Skip to content

Bachelor of Health Sciences

Welcome to the Bachelor of Health Sciences degree, and congratulations for considering a career in health sciences.

This degree program will equip you with skills appropriate for lifelong learning and provides a foundation for employment in a range of positions in the health care industry.

Level 1
Semester 1

ANAT SC 1102
Human Biology 1A
(3U)

PUB HLTH 1001
Public Health 1A
(3U)
Health Sciences
Closed / Open
Electives (3U)
Health Sciences
Closed / Open
Electives (3U)
Semester 2 ANAT SC 1103*
Human Biology 1B
(3U)
PUB HLTH 1002*
Public Health 1B
(3U)
Health Sciences
Closed / Open
Electives (3U)
Health Sciences
Closed / Open
Electives (3U)

* 9 Units of core courses at Level 1.
In Semester 2 ANAT SC 1103 and PUB HLTH 1102 may be chosen or
either ANAT SC 1103 or PUB HLTH 1002 according to your proposed major(s).

Students must complete 9 units of Broadening Electives that are chosen from outside of the major area of study.

We recommend that you seek study plan advice as you continue your degree so we can assist with course selection as your study plan will continue to look a little different from "standard" study plans.

Please read:


Undergraduate and postgraduate student support services are available via the Student and Program Support Services Hub. For more information.

Book Appointment
with program advisor

If you have any problems please contact us on 8313 0273 or email askhealthsc@adelaide.edu.au


New Students Program Information Session

Bachelor of Health Sciences & Bachelor of Health Sciences (Advanced)

Download PDF Presentation

Recorded 02/02/16 | Presented by Corinna Van Den Heuvel & Kathy Gatford


Bachelor of Health Sciences Advanced Commencing Students

Please visit the Bachelor of Health Sciences Advanced webpage


The program’s aim is to produce graduates with the skills, knowledge and confidence to work or conduct research to improving the health of the public. We aim to give you the flexibility in study pathways to enable you to achieve your career goals.

Program Outline

This program offers an extensive choice of courses that focus on human health and healthy communities. The subject areas you can study are:

  • Anatomical Sciences
  • Biochemistry
  • Economics
  • Genetics
  • Human Reproductive Health
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Neuroscience
  • Nutrition
  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology
  • Physiology
  • Public Health
  • Social Science
  • Sociology

There is also flexibility to match core courses in health with other areas of interest in science, humanities, social science, mathematics, computer science, business and economics.

  • Plan Your Study Pathway

    You are required to complete 72 units of study in order to complete your program. There are five core courses which need to be completed, three in Level I (usually first year) and two in Level II (usually second year).

    Level I

    • Public Health IA
    • Human Biology IA
    • Human Biology IB and/or Public Health IB
    • ... and courses to the value of 3 units from Level l Health Sciences courses listed below:

    Level II

    • Pharmacology IIA - Drugs and Health
    • Biology of Disease II

    Level I Health Sciences Courses

    • ANAT SC 1103 Human Biology IB
    • HLTH SC 1000 Introduction to Forensic Sciences
    • HLTH SC 1001 Essentials of Neuroscience
    • HLTH SC 1005 Principles of Human Health and Disease
    • PUB HLTH 1002 Public Health IB
    • PUB HLTH 1003 Communication for Health Sciences
    • PUB HLTH 1004 Flies, drains & Ebola: human health & environment
    • PUB HLTH 1005 Engaging Adelaide - Knowing your community
    • PUB HLTH 1006 Saving lives or respecting rights? An introduction to health ethics
  • Postgraduate Study

    Students wishing to gain entry into a postgraduate professional program are strongly encouraged to consult the academic advisers for the program of study into which they wish to gain entry for any pre-requisites for specific postgraduate programs.

    The Health Sciences academic advisors will then be able to provide advice on the best combinations of courses within the Health Sciences program to meet these requirements.

    Medicine

    There may be specific pre-requisites required for entry into postgraduate medicine, depending on the university you plan to study at. You must seek advice from these programs directly. Students should also be aware that the GAMSAT assumes the candidate has a tertiary level I knowledge of chemistry and biology (particularly cell biology).

    Students should study courses in the following subject areas and/or disciplines:

    • statistics
    • health-related psychology and communication
    • anatomical sciences (including gross anatomy)
    • human physiology

    Postgraduate Physiotherapy

    As the University of Adelaide does not currently offer postgraduate physiotherapy, it is the responsibility of students interested in postgraduate physiotherapy to determine what pre-requisites will be required in order to be eligible for study at alternate institutions. We will work with students to ensure they meet these requirements.

    Students should study courses in the following subject areas and/or disciplines:

    • physics
    • chemistry/molecular and cell biology
    • anatomical sciences
    • physiology
    • pathology
    • microbiology

    Nutrition and Dietetics

    Students should consider courses in the following subject areas and/or disciplines:

    • nutrition
    • pharmacology
    • biochemistry (requires first year chemistry)
    • physiology

    This information serves as a general guide as to the types of courses/discipline areas required for entry into biomedical postgraduate programs. Students should note that in addition to any pre-requisite courses for the postgraduate program, they are still required to meet the specific program requirements for the Bachelor of Health Sciences.

    Postgraduate Addiction Studies

    The University offers several degree in Addiction Studies, which are taught fully online. The GradCert in Alcohol and Drug Studies and Gradip in Addiction and Mental Health require a Bachelor, while the degrees in the International Program in Addiction Studies require bachelor with Honours with a good GPA.

    Addiction is a multi-disciplinary area, so many options may prepare you well for these degrees.

    Students should study courses in the following subject areas and/or disciplines:

    • Pharmacology
    • Neuroscience
    • Psychology
    • Psychiatry
    • Physiology
    • Public Health

At each Level you must complete 12 units of Health Science courses, while the remaining 12 units can be electives. Every student completes at least one major (of at least 12 units, at Level III) in a single discipline or interdisciplinary area. We can assist you to plan your enrolment to enable you to complete the major/s that fit with your career aspirations and personal interests.

Majors

The majors offered in the program are (click on each major for a study guide):

 

Find information about the roles that might help to inspire, drive and provide focus on your degree goal. We have put together some suggestions for you to consider, including some useful links to professional organisations that might help with your studies. The University's CareerHub is also a great service for all students.

Careers in Focus

The program’s aim is to produce graduates with the skills, knowledge and confidence to work or conduct research to improve the health of the public. We aim to give you the flexibility in study pathways to enable you to achieve your career goals.

  • Health Services
  • Indigenous Health
  • Health Promotion
  • Project Management
  • Clinical Trials
  • Epidemiology
  • International Aid
  • Medical Research
  • Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Medical Diagnostic Services
  • Occupational Health and Safety

Keep up to date with key dates and events involving the Bachelor of Health Sciences and its students.

Academic & Critical Dates

The university has key dates within the academic year to help plan teaching and learning events.

  • Academic dates - details the outline of each semester
  • Critical dates - details key dates to assist students who are considering transferring, withdrawing or needing to sit supplementary exams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Listed on this page are the answers to various commonly asked questions by students.

Program Management

Support services are available for undergraduate and postgraduate students via the Student and Program Support Services Hub. For more information.

Book Appointment
with program advisor

Please note that all program specific queries are to be directed to the following:

Email: askhealthsc@adelaide.edu.au
Phone: 08 8313 0273

Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences

Level 2
Barr Smith South
The University of Adelaide
SA 5005 AUSTRALIA

Office of the Executive Dean

T: +61 8 8313 1461
Email

Student Enquiries

Student & Program Support Services Hub
Level 4 Medical School South
T: +61 8 8313 0273
Enquire online now or Email

Find Us Online

Health Sciences on Facebook   Health Sciences on YouTube   Subscribe to our RSS