C10131v6 Bachelor of Medical Science Bachelor of Laws
Award(s): Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSc)Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
UAC code: 609065 (Autumn session)
CRICOS code: 025797G
Commonwealth supported place?: Yes
Load credit points: 240
Course EFTSL: 5
Location: City campus
Overview
Career options
Course intended learning outcomes
Admission requirements
Assumed knowledge
Course duration and attendance
Course structure
Course completion requirements
Course diagram
Course program
Honours
Professional recognition
Other information
Overview
Medical and health practice, medical and biological research, and industrial and commercial enterprise are all areas of medical science where legal expertise is of crucial importance.
With the Bachelor of Medical Science Bachelor of Laws, students can prepare for specialist roles in the field of health care law or opt to pursue two discrete qualifications in medical science and law. Elective subjects in biomedicine, mental health or intellectual property tailor the degree to either a health care or research focus, or students can pursue a broad introduction to a range of health and law concepts by choosing subjects that correspond to their individual interests.
The Legal Futures and Technology major enables the development of niche expertise in emerging technologies that are impacting the legal sector, such as smart contracts, AI and blockchain. The Bachelor of Laws satisfies the academic requirements for admission to practise law in NSW.
Career options
Career options include lawyer in areas where a strong background in human biology, medical diagnostics, neuroscience or pharmacology is valued; manager, officer or researcher in private or public health administration.
Course intended learning outcomes
| LAW.1.1 | A coherent understanding of fundamental areas of legal knowledge, including: the Australian legal system, international and comparative contexts, theoretical and technical knowledge; the broader contexts within which legal issues arise and the law operates, including cultural awareness, social justice and policy; and the principles and values of justice and ethical practices in lawyers' roles |
| LAW.2.1 | A capacity to value and promote honesty, integrity, accountability, public service and ethical standards, including: an understanding of approaches to ethical decision-making and professional responsibility; and an ability to recognise, reflect upon and respond to ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts in ways that evidence professional judgment, promote justice and serve the community |
| LAW.3.1 | A capacity to think critically, strategically and creatively, including the ability to: identify and articulate legal issues in context; apply reasoning and research to generate appropriate responses; engage in critical analysis and make a reasoned choice among alternatives; and think creatively in approaching legal issues and generating appropriate responses |
| LAW.4.1 | Well-developed cognitive and practical skills necessary to identify, research, evaluate and synthesise relevant factual, legal and policy issues |
| LAW.5.1 | Effective and appropriate communication skills, including: highly effective use of the English language to convey legal ideas and views to different audiences and environments; an ability to communicate to inform, analyse, report and persuade; an ability to strategically select an appropriate medium and message; an ability to assess how messages are received and alter communication strategies accordingly; an ability to be responsive and adaptive to the perspectives of collaborators, clients, counter parties and others; and an ability to generate a sustained and logical argument |
| LAW.6.1 | The ability to implement appropriate self-management and lifelong learning strategies, including: an ability to undertake and initiate self-directed work and learning; well-developed judgment and responsibility as a legal professional in a broader social context; the ability to support personal and professional development by reflecting on and assessing their own capabilities, wellbeing and performance, by making use of feedback as appropriate, by identifying and accessing appropriate resources and assistance, and by making use of resources and support in developing resilience; a capacity to adapt to and embrace change and a commitment to ongoing learning |
| SCI.1.0 | An understanding of the nature, practice and application of the chosen science discipline |
| SCI.1.1 | Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of how the body works at the cellular and organ system level |
| SCI.1.2 | Understand how disease can arise and disrupt normal physiological function |
| SCI.1.3 | Gain specialist knowledge and skills in the laboratory diagnosis of disease |
| SCI.1.4 | Conduct research on the causes of disease, or the prevention and treatment of disease |
| SCI.1.5 | Understand experimental design and data analysis techniques using environmental models |
| SCI.1.6 | Develop knowledge in specialist strands such as diagnostic pathology, biochemistry, haematology, microbiology and parasitology, transfusion science and blood banking, anatomical pathology, immunology and molecular biology |
| SCI.1.7 | Develop hands-on laboratory skills using modern equipment and IT facilities |
| SCI.2.0 | Encompass problem-solving, critical thinking and analysis attributes and an understanding of the scientific method knowledge acquisition |
| SCI.2.1 | Gather data and evidence to support or refute an idea or contention |
| SCI.2.2 | Conduct environmental study using sampling and statistical methods, and statistically analyse data |
| SCI.2.3 | Demonstrate analytical thinking when planning experiments and testing hypotheses |
| SCI.2.4 | Identify, scope and investigate problems and make logical deductions from the evidence |
| SCI.2.5 | Foster curiosity and inquisitiveness for experimentation by solving problems and case scenarios |
| SCI.2.6 | Become adept at data collection and literature and database searches |
| SCI.2.7 | Work on a tailored project under supervision to hone and practise inquiry and analysis skills |
| SCI.2.8 | Work independently or as part of multidisciplinary teams |
| SCI.3.0 | The ability to acquire, develop, employ and integrate a range of technical, practical and professional skills, in appropriate and ethical ways within a professional context, autonomously and collaboratively and across a range of disciplinary and professional areas, e.g. time management skills, personal organisation skills, teamwork skills, computing skills, laboratory skills, data handling, quantitative and graphical literacy skills |
| SCI.3.1 | Operate with knowledge, rigour and objectivity in an ethical, cooperative and honest fashion to creatively and methodically address biomedical questions |
| SCI.3.2 | Build networks through interacting with external experts in the mid and later parts of the course and identify career opportunities |
| SCI.3.3 | Work in laboratories and other external organisations by doing work experience or research placements |
| SCI.3.4 | Develop the ability to perform the duties of one's profession to an acceptable quality, including the development of up-to-date technical skills |
| SCI.4.0 | The capacity to engage in reflection and learning beyond formal educational contexts that is based on the ability to make effective judgments about one's own work. The capacity to learn in and from new disciplines to enhance the application of scientific knowledge and skills in professional contexts |
| SCI.4.1 | Become a lifelong learner and acquire the tools and aptitudes that allow you to adapt to change |
| SCI.4.2 | Interrogate a variety of different databases and information sources |
| SCI.5.0 | An awareness of the role of science within a global culture and willingness to contribute actively to the shaping of community views on complex issues where the methods and findings of science are relevant |
| SCI.5.1 | Develop professional skills for laboratory diagnosis, public health, education, medicine, etc. |
| SCI.5.2 | Participate in community dialogues on health and scientific issues |
| SCI.6.0 | An understanding of the different forms of communication - writing, reading, speaking, listening - including visual and graphical, within science and beyond and the ability to apply these appropriately and effectively for different audiences |
| SCI.6.1 | Write and speak knowledgeably on biomedical science in both lay and professional settings |
| SCI.6.2 | Develop confidence and skills in communicating biomedical science, to a variety of audiences, including graphical literacy and report writing |
| SCI.6.3 | Develop skills in oral presentations and active listening |
| SCI.6.4 | Participate in debates and workshops to build confidence and self-assuredness |
| SCI.7.0 | An ability to think and work creatively, including the capacity for self-starting, and the ability to apply science skills to unfamiliar applications |
| SCI.7.1 | Identify opportunities in the rapidly evolving biomedical sciences sector |
| SCI.7.2 | Show initiative and creativity, both theoretical and practical, in designing experiments or lab protocols |
| SCI.7.3 | Volunteer for opportunities to do work experience or research mini-projects |
| SCI.7.4 | Demonstrate creative and lateral thinking |
Key
LAW = Law course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
SCI = Science course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
Admission requirements
Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification, Australian Qualifications Framework Diploma, or equivalent Australian or overseas qualification at the required level.
The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64; or CAE: 176-184.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
International students
Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.
Assumed knowledge
English proficiency; mathematics; and two science subjects.
Course duration and attendance
The course duration is five years of full-time study. Students who undertake the Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) (C09031) complete the course in six years of full-time study.
The law component requires attendance at 10–15 hours of lectures a week and timetable constraints may require attendance at daytime and evening classes. The science component requires attendance of approximately 10 hours a week at the university.
Course structure
The course comprises a total of 240 credit points and allows students to graduate with the separate degrees of Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSc) and Bachelor of Laws (LLB). The study components for course completion are as follows.
The law component of 144 credit points is made up of:
- 108 credit points of compulsory core law subjects
- 30 credit points of law options, including either:
- 30 credit points of law options, or
- 30 credit points of legal futures and technology options
- a 6-credit-point legal theory option.
The medical science component comprises 96 credit points of core medical science subjects.
Students graduate from the BMedSc independently from the LLB. However, to be eligible for graduation from the BMedSc, students must complete a total of 96 credit points of science subjects plus at least 96 credit points of Bachelor of Laws subjects.
For a current listing of subjects in each course refer to the study package directory.
Graduation from the medical science component of the combined degree is not possible prior to completion of all components of the combined degree. Students wishing to graduate with a Bachelor of Medical Science prior to completion of the law component of the combined degree must apply for transfer to the Bachelor of Medical Science (C10184) single degree program where they must complete all requirements for the stand-alone single degree version.
Similarly, a student can graduate from the law component of the combined degree prior to completion of the medical science component, but if they wish to continue with the medical science component, they must apply for transfer to the Bachelor of Medical Science (C10184) single degree program where they need to complete all requirements for the stand-alone single degree version.
Industrial training/professional practice
To practise as a lawyer in NSW, students need to successfully complete an accredited legal academic qualification (e.g. Bachelor of Laws) and an accredited course of practical legal training (PLT), which UTS offers through its PLT program.
Students enrolled in this course may complete their practical legal training by undertaking a postgraduate course in PLT, such as the Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice (C11232).
Course completion requirements
| STM90349 Core subjects (Medical Science) | 96cp | |
| STM90691 Law stream | 144cp | |
| Total | 240cp |
Course diagram
Course program
The standard program shown is for a full-time student with law options.
All options shown are law options and are to be drawn from those on offer in CBK90922.
Students wishing to study the new major MAJ09443 Legal Futures and Technology need to study 76106 Technology Law, Policy and Ethics (Capstone 1) in the Autumn session of their final year and 76107 Applied Project in Law, Innovation and Technology (Capstone 2) in their final Spring session.
| Year 1 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 70102 Foundations of Law | 8cp | |
| 70103 Ethics Law and Justice | 6cp | |
| 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics | 6cp | |
| 65111 Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 70311 Torts | 8cp | |
| 70114 Criminal Law and Procedure | 8cp | |
| 91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 70211 Contracts | 8cp | |
| 70616 Australian Constitutional Law | 8cp | |
| 33116 Statistical Design and Analysis | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 91239 Human Pathophysiology | 6cp | |
| 68041 Physical Aspects of Nature | 6cp | |
| 65212 Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| 70617 Administrative Law | 8cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 70104 Civil Practice | 6cp | |
| 70327 Introduction to Property and Commercial Law | 6cp | |
| 70109 Evidence | 6cp | |
| 91703 Physiological Systems | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 70317 Real Property | 8cp | |
| 91705 Medical Devices and Diagnostics | 6cp | |
| 70517 Equity and Trusts | 8cp | |
| 91175 Evidence-based Medical Science | 6cp | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 91707 Pharmacology 1 | 6cp | |
| 91320 Metabolic Biochemistry | 6cp | |
| 70108 Public International Law | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 91176 Case Studies in Medical Science | 6cp | |
| 91709 Pharmacology 2 | 6cp | |
| Select 6 credit points from the following: | 6cp | |
| 76008 Jurisprudence | 6cp | |
| 76033 Animal Law and Policy in Australia | 6cp | |
| 76057 Judgment and the Rule of Law | 6cp | |
| 76081 Gender and Law | 6cp | |
| 78039 Wickedness and Vice | 6cp | |
| 76902 Law and Literature | 6cp | |
| 76012 Criminology | 6cp | |
| 76092 Advanced Property | 6cp | |
| 76068 Indigenous Peoples and the Law | 6cp | |
| Select 6 credit points from the following: | 6cp | |
| 91335 Molecular Biology 2 | 6cp | |
| 91338 Clinical Bacteriology | 6cp | |
| 91344 Medical and Diagnostic Biochemistry | 6cp | |
| 91358 Haematology 2 | 6cp | |
| 91359 Immunology 2 | 6cp | |
| 91403 Medical Imaging | 6cp | |
| Year 5 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 71116 Remedies | 6cp | |
| 70417 Corporate Law | 8cp | |
| 91706 Neuroscience | 6cp | |
| Select 6 credit points from the following: | 6cp | |
| CBK90922 Options (Law UG) | 30cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| Select 24 credit points of options | 24cp | |
Honours
Students can graduate with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) if they complete subjects 76090 Research Methodology and 76040 Research Thesis within the course. The degree may be awarded with first or second class honours, which does not require an additional honours year. The rules concerning the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) can be found in undergraduate course information.
Students who meet these criteria for honours are eligible for transfer into the appropriate undergraduate honours exit course on completion of all coursework. This transfer is managed by the Haymarket Student Centre and occurs just prior to graduation.
Students who undertake the Legal Futures and Technology major and who meet the criteria for honours can choose to undertake honours as part of their degree.
The Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) (C09031) requires an additional year of study and is designed to introduce students to research work in medical science. It allows eligible students to continue with postgraduate studies if desired and enhances their employment prospects.
Professional recognition
This course satisfies the requirements for admission to the Supreme Court of NSW as a lawyer, provided students complete a practical legal training program, such as the Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice (C11232).
Other information
Further information is available from:
UTS Student Centre
telephone 1300 ask UTS (1300 275 887)
or +61 2 9514 1222
Ask UTS
Further information on the medical science component is available from:
Associate Professor Loraine Holley
Course director
telephone +61 2 9514 2180
fax +61 2 9514 2186