You now know all the facts and stats about Medical Science at Macquarie — if you don’t, have a quick look here.
But, are you still curious about how people feel about this degree? Wonder no more!
We chatted with Swasti, a Bachelor of Medical Sciences student at MQU about what the degree is really like to study.
Have a look!
Why should you study a Medical Science degree at Macquarie?
Top 3 Pros of a Medical Science Degree
Top 3 Cons of a Medical Science Degree
Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make
Things to Know Before Starting Macquarie Medical Science
What Makes this Degree Different
Motivations for Studying Macquarie Medical Science
Potential Career Paths
Why should you study a Medical Science degree at Macquarie?
The Bachelor of Medical Sciences is a degree that can take you many places — working in a lab, academia, research, and lots of other different directions!
“This degree is able to give students such an in depth look into their desired major, but also has spaces for so many different electives. I have a friend in this degree that is doing Astrology as an elective!” Swasti says.
Top 3 Pros of a Medical Science degree
#1: The directions this degree can take you in
A Bachelor of Medical Sciences at MQU allows students to be qualified for many different careers, but also gives them the chance to engage in further study and research!
“This course is giving me the fundamental knowledge needed to get into postgraduate medicine,” Swasti says.
There are five different majors students can study — they include:
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- Anatomy and Physiology
- Analytical Biosciences
- Genomics and Medical Informatics
- Medical Chemistry
- Neuroscience
#2: The teaching faculty
The teaching faculty are always there for students — they will quickly respond to your emails, or any other query you may have! They want to see you succeed just as much as you do.
“The faculty have always been there on a personal and professional level. The teachers are really on the journey with you!” Swasti says.
#3: The cohort
The MQU cohort is really welcoming and kind! Living there is like having a second family, according to Swasti.
“I come from a rural background, so I don’t live anywhere near the uni. I became a student living on campus, so I really needed support. I now live at the uni and the environment is so kind and welcoming,” Swasti says.
MQU hosts a peer mentoring group! This group aims to help students settle into uni life, both in the academic and social sense.
Top 3 Cons of a Medical Science degree
#1: High Workload
The Bachelor of Medical Sciences at MQU requires a lot from students! There is a heavy workload for students and many ways in which they can be assessed.
#2: No mandatory internships
While students have the autonomy to undertake internships, they aren’t a mandatory part of the degree.
“Not all units or majors require an internship — they are not even a compulsory aspect to our degree! But, it is recommended if you decide to take an internship, commence it within second or third year,” Swasti tells us.
So if you want to get some industry experience under your belt before graduating, you’ll need to have the initiative yourself to source one.
#3: High contact hours
“The Bachelor of Medical Sciences will have you on campus for around 20 hours each week!” Swasti says.
With this degree, you most likely won’t be able to condense your timetable down to just two days, so you’ll have to head into campus quite a bit. Though, that just means that since you’ll be on campus so much, you’ll know where all the best eats are.
Any regrets?
While Swasti hasn’t expressed any regrets for taking on a Bachelor of Medical Sciences, she does have some advice for potential students.
When starting out at uni it is understandable to feel as though you are taking up too much time, or your questions to your tutor are silly. But just know, they aren’t — you are learning and need to get the most out of your time at uni!
“Do not make the mistake of thinking you are nothing to your tutors asking for help! They are so kind and want to see you succeed. You are not burdening them, this is their job!” Swasti says.
What do you wish you had known before starting Medical Science at Macquarie?
Studying Medical Science at Macquarie is different to the way you would have learned in high school. For some, this could be a change that will require some work to get used to — for others this could be a welcome change!
“This degree is nothing like high school — this could be a bit of an adjustment for some people! I found I love the self directed learning aspects of this degree, but it can be difficult for some people,” Swasti reveals.
What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities?
This degree is quite different from many other medical science degrees on offer due to the many different directions that a student can follow, once they’ve graduated.
“This degree is so different to any other degree I have heard of. There is so much freedom with this degree and choosing units! That is the freedom that comes with this degree and elective spaces,” Swasti says.
What inspired you to choose Medical Science at Macquarie?
“I am doing Medical Sciences because I want to get into post-grad Med. MQU does offer Clinical Science, but, I chose Med Science as the load is a bit less, meaning that there is more room to balance my work and study,” Swasti tells us.
Many students tend to study Medical Science to pursue postgrad studies, so if there’s something you’re passionate about that requires further study, Medical Science could give you a solid foundation for it!
What are the possible career paths?
There are many different paths that a Bachelor of Medical Sciences at MQU can take you on. Depending on the majors selected, you could pursue a career in the following fields:
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- Biotechnologist
- Drug discovery and development researcher
- Forensic scientist
- Genetic counsellor
- Health researcher
- Histologist
- Hospital scientist
- Medical researcher
- Pharmacologist
- Scientific officer with pharmaceutical, pathology and reproductive technology companies
You can even get into postgraduate medicine or pursue postgrad research!
Matilda Elliott is a Content Writer at Art of Smart and a Communication graduate with a major in Journalism at Western Sydney University. You can find some of her published work in a range of platforms including SBS World News, The Music Network and within her own creative exploits with her twin sister. Matilda is a lover of listening, helping people to tell their stories, making genuine connections, clowning around in her circus troupe and dancing like no one is watching at live music shows!
