Bachelor (Honours)
Engineers and Medical Scientists are the leaders of developing, engineering, and implementing solutions to health and medical problems having an impact globally on the health of society. This combined degree is designed to provide opportunities for students interested in medical science, the scientific basis of engineering and technology, and the technology itself.
There is a strong interrelation between the progress of engineering and developments in science, and a demonstrated need for professionals with a strong understanding and experience in both areas. Engineers with Medical Scientist training have careers that are dynamic and involve an exciting range of professions from research and development, writing and implementing policy and practice in the medical and health sciences, to working in industry, government, and the innovation sector. This course allows choice or majors within both the Medical Scientist and Engineering programs, so students can specialise to their interests.
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) program has a core taken by all engineering students which provides the foundation knowledge and skills required of every engineer. Students choose a major which is where they develop the technical knowledge specific to that field of practice. There is a choice of ten majors including Biomedical, Civil, Data, Electrical, Mechanical, Software, and a Flexible major that can be paired with the choice of major in the Bachelor of Medical Science to create a study trajectory that aligns with the student's interests and career ambitions.
Medical Scientists at UTS can choose to major in Medical and Health-related Sciences or Pathology, allowing them to have speciality relevant to their career choices and interests. In the Medical and Health-related Science major students learn the body through the study of tissues, organs and cellular facets both in health and disease, medical devices, how medicines work, as well as public health policies and clinical trials. In the Pathology major students learn how diseases trigger biochemical or cellular changes in the body and how to best diagnose and treat these diseases. Students learn by applying and investigating scientific approaches in world class laboratories and studios with up-to-date scientific technologies and equipment in line with those used in the industry. This hands-on learning is accompanied by development of professional skills such as communication, problem solving, critical thinking, innovation and team-work to deliver impact across local and global communities.
A strong professional focus ensures graduates of this course learn the skills employers want with a solid link between theory and practice and the benefits of hands-on experience. Students explore and investigate the human body's structure, function and disease processes at the cellular and whole organ level. In the engineering program students build strong foundations in engineering theory, technical expertise and knowledge of professional practice. The course provides the knowledge and skills for students to be excellent medical scientists and engineers, who can make a difference to society in a range of careers.
This combined degree can be completed in less time than would be required to complete the two degrees separately.
There are excellent career options for students who have both degrees as this gives them a unique contribution to add to many professions. Career options include positions in medical engineering, biomedical engineering, industry and government settings, biotechnology, communications, construction, pharmaceutical settings, clinical trial and medical device research and development, materials technology, medical technology and instrumentation, and molecular biology.
Students are required to complete 246 credit points, comprising 168 credit points in engineering and 78 credit points in medical science. The engineering component consists of core (48 credit points), major (field of practice) (114 credit points) and professional engineering practice (6 credit points). The medical science component represents a specific medical science strand.
The engineering major is selected at the time of admission; however, it is possible to apply to change major at a later date. Students selecting the flexible major should decide by the end of the first year of full-time study whether to transfer to a designated major or continue with the flexible program.
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 engineering 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, if a student wishes to graduate from the engineering component of the combined degree prior to completion of the medical science component they must apply for transfer to the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (C09066) single degree program where they must complete all requirements for the stand-alone single degree version, including the Engineering Work Experience subject.
Further, students wishing to graduate from the engineering component of the combined degree prior to completion of the medical science component must have completed at least 60 credit points of the medical science major (STM90348).
Students are required to undertake a minimum of 12 weeks of engineering work experience.
A Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice is also available; it requires the additional completion of two six-month internships and the professional engineering practice program.