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UQ UQ Medicine: Undergraduate Degree Options and Discussion
- Thread starter tealcanvas
- Start date
There are honours, masters, and PhD opportunities available when studying medicine itself, so it's certainly not necessary to do a bachelor degree that includes research simply for that reason. In fact, almost all career degrees that I'm aware of have research opportunities (inc. Medicine). I did lots of it during my Psychology degree, for example (honours and post-graduate). You can do an honours year in Pharmacy, in Physiotherapy, in Nursing, and that's not even going near the postgrad research opportunities in those careers (or all the other careers for that matter...).
Isiyara
UQ MD II
As LMG stated, there are lots of research opportunities during med and at UQ, you have three options if you're considering an MPhil or PhD and some don't take much time out of your program. Have a look at this link for more info on higher degree research during med. For us, UQ held a seminar for prov. entry students with a presentation and Q & A by medical professors and students undertaking PhDs/MPhil during their MD which is super usefu.
Keep in mind you can do research easily with a science degree (esp. if your GPA is high enough) which wouldn't extend your degree by a year. Also, you generally can do the advanced versions of subjects if you really want to during your BSc (e.g. adv. statistics, adv. maths) and undertake the Advanced Study Program in Science (or ASPinS) which allows you to take similar research subjects/activities as BAdvSci. I'm not really sure what's going on with the ASPinS website at the moment but if it's not working contact the Faculty of Science directly for more info.
Even if you don't do B. AdvSci or ASPinS, there are still plenty of options for research during your undergrad including research subjects (3rd yr, count as credit towards your degree e.g. SCIE3221), research over the summer/winter (unpaid or paid scholarships) and research during the semester but outside your courses.
Hi
I've decided to do a BSc majoring in Maths, similar to plan 8 here: https://planner.science.uq.edu.au/filething/get/5793/PreMedStudyPlans-BSc.pdf
Looking at the footnotes here:
Mathematics Major - Faculty of Science Study Planners - The University of Queensland, Australia
"3 Students with a high achievement in Senior Maths C (or a 6 or 7 in MATH1050) should take the sequence MATH1071, MATH1072 and MATH2401. Students with a sound achievement in Senior Maths C (or a 4 or 5 in MATH1050) should take the sequence MATH1051, MATH1052 and MATH2400."
I'm from NSW and got a high Band 6 in Extension 2 Maths, which is the equivalent of Senior Maths C, but given that there seem to be differences between the HSC and Queensland's curriculum (e.g. they seem to cover statistics whereas we don't), is it advisable for me to take this sequence? Would not covering certain assumed knowledge disadvantage me?
Also, there are no footnotes for deciding between STAT1201 Analysis of Scientific Data and STAT1301 Advanced Analysis of Scientific Data. I haven't done much on statistics, so would it be better to take the non-advanced course?
Thanks
I've decided to do a BSc majoring in Maths, similar to plan 8 here: https://planner.science.uq.edu.au/filething/get/5793/PreMedStudyPlans-BSc.pdf
Looking at the footnotes here:
Mathematics Major - Faculty of Science Study Planners - The University of Queensland, Australia
"3 Students with a high achievement in Senior Maths C (or a 6 or 7 in MATH1050) should take the sequence MATH1071, MATH1072 and MATH2401. Students with a sound achievement in Senior Maths C (or a 4 or 5 in MATH1050) should take the sequence MATH1051, MATH1052 and MATH2400."
I'm from NSW and got a high Band 6 in Extension 2 Maths, which is the equivalent of Senior Maths C, but given that there seem to be differences between the HSC and Queensland's curriculum (e.g. they seem to cover statistics whereas we don't), is it advisable for me to take this sequence? Would not covering certain assumed knowledge disadvantage me?
Also, there are no footnotes for deciding between STAT1201 Analysis of Scientific Data and STAT1301 Advanced Analysis of Scientific Data. I haven't done much on statistics, so would it be better to take the non-advanced course?
Thanks
I think you’ll be fine following the recommended sequence if you achieved highly in the HSC equivalent. From my experience the interstate maths curricula are generally more in-depth than the QLD curriculum, rather than less in-depth. With first year subjects you’ll generally be spoon-fed quite well, and despite the “assumed knowledge” most things are generally taught from a very foundational level to start with. I have a friend in a Bachelor of Maths at UQ and he found his first year very cruisy (subjective and anecdotal, I know). If you find yourself out of your depth in the first couple of weeks you should be able to seek assistance from your convenor and change courses if necessary.
Isiyara
UQ MD II
Honestly, I don't think it would disadvantage you and coming from NSW may be an advantage since QLD appears to not do much on proofs compared to other states (this is most likely the reason why many struggle with MATH1071 as it is heavily proof-based compared to MATH1051).
I roughly followed this plan however I only decided on doing a maths major halfway through 1st year so ended up doing MATH1051, MATH1061 and MATH1072 & BIOL1040 in semester 2 followed by MATH2001 over the summer. I never did MATH1071 as it was only offered in semester 1 so I don't have direct experience fo it, however, I know people who did and they did say it's a very interesting but challenging course.
MATH1071/MATH1072 vs MATH1051/MATH1052
Difficulty-wise, I think MATH1071 is much harder/different to MATH1051 in that it basically goes through all the proofs behind what you learn in MATH1051 so the final exam is very different. However, MATH1071 is much more interesting as MATH1051 goes over stuff you have done in high school.
MATH1072 goes into applications of the maths you learn in MATH1052 so the final exam is quite similar except with some extra harder questions (which come from the extra lecture every week). I highly recommend MATH1072 as it goes over mathematical modelling in cell biology/neuroscience which conveniently overlaps with BIOL1040 which you'll probably take in Yr 1 Sem 2.
The best way to get more info on prerequisite knowledge required for the course would be to email the course coordinator or have a look at the ECPs in past years or ask someone on UQ CourseSpace.
Finally, remember you can take MATH1071 and change over to MATH1051 (before the 8th of March) if you really feel like it's not for you.
STAT1301 vs STAT1201
Okay for STAT1301, it is my understanding that this subject was designed to be an advanced subject taken by B. AdvSci students however in previous years anyone could take it (and B. AdvSci students could take 1201).
I took STAT1201 in Sem 1 and found it really easy - the assignments were very straightforward and the final didn't have many surprises (definitely get the textbook since the lectures follow it almost exactly and its written by the lecturer).
I would say that STAT1201 definitely gives you enough statistics knowledge for med/biology etc. so maybe take STAT1301 if you have a personal interest in statistics and are willing to put in some extra effort but otherwise go for STAT1201.
Also, once you've planned out your degree, book an appointment with an academic advisor at some point during the year to make sure you've satisfied all prereqs for the major, no of units etc.
Hey guys!
I'm tossing up between the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Biomedical Science. They sound very similar and the study plans UQ has provided for Biomedical Science and Science (major in biochemistry and molecular biology) even have exactly the same content. Any thoughts to help me make a decision? Thanks!
I'm tossing up between the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Biomedical Science. They sound very similar and the study plans UQ has provided for Biomedical Science and Science (major in biochemistry and molecular biology) even have exactly the same content. Any thoughts to help me make a decision? Thanks!
Having a structured program (like Biomed does) gives you a little less flexibility than doing Science does. A few provisional friends of mine did Science and majored in biomed - by doing this you cover the UQ prerequisites but also get more say in the subjects you select, i.e. you can explore areas other than just human biology and biochemistry. I'd probably do this if I was you and was struggling to choose, but some people actually like having a set program (like in Biomed) where they don't need to constantly pick what new subjects they're going to do each semester while ensuring they are still going to satisfy the requirements of the degree (keep in mind you need to do x number of 3rd year level subjects and x number of science subjects to graduate with a science degree - check the UQ degree requirements before selecting your subjects if you choose to go with science over biomed.)
Thanks so much for your help!
Hey, I'm thinking of doing biomed as my first degree however I noticed that for the electives it says you can choose "16 units from BBiomedSc course list or courses from any other program course list." Does this mean you can do units from literally any other non-science course (e.g. a language) or do they have to be science related?
Isiyara
UQ MD II
Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Arts etc. are all examples of a program whereas a course is the semester-long "subject" you take within your program which has number of units associated with it.
So, yes you are able to choose courses from another program with the exception of courses that are labelled Restricted (e.g. subjects in pharmacy, law etc.)
Isiyara
UQ MD II
IMO it is generally rated badly due to the maths knowledge needed and the fact that it's compulsory (rather than course structure/content issues). I really loved it and felt that it's very useful for your science degree as it introduces you to the importance of mathematical modelling in different scientific disciplines (probably why it's compulsory now). I would say if you did well in Maths B, you shouldn't have a problem with SCIE1000 and that there isn't really much calculus and its all explained from gradients/rates of change. However, you should definitely keep up with the content during the semester and clarify issues with your understanding as you go.
Don't worry too much about the Python programming since they know most people are completely new to programming . Also, they have optional Python classes each week with a lecturer and tutorials where there are a few tutors floating around to give you a hand. Each weekly Python tutorial has a before class component and a in-class component which ends up counting for 10% of your grade but it is not difficult to get all the marks if you are prepared and pay attention in the Python classes/tutorials even if you have never done programming before. There is also a Python assignment which I can't really remember but if you need help you can always go to the Maths or Science Learning Centre where there are 2nd/3rd years there to help for most subjects (just check their timetable). I would say the hardest part of Python was the questions on the mid-semester and final exam which required you to edit/write code (on paper) and remember specific syntax etc. but this doesn't account for much of the exam and past exams really help you get the hang of it.
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Jerry Wang
Lurker
Hi all,
I was just wondering if there are any experts on this page regarding undergraduate degrees...
I wanted to know what would be the easiest pathway to take during my 3/4 year Major??
Personally, I want to enjoy University, which, for me, means playing sport, getting a part-time job ($$$), etc.
I hate constantly studying, so I would like a recommendation for a cruisy undergraduate degree, please.
FYI, I am currently doing a BEng, which is pretty time consuming
and I have the possibility of changing my Bachelor next sem.
Kind Regards,
J
I was just wondering if there are any experts on this page regarding undergraduate degrees...
I wanted to know what would be the easiest pathway to take during my 3/4 year Major??
Personally, I want to enjoy University, which, for me, means playing sport, getting a part-time job ($$$), etc.
I hate constantly studying, so I would like a recommendation for a cruisy undergraduate degree, please.
FYI, I am currently doing a BEng, which is pretty time consuming
and I have the possibility of changing my Bachelor next sem.Kind Regards,
J
If you can theoretically do dentistry as an undergraduate, what is stopping anyone from just doing that and becoming an OMS right after they graduate and do their intern year after the MD component? Wouldn't this path be the 'supposedly' most straightforward (not necessarily easiest - just you don't have to apply to med/dent school twice) to do in order to become an OMS?
Sure, but very few people actually want to put themselves through that! Tbh, it would be very unusual for a high school student to have decided they want to pursue OMFS - it’s an incredibly niche field for someone to decide to go on in that age with (comparatively) next to no exposure in either dentistry or medicine.
ETA: You aren’t going to be a specialist when you graduate uni. Much like any other surgical speciality, further training will be required after internship.
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Nope, having both degrees only gives you the prereqs for OMS. According to Chinaski you still have to do your intern + RMO years, then seek a trainee spot with the OMS College (or whatever it's known as) which is not a guaranteed thing.
Well it was just a bit of a thought experiment since A1 keeps on (jokingly) proposing it to people who get provisional entry in to UQ. I was just wondering what the potential implications of it would be. It would certainly help to pay the rent if you were to work as a part time dentist while you were studying med as an interstate student!