Flinders University of South Australia

What you'll study

The curriculum builds from foundational science into discipline-specific applied laboratory practice across four years, with practical work embedded from first year.

• First year: foundations in physiology, histology, biology and chemistry; core skills for medical scientists; option topics across chemistry, biostatistics, Indigenous studies, public health, academic and professional communication, business and management.
• Second year: introduction to medical science disciplines with core units in biochemistry, human immunology and infectious diseases, molecular biology, virology, human molecular genetics and continued skills for medical scientists; option topics such as integrated human physiology, public health, legal aspects of bioscience, Indigenous studies and interpersonal skills for professionals.
• Third year: deeper discipline knowledge including pathophysiology for medical science, advanced human molecular genetics, biochemistry of human disease and foundations in microbiology.
• Fourth year: work-integrated learning and laboratory placements in regional communities via Rural and Remote Health SA, comprising two semesters (total 26 weeks) of full-time clinical professional practice placement in registered diagnostic laboratories across a range of disciplines.

Entry requirements

Prerequisites: none. Assumed knowledge: none. 2024 selection rank and guaranteed selection rank: 90.00. Delivery: in person at Bedford Park. Duration: 4 years full-time (or part-time equivalent). The course is not available to international students. Apply via SATAC code 244583.

Career prospects

Graduates qualify for roles within the diagnostic pathology industry and related sectors. Typical occupations include medical scientist, medical laboratory technician, research and development scientist, medical representative and roles in veterinary laboratories. Employers may include diagnostic pathology laboratories, biomedical and biotechnology companies, academic research centres, government regulatory bodies, industry-funded organisations and the pharmaceutical industry. The program is accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) and meets SA Health Allied Health Professional Credentials for SA Pathology credentialing.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Students can enrol as Commonwealth-supported places; an indicative annual CSP fee listed for 2026 is $9,537. The university promotes industry-linked mentoring and placement support; prospective applicants should consult Flinders University for available scholarships, bursaries or regional placement support options and up-to-date fee information.