Frequntly Asked Questions

1. How do I change my enrolment?

http://www.adm.monash.edu.au/unisec/prd/

2. Can I still change my semester one enrolment?

If you change your enrolment before Monday 6th May, Discontinued will show on your OFFICIAL ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPT. Any changes made after Friday 15th March is the last day to add semester one or full-year units without risk of $60 late enrolment penalty.

Thursday 28th March is the last day to discontinue semester one or full-year units without 'discontinued” showing on your academic record. It is also the last day to discontinue units without incurring HECS or full-fees relevant for semester one.

3. What if my electives clash?

Biomedical Science works very closely with the Faculty of Science to minimise unit clashes based on student enrolment during re-enrolment periods. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee any units other than those offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences to fit with the BMS timetable.

4. Where do I get my exam timetable from?

Exam timetables will be made available through the student portal system at relevant times of the year. You need your authcate username . You can access the portal at my.monash.edu.au. You need your authecate username and password to access the information in the portal.

5. I have had personal/medical/other problems that have severely affected my studies and/or exam performance this semester. What should I do?

Students with any personal/medical/other difficulties are encouraged to inform staff as soon as possible where the difficulty may have an impact on their studies. There is an application for special consideration that can be submitted to the Faculty and this is used to formally document your case. In most circumstances you will need supporting evidence from medical practitioner/psychologist/other professional.

If your exam performance has been adversely affected for some reason, you must lodge your application for special consideration NO LATER THAN 48 HOURS AFTER THE EXAM/ASSESSMENT PERIOD. This rule will be strongly enforced by the Faculty.

6. Can I transfer into Medicine at Monash?

The Faculty of Medicine is only accepting school leavers into its medical program. Therefore applications from current university students will not be considered. Students are encouraged to apply at the other undergraduate schools or consider waiting until they are eligible for postgraduate medicine.

7. Where is Postgraduate Medicine offered?

Postgraduate medicine is offered at a number of universities including; Flinders University of South Australia, the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, the University of Sydney, the University of Western Australia, Australian National University (Canberra), Griffith University (Gold Coast, Notre Dame University  (near Perth). These eight programs accounted for about 40% of the medical school places in Australia in 2005 - with about 830 Australians and over 150 international places. In 2008 Monash University will begin a postgraduate medical course.
Contact these institutions for futher information.

8. What is the difference between Medicine and Biomedical Science?

Medical Careers:

A doctor's career usually involves further training beyond the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, often in an area of special interest. For graduates who wish to become specialists, training is available within the major teaching hospitals for those who gain registrar positions. Successful completion of this training, which normally takes four years, entitles the graduate to fellowship of one of the specialist colleges (eg the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) and the right to practise as a specialist. Some of the areas in which doctors may specialise include anaesthetics, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, surgery, radiology and psychiatry. Alternatively, many doctors go into general practice after being trained for this branch of the profession to handle the day-to-day medical problems of their patients.

As well as assisting people to overcome illness, another important concern is preventive medicine; identifying factors, such as lifestyle, which may contribute to making one person healthier than another. This involves taking measures to safeguard or improve community health, eg through promotion of a healthy diet, inoculation against diseases and reducing occupational and environmental hazards.

Careers in Biomedical Science

Studies in Biomedical Science offer a broad range of career opportunities for well-trained and proficient graduates. Studies encompass all areas of the modern biomedical sciences, human biology and public health. Graduates will be well prepared to pursue studies in the four-year graduate-entry medical programs or other postgraduate programs such as audiology, medical radiation therapy, or physiotherapy.

Graduates may pursue careers in areas such as medical research, public health policy, public health management, pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, genetic engineering, molecular neurosciences, cancer research, reproductive biology and technology, anatomical sciences, forensic science, developmental biology, hospital medical technology, medical and health-related education, agricultural biology, medical and technical sales, laboratory technical services, sport and exercise, health and fitness, and nutrition and dietetics.

9. Can I study part time?

Biomedical Science is usually a full time course, however under special circumstances alternative arrangements can be made.

10. How can I get work experience in a laboratory?

Most of the biomedical departments offer scholarships over holiday periods. They can range in duration, and some are paid placements. In most cases they are aimed at 2nd or 3rd year students, but anyone interested is usually encouraged to apply. Enquire within specific departments for more information. Information about scholarships in the School of Biomedical Science.