Bachelor of Health Sciences B.HlthSc

2010

Program Outline

Worldwide the health industry is experiencing a period of 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.

Program Structure

The program provides for a study of the health sciences with various options. It is structured so that students can orientate their course choice towards public health, neuroscience, biomedical sciences and/or behavioural sciences. All students undertake the first year courses of Human Biology and Public Health and the second year semester-length course;  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. The Honours degree of the Bachelor of Health Sciences requires an extra year of full-time study.

Related Programs

• Honours
• Bachelor of Health Sciences/Bachelor of Social Sciences
• Bachelor of Health Sciences/Bachelor of Mathematical Computer Sciences

Admission Information

Domestic applicants

Not a domestic applicant?

2009 CSP IB	25
SATAC Code	314411
2009 CSP TER	75.1
HESS group	General
Annual tuition fees	Commonwealth-supported place: $7,567
Mid-year entry?	Subject to availability
Enquiries	Student Centre

Selection Criteria

Year 12 applicants

You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).

Alternative entry pathways

• Higher Education applicants
  You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent university study. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA.
• VET applicants
  You must have completed an AQF Diploma or above. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award.
• Special Entry applicants
  You must be 18 years or over before February 1st of the year that you will be studying, you must not have studied more than 2 years full-time equivalent higher education in the last 2 years and you must not hold a completed higher education level award. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements are not considered. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
• Without formal qualifications?
  You may be eligible for our special access schemes.

How to Apply

SATAC Code: 314411

Apply through SATAC SATAC application dates Application and Admission

International applicants

Not an international applicant?

International TER	85
IB	28
IELTS Total	6.5 [more info]
Annual tuition fees	International student place: $24,150
Mid-year entry?	No
Enquiries	Student Centre

Selection Criteria

Equivalent Scores

International TER	85
IB	28
IELTS Total Reading Listening Speaking Writing	6.5 6 6 6 6

How to Apply

Application information for international students

Important application deadlines for international students

International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results?

International TER	85
Annual tuition fees	International student place: $24,150
Mid-year entry?	No
Enquiries	Student Centre

Selection Criteria

Areas of Specialisation

• Anatomical Sciences, Pathology, Pharmacology, Psychology, Public Health, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
• Interdisciplinary streams of Neuroscience and Reproductive Health
• Areas of study in the School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences

Study Plans

The study plans given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

Career Opportunities

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)

Potential careers

Laboratory Manager, Occupational Health and Safety Officer, Health Administrator, Hospital Worker, Health Educator, Health Officer

Graduate Attributes

The aim of this program is to produce competent graduates who have acquired up-to-date skills and knowledge to improve health in society generally. Depending on the choice of stream within the program, graduates will have the capacity to work in a variety of health settings, including government, research, industry, business, community and academia. Graduates will possess a firm foundation for further study and be equipped for a lifetime of learning. Specific attributes will depend on the choice of courses undertaken, but every graduate will: 

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.

Program Rules

Bachelor of Health Sciences Program Rules

Further Information

Useful Links

• Health Sciences Program Information Leaflet
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Student Centre enquiry form