study Science

Do you have an interest in medical biology and human health? Are you keen to discover more about human disease, from its cause and diagnosis through to novel treatments and cures?

Biomedical scientists are vitally important. They advance world-changing discoveries to improve the health and quality of people’s lives.

The University of Adelaide is ranked in the top 150 in the world for biological sciences and best in South Australia*.

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) gives you the knowledge and skills to access an emerging global sector. You will:

• learn the skills to drive the future of healthcare, from vaccine discovery to disease prevention
• gain real-world practical insights from industry lecturers and placements
• study how the body works and what happens when it fails
• explore how to stop deadly outbreaks of disease and create life-saving vaccinations
• build a vast knowledge base from simple molecules to whole organisms
• learn directly from active world-class biomedical researchers and educators.

Areas of specialisation include:

• Biochemistry
• Genetics
• Microbiology and Immunology

Where could it take you?
You could be running a laboratory, performing cutting-edge cancer research or modifying genes for vaccines. You might design drugs for the pharmaceutical industry. Perhaps you’ll work directly with patients after completing a degree in postgraduate medicine or allied health.

*QS World University Ranking by Subject Biological Sciences 2020

Also known as Allied Veterinary Professionals, veterinary technologists play a vital role in modern animal welfare. As well as providing high-level, hands-on veterinary care, including being a part of the anaesthesia, surgery and diagnostic imaging team, they oversee the application of cutting-edge new veterinary technology.

Data-driven apps, wearable devices, telemedicine—a steady stream of advanced new tools is reimagining what’s possible in the clinical environment. As a veterinary technologist, you can ensure it delivers maximum benefit to animals’ health and wellbeing.

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Veterinary Technology is part of the University’s world-top-50 suite of veterinary science and veterinary-related degrees*. Studied over three years full-time, it will give you:

• high-level knowledge and practical skills in caring for all kinds of animals—from cats, dogs and horses, to farm animals, wildlife and exotic pets
• the ability to operate state-of-the-art veterinary technologies
• knowledge and training in the use of anaesthetic and analgesic drugs
• deep knowledge of animal diseases, including those threatening humans and the concept of One Health
• extensive hands-on clinical experience
• regular access to our world-class, $37 million Veterinary Health Centre and Veterinary Skills Simulation suite.

Building on your core education, in third-year  you’ll also have the opportunity to select an area of special interest (Track) which will extend your knowledge and experience in your chosen field. And, you’ll collaborate with Veterinary Bioscience and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students throughout the degree, reflecting real-world workplace interactions.

Where could it take you?
You’ll graduate with industry skills ready to provide high-level animal-care roles in a wide range of industry settings. You could join the health care team oversee imaging or anaesthesia services for in an emergency veterinary hospital or general practice clinic, or even own a veterinary practice. You might seek animal care and welfare roles in an open-range zoo or Government departments. Perhaps work in biosecurity or emergency-response fields, or provide public education in the areas of animal health and welfare. You could even support important animal research, or—with further study—lead it yourself. The employment opportunities are broad and rewarding.

*QS World University Rankings by Subject Area, 2020.

The Master of Medical Radiation Physics will equip you for a rewarding career in this exciting health field. The degree is studied over two years full-time and is suitable for students with an undergraduate physics degree, or engineering graduates seeking a change of specialisation.

Highly clinically oriented, it will enable you to:

• master theoretical and practical mathematics and physics as they relate to clinical radiotherapy and medical imaging
• learn from highly accomplished and internationally experienced medical physicists practising at the esteemed Royal Adelaide Hospital
• collect, analyse, critically evaluate and synthesise quantitative and qualitative data relating to physics and medical physics
• build high-level problem-solving and communication skills
• develop advanced research skills through a major final-year research project.

Where could it take you?
You will graduate with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to undertake the necessary additional study and clinical training for Australian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine accreditation.

Once you’ve done this, many doors will open. You could join a cutting-edge proton therapy clinic as a radiation oncology medical physicist. You might help enhance therapy decisions as a diagnostic imaging medical physicist. Perhaps you’ll minimise treatment side-effects as a radiation safety officer.

International students, please note that you may also need to undertake additional study or research to gain accreditation in your home country.

Proton therapy is big news in the fight against cancer. Offering next-level precision, it’s an attractive option for treating many tumours close to healthy organs or in children.

Consequently, the treatment’s global market is expected to double by 2024*. Australia’s first proton therapy centre will be part of the neighbouring South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute II, while China has around 50 centres on the way. Specialists in the area are in short supply—and high demand—worldwide.

What will you do?

The Master of Medical Radiation Physics will equip you for a rewarding career in this exciting health field. The degree is studied over two years full-time and is suitable for students with an undergraduate physics degree, or engineering graduates seeking a change of specialisation.

Highly clinically oriented, it will enable you to:

• master theoretical and practical mathematics and physics as they relate to clinical radiotherapy and medical imaging
• learn from highly accomplished and internationally experienced medical physicists practising at the esteemed Royal Adelaide Hospital
• collect, analyse, critically evaluate and synthesise quantitative and qualitative data relating to physics and medical physics
• build high-level problem-solving and communication skills
• develop advanced research skills through a major final-year research project.

Where could it take you?

You will graduate with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to undertake the necessary additional study and clinical training for Australian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine accreditation.

Once you’ve done this, many doors will open. You could join a cutting-edge proton therapy clinic as a radiation oncology medical physicist. You might help enhance therapy decisions as a diagnostic imaging medical physicist. Perhaps you’ll minimise treatment side-effects as a radiation safety officer.

International students, please note that you may also need to undertake additional study or research to gain accreditation in your home country.

*Wise Guy Reports, 2019.