxfam, Red Cross)
• Consumer organisations (e.g. Asthma Foundation, Diabetes SA)

Knowledge

• Have a comprehensive knowledge and competency in investigative techniques relating to one or more disciplines in health sciences.
• Understand the biology of the human species and the structure and function of the body.
• Understand the biological basis of disease at the cellular, tissue, organ and system levels and have a basic understanding of how abnormal processes influence investigation, management, and prevention of disease.
• Have developed a population as well as an individual view of health and an understanding of the relationship of the environment and culture to health, the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, and the potential for disease prevention.
• Be aware of contemporary issues in health, including the prevention and management of health problems. 

Intellectual and Social Capabilities

• Have developed an ability to acquire data and other information on health issues, including historical and comparative aspects, from a wide variety of sources.
• Have developed an ability to read, interpret and critically appraise information and use it to synthesise a body of work in a timely manner.
• Have developed an ability to communicate acquired information in writing and orally to a range of audiences.
• Have developed an ability to acknowledge and reference sources of information appropriately.
• Have developed an ability to work both independently and as an effective team member.
• Understand how advancing knowledge in the core disciplines within health sciences can be used in a tangible sense to benefit health in society. 

Attitudes and Values

• Have developed an appreciation of the value of an inquiring and questioning mind in health sciences.
• Have developed a sensitivity to social, cultural, ethical, political and economic issues that may impact on the way that knowledge is acquired, interpreted and used within health settings.
• Have a respect for people whatever their age, gender, abilities, social circumstances or cultural background.

Bachelor of Health Sciences Program Rules

• For more information about the Bachelor of Health Sciences program please visit the Bachelor of Health Sciences website:
  http://health.adelaide.edu.au/school_medsci/bhs/
• Health Sciences Program Information Leaflet
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• University Contact Centre enquiry form