Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor or Surgery

2021 Entry Information for Domestic Applicants

James Cook University Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree is a 6 year undergraduate course and is primarily for school leavers (i.e. applicants who have completed Year 12 or equivalent in the last two years). A limited number of places may be available for non-school leavers.

Overview Important Dates This program aims to produce graduates of the highest academic standards, who can progress to medical practice and to further studies in 4 AUG Application opening date for JCU Application Form medical specialties. Graduates will be uniquely qualified in the fields of 4 AUG Application opening date QTAC rural/remote and Indigenous health and tropical medicine. 30 SEPT Closing date for JCU Application Form Students are based in for the first three years of the degree. 30 SEPT Closing date for QTAC Application Health service placements are undertaken in every year of the degree, including placements in rural areas. Year 4 can be undertaken in either 9 OCT, 4PM (AEST) or Townsville. The majority of students in Years 5 and 6 of the Prediction of Academic Achievement (PAA) form degree relocate for the entire two years to other of Medicine and to be received by the Division of Tropical Health

Dentistry teaching sites such as Cairns, Mackay and Darwin. 2020 and Medicine 13 NOV Email notification of invitation to attend interview This course is accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC). 1-10 DEC Intervie ws held at JCU Townsville Campus or Online 24 DEC Email notification of invitation to attend January interview

1 jcu.edu.au/dthm 00117J Code CRICOS Provider BACHELOR OF MEDICINE | BACHELOR OF SURGERY 2021 ENTRY INFORMATION FOR DOMESTIC APPLICANTS

NEW ZEALAND CITIZENS IMPORTANT DATES CONTINUED New Zealand Citizens need to apply as Domestic Applicant.

4-5 JAN Interviews held at JCU Townsville Campus or Online NEW ZEALAND PERMANENT RESIDENTS 14 JAN QTAC offers released to applicants New Zealand permanent residents need to apply as International Applicant. 19 JAN Last date to respond to QTAC January offer

2021 round, applicants must respond to QTAC and JCU 15 FEB Orientation Week begins Summary of selection process 22 FEB JCU Academic Year begins Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria: • Aca demic performance in Year 12 studies or in subsequent tertiary studies as provided through QTAC Submissions • Wri tten component of the application form • Demonstration at interview of attributes suited to a career in Please read the information below before applying for the Bachelor of medicine. Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) course at . In 2021, the College of Medicine and has available The Application Form for selection into the James Cook University degree approximately 150 places in the first year of the MBBS degree. of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery is to be returned: A limited number of places are allocated to nonschool leavers. Candidates By Post will be selected for interview on the basis of their written application and academic results (predicted or actual). Applicants will be selected Division of Tropical Health and Medicine for entry into the James Cook University MBBS degree based on their PO Box 864, Aitkenvale Business Centre performance at interview and their academic results. QLD 4814 Australia In Person INFORMATION FOR THOSE STUDYING YEAR 12 OR EQUIVALENT THIS YEAR Student Centre Education Central Building 134 The Prediction of Academic Achievement sheet is to be completed by Townsville Campus QLD 4811 Australia your School Principal/Vice-Principal/ Guidance Officer or Director of Studies (or equivalent) and returned to the Division of Tropical Health and The application closing date is 30 September, 2020. Applications Medicine [email protected] by 4pm Friday, 9 October 2020. postmarked1 after this date will NOT be accepted. The predicted information provided by schools is used to offer early interviews to potential candidates prior to their actual results being How do I apply? released. We also offer second round interviews early in January to ensure that no applicants are disadvantaged if their host school does not provide The MBBS application process has three distinct stages. You will need a PAA form or if the predicted results differ from their actual results. to submit an application directly to James Cook University (by filling in NB: Do NOT include the Prediction of Academic Achievement sheet with the application form) AND apply online through QTAC. You may also be your application form. JCU will not accept this form from the applicant. invited to attend an interview. INFORMATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT STUDYING AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT YEAR 12 OR EQUIVALENT THIS YEAR ISLANDER APPLICANTS The most recent course GPA (Grade Point Average) score will be used to The College of Medicine and Dentistry is committed to contributing rank applicants who have commenced or completed tertiary studies. to the University’s desire to increase the number of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who participate in its programs, and For 2020 intake, a GPA of 5.75 on a 7 point scale was required to be makes particular effort to encourage Indigenous students to participate in considered for an interview. While an applicant’s most recent GPA is given medical education. It is committed to responding to their identified higher the most weight, the applicant’s entire academic profile as supplied by education needs. A key objective of the JCU College of Medicine and QTAC may be considered. An applicant’s other studies/qualifications that Dentistry is to graduate Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander do not generate a GPA score will not be considered when determining doctors. the rankings for interview. For example applicants must have completed senior secondary or commenced Bachelor level or higher to be eligible for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants interested in consideration. pursuing a career in Medicine should contact the Indigenous Education and Research Centre via email at [email protected]. for more information. Graduate applicants with a health science undergraduate degree may be considered for entry into the MBBS degree beyond Year 1 level, subject to the academic performance of the most recent qualification.

1. Postmarked refers to the date stamp that the post office applies to the envelope once you have handed it in to be mailed. 2 jcu.edu.au/dthm BACHELOR OF MEDICINE | BACHELOR OF SURGERY 2021 ENTRY INFORMATION FOR DOMESTIC APPLICANTS

INFORMATION FOR NEW ZEALAND APPLICANTS STUDYING NCEA THIS YEAR New Zealand students studying and completing the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) in 2020 are unlikely to receive their NCEA results early enough to be considered for entry to the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at JCU in 2021. Due to the expected timing of the release of the NCEA results, students currently studying and completing the NCEA are encouraged to apply to JCU in 2021, for the 2022 entry intake for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery.

UCAT Please note that James Cook University does NOT use the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) as part of their selection process.

INTERVIEWS A limited number of applicants will be invited for interview. Selection of applicants to be interviewed will be based on evaluation of the written application together with all available information regarding academic performance. To be considered for a place in medicine, applicants mustModules attend Unsuccessful applicantshuman body – introductory histology and microscopic Genetics and Health (GH) the interview at the allocated time and date. examination of cells and tissues – the structure and This module provides an introduction to the principles Changes to allocated times/dates cannot be considered due to the volumeEcology of Health 1 (EH1) function of the four primary tissues of the body and of genetic inheritance and its influence on human Ecology of HealthAn 1 provides applicant the student who with has the been unsuccessfultheir interactions in – bodyobtaining structure a from place cells-tissues- in the Jamesdisease. It examines a broad spectrum of knowledge, of interviews. All interviews will be conducted at the College of Medicine organs-systems-organism; Introduction to regulation from classical Mendelian genetics to the Human foundation knowledgeCook of Universitythe context of Bachelorhealth which of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, but who is and Dentistry in Townsville or online. Applicants selected for interview includeswill be patient-centred sent health care, the Australian of the function of the cell – homeostasis and chemical Genome Project, and introduces students to a strongly motivated towards acommunication career in the – electrical/excitable medical field, properties might ofconsidernumber of common human diseases, DNA-based an email outlining their allocated time and date for interview. Please ensurehealth system, primary health care, public health perspectives essentialundertaking for the effective one analysis of the othercells health – introduction or biomedical to endocrine science and nervous degrees systems offereddiagnostic technologies and emerging gene-based your email address is correct and up to date. of health and health care, and the foundations of – cell cycle and cell fate. treatments. Students are also required to consider the at JCU. broader ethical and social impacts of genetic disease medical professionalism, communication skills, The basic principles of metabolism (pharmacokinetics) on patients, their families, the community and the Information regarding an applicant or an application is confidential andteamwork, and ethics. It introduces the concepts and physiological effects (pharmacodynamics) of medical profession. of the biomedical Undertakingand psychosocial suchdeterminants a degree maydrugs strengthen will also be introduced. a future application to a cannot be released to members of family or friends. Applicants will beof health and inequities in health and health medical school, through one of the following paths: Musculoskeletal System (MSS) responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements. Thecare delivery, and the epidemiological tools to Endocrine System (ENDO) This module will detail the basic structure and measure these. It aims to foster professional This module provides an overview of endocrinological College of Medicine and Dentistry is unable to assist with accommodation • After graduation, being accepted for a graduateentry medical programfunction of the musculoskeletal system and its role behaviour, attitudes supportive of addressing health regulation of body function. It discusses the in human movement. It will provide a detailed study but information on accommodation can be found under “Contact Details”inequities, respect and teamworkat one of with the other Universities health different which classes have of a hormones,graduate-entry receptors and medical their degree of bone and muscle biology, muscle contraction professionals, and an understanding of the Australian mechanisms of action and extends knowledge in this document. (in , the and );and the integration by the nervous system to gain health system and its influence on health and welfare of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis. Endocrine an understanding of the coordination and control of individuals and populations.or contributions to homeostasis are discussed including of movement. Detailed anatomical studies will be those contributing to reproductive function, fluid undertaken of the head and neck, the back and the Molecules to Cells• (MTC) Obtaining acceptance in anda future electrolyte year balance, into Jamesintermediary Cook metabolism, University Successful applicants for a place in the upper and lower limbs. This will include an in depth Molecules to Cells introduces students to the growth, and stress. The module also introduces Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery through one of the limitedstudy of the skeleton, muscular system and its spinal molecular structure of compounds that make up major pathophysiologies of the endocrine and peripheral innervation. An overview of the general MBBS degree living organisms, transportnumber mechanisms of places employed made availablesystem. This for includes non-school major causes leavers. of hypo/hyper blood supply and drainage will also be covered. by cells to take up compounds required for survival secretion of hormones and the consequences of and the metabolicUnsuccessful pathways used by applicants living cells to consideringabnormalities undertaking of secretion or studies responsiveness in one in eof ach the QTAC will make an offer for the highest preference for which you qualify. Ecology of Health 2 (EH2) harvest energy fromabove organic degrees compounds. with The a relative view tomajor eventual hormone acceptance system. into this medical Successful applicants are required to follow the QTAC procedure foramounts of energy released from the breakdown of Ecology of Health 2 expands learning outcomes to include basic epidemiology involving population carbohydrates, fatsschool, and protein should are discussed be aware with anthat Reproductivethe number Medicine of places (REPRO available) for nonschool acceptance of a place in the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery profiles and patterns of disease, and health needs emphasis on how the metabolic pathways involved This module provides an overview of endocrinological leaver entry into the James Cook University Bachelor of Medicine, analysis. It expands the concepts of the social degree. in energy release are regulated. The processes of regulation of body function. It discusses the determinants of health and inequities in health DNA replication, transcriptionBachelor ofand Surgery translation is are very limited.different Itclasses would of hormones, be inappropriate receptors and and their unwise and health care delivery. It reinforces supportive Applicants who have been offered a place and who are seeking creditdiscussed for and thefor basic an tools unsuccessful of molecular biology applicant are mechanisms to see that of actioneventual and extends outcome knowledge as anything attitudes in addressing health inequities, including introduced. Overall, Molecules to Cells describes how of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis. Endocrine previous study will need to complete the Application for Credit form and other than a possibility. understanding of the health needs and characteristics healthy cells survive and reproduce; later subjects will contributions to homeostasis are discussed including of subpopulations such as the health of people from submit online or to the JCU Student Centre: cover what can go wrong and what effect this has on those contributing to reproductive function, fluid culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the health of an individual.Requirements for graduate entryand electrolyte to medical balance, schools intermediary at other metabolism, Universities the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, Townsville growth, and stress. The module also introduces vary between Universities, but are normally contingent upon performancepeople with disabilities, maternal and child health Cells to Life (CTL) major pathophysiologies of the endocrine in a bachelor degree, an interview and the Graduate Australian Medicalissues, the health of young peoples, and the health Ground Floor, Education Central, Building 134 Cells to Life is a central introductory foundation system. This includes major causes of hypo/hyper of the aged population. Students are taught to science module thatSchool broadly Admission introduces the Test areas (GAMSAT).secretion of hormones and the consequences of Phone (07) 4781 5255 understand the way that health is shaped by of structure and function of cells and tissues and abnormalities of secretion or responsiveness in e ach social, environmental and behavioural factors, Email [email protected] the regulation andFurther coordination information of cell and tissue can be obtainedmajor hormone from system. the relevant Universities and function through the human life cycle. The major the prevention of disease including managing Cairns learning areas are:the Introduction GAMSAT to the office structure at and the Australian Council of Education Research behavioural change, and mechanisms of coping with function of the cell(ACER). – overview of the function of the chronic disease. Gound Floor of Building A1 Phone (07) 4232 1000 GAMSAT Office at ACER Email [email protected] Email: [email protected] Postal address: Private Bag 55, Camberwell VIC 3124 https://gamsat.acer.org jcu.edu.au/dthm 3 BACHELOR OF MEDICINE | BACHELOR OF SURGERY 2021 ENTRY INFORMATION FOR DOMESTIC APPLICANTS

Request for Feedback

JCU is not able to provide individuals with information or feedback about their application due to the large number of applications received. This includes information or feedback about an individual’s written application form or interview performance. Pre-requisites

For entry into James Cook University’s Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree, applicants must have successfully completed four semesters at Year 12 level and achieved an exit level of at least Sound Achievement in English (Units 3/4, C), Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4, C) and Chemistry (Units 3/4, C) or interstate or overseas equivalent. The study of Physics and Biology is highly desirable. For international equivalents contact International Admissions via email: [email protected]

If you are unsure of the AustralianEnglish pre-requisite language requirement, requirements please VaccinationsThe College of Medicine and Dentistry Workingrecommends with additional children contact the Queensland Tertiary AdmissionsUnless your education Centre was (QTAC) undertaken at thein one of the Studentsvaccinations must provide and evidence students of being will immune receive informationQueensland law regarding contains provisions these designed to website address: www.qtac.edu.aufollowing countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New to hepatitis B and that they have been vaccinated or ensure that persons who are to work with children Zealand, South Africa, UK or USA you will be required evidencevaccinations that they are atnot the susceptible commencement for the vaccine ofand their young first people year. are Information first assessed on ontheir the known to meet the following English Proficiency requirement preventablepre-placement diseases (VPD) requirements of Measles, Mumps, for the Bachelorpolice and of disciplinary Medicine, information. Bachelor The of Working Inherent Requirements(Tests must and be less Reasonablethan 2 years old at time of RubellaSurgery (MMR); Varicellacan be andfound Pertussis. at Preparing for Professionalwith Children Check Experience is a screening Placement process that. admission). assesses your suitability to work with children Professional experience placement is a requirement and young people. A person whose application is Adjustments of this course and students may be engaged in roles English Language Test Minimum Scores approved will be issued with a Blue Card. IELTS (academic module) with a minimum overall whereWorking there is contact that with would allow Children transmission Inherent requirements are the abilities,score of attributes, 7 and a minimum skills score and of behaviors7 in three of the of a VPD. Students are required to comply with Because the requirements for completion of the the above requirement prior to commencing their James Cook University Medicine degree include needed to successfully complete thecomponents course. and Find 6.5 yourin one coursecomponent (listening, Queensland law contains provisions designed to ensure that persons reading, writing and speaking) in one sitting, first Professional Experience Placement or by the requirements for students to undertake placements requirements under Inherent Requirements. end ofwho the first are teachingto work period with of childrentheir studies and (or youngand peoplebecause aare student first will assessed undertake oneon or more OR PTE Academic with a minimum overall score whichevertheir is known sooner), otherwisepast police their andenrolment disciplinary will placements information. which involveThe Working coming into with contact with This course may have specific admissionof 65 and arequirements minimum score ofsuch 65 in asthree of the be terminated. young people, initial enrolment and continuing four communicative skills (listening, reading, Children Check is a screening precess thatenrolment assesses in the your Medicine suitability course are to conditional work The College of Medicine and Dentistry recommends immunisation, the requirement towriting obtain and a speaking) Suitability and 58to in work one component, upon the following: additionalwith vaccinations children and students young will people. receive A person whose application is approved I. Eligibility of the student for a Blue Card at the with Children Card, National CriminalOR TOEFL History (internet Check based) and/or with a other minimum total information regarding these vaccinations at the will be issued with a Blue Card. time of first enrolment; requirements that Students must scorecomply of 94 with. and a minimumStudents writing must score complete of 27, commencement of their first year. Information on II. Maintenance of that eligibility throughout the the pre-placement requirements for the Bachelor all Professional Experience PlacementOR TOEFL requirements (paper based) by with the a minimumprescribed score of Because the requirements for completionduration of the ofJames the course; Cook and University of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery can be found at deadlines and maintain currency of557 all plus requirements a minimum Test in of orderWritten to English stay score of Medicine degree include requirements III.for Actualstudents acquisition to undertake of a Blue Card prior to 5.5. Preparing for Professional Experience Placement. placements and because a student will undertakecommencement one orof placement.more placements admitted to the course. This course may have specific admission requirements In the final year of enrolment, students may be In the event that a student becomes ineligible such aswhich immunisation, involve the coming requirement into to contact obtain a with young people, initial enrolment required, at their own cost, to complete an English for a Blue Card, at any time between the date of Suitability to work with Children Card, federal police test for the purposes of registration with the Medical and continuing enrolment in the Medicinefirst courseenrolment are and conditional the date of completion upon the of Professional Experience Placement check and/or other requirements that Students must Board of Australia. the course, the student’s enrolment in the course complyfollowing: with. Students must complete all Professional may be terminated. Therefore, persons who have More information regarding registration can be found Experience Placement requirements by the prescribed Students Professional Experience Placement is a formal component of reason to believe that they might have difficulty in on the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation deadlinesI. andEligibility maintain ofcurrency the student of all requirements for a Blue Card at the time of first enrolment; obtaining a Blue Card should clarify the position in this course and prepares you for registrationAgency (AHPRA) and/or website: accreditation as in order to stay admitted to the course. www.ahpra.gov.au II. M aintenance of that eligibility throughoutthat regard the before duration deciding toof apply the fordegree; enrolment a professional in your field. Visit Preparing for Professional Experience in the Medicine course. A person who will or may Placement for more information. and not be able to obtain a Blue Card should not make Inherent Requirements and application for enrolment in the course. Pre-requisite subjects ReasonableIII. Actual Adjustments acquisition of a Blue Card prior to commencement of Vaccinations For entry into James Cook University’s Bachelor of Inherent requirementsplacement. are the fundamental Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree, applicants abilities, attributes, skills and behaviors needed to Contact details must have successfully completed four semesters and successfullyIn the complete event that the course. a student Find your becomes course ineligibleAdmissions for a Blue Card, at any Students must provide evidence ofachieved being an immune exit level ofto at Hepatitis least Sound B Achievement and requirements under Inherent Requirements. in English, Mathematics B and Chemistry or interstate time between the date of first enrolmentPhone: and 1800 the 246 date 446 (freecall)of completion of that they have been vaccinated oror evidence overseas equivalent. that they The are study not of Physicssusceptible and Email: [email protected] the degree, the student’s enrolment in www.jcu.edu.au/internationalthe degree will be terminated. for the vaccine preventable diseasesBiology (VPD) is highly of Measles, desirable. Mumps, Rubella Professional Experience Placement Therefore, persons who have reason toCollege believe of that Medicine they and might Dentistry have (MMR); Varicella and Pertussis. For international equivalents contact Admissions via Professional experience placement is a formal www.jcu.edu.au/medicine e-mail: [email protected] componentdifficulty of this incourse obtaining and prepares a Blue you forCard should clarify their position in that Professional Experience Placement is a requirement of this course and registration and/or accreditation as a professional James Cook University Handbook If you are unsure of the Australian pre-requisite regard before deciding to apply for enrolment in the medical degree. A in your field. VisitPreparing for Professional https://www.jcu.edu.au/course-and-subject-handbook students may be engaged in roles requirementwhere there please is contact the that Queensland would Tertiary allow Experienceperson Placement who will for ormore may information. not be able to obtain a Blue Card should not make transmission of a VPD. Students areAdmissions required Centre to comply(QTAC) at withthe website the above address: application for enrolment in the degree.James Cook University Accommodation www.qtac.edu.au www.jcu.edu.au/accommodation requirement prior to commencing their first Professional Experience Placement or by the end of the first teaching period of their studies (whichever is sooner), otherwise their enrolment will be terminated. August 2018 Updated 00117J. Code: CRICOS Provider jcu.edu.au/dthm 4 BACHELOR OF MEDICINE | BACHELOR OF SURGERY 2021 ENTRY INFORMATION FOR DOMESTIC APPLICANTS

Bonded Medical Place Scheme

The Australian Government provides additional publicly funded medical Contact details school places under the Bonded Medical Place (BMP) Scheme. BMP Scheme places are only open to Australian citizens or Australian STUDENT CENTRE permanent residents who are new medical students entering the first year Phone: Student Centre Townsville – 07 4781 5255 of the medical degree whether graduate or undergraduate. Phone: Student Centre Cairns – 07 4232 1000 Each BMP Scheme student will have service obligations that require the Email: [email protected] individuals concerned to work for a minimum period of time in districts of www.jcu.edu.au workforce shortage of their choice located in outer metropolitan, rural or remote areas. To obtain further information contact: COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY Department of Health www.jcu.edu.au/cmd Email: [email protected] INDIGENOUS EDUCATION AND RESEARCH CENTRE www.health.gov.au/bmpscheme www.jcu.edu.au/ierc

Existing Obligation JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY HANDBOOK

Students who have previously had a Bonded Place in an Australian www.jcu.edu.au/course-and-subject-handbook medical degree or who have held a Medical Rural Bonded Scholarship may JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION have obligations not to take up a standard Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) in a medical degree for a period of time. Before being admitted www.jcu.edu.au/accommodation to a CSP in medicine at James Cook University, students will be asked to JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS confirm that they are not in breach of agreements or contracts with the Australian Government in relation to bonded places or scholarships. www.jcu.edu.au/scholarships-@-jcu Scholarships QUEENSLAND TERTIARY ADMISSIONS CENTRE (QTAC) www.qtac.edu.au A number of scholarships are available to applicants studying medicine. For information on available James Cook University Scholarships, consult INFORMATION ON THE GAMSAT EXAMINATION the Scholarship information on the JCU website: www.jcu.edu.au/ https://gamsat.acer.org scholarships-@-jcu

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ MEDICAL SCHOLARSHIPS TRUST FUND The Australian Medical Association (AMA) offer scholarships for the assistance and encouragement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying for a medical degree at an Australian University. Applicants must be eligible for ABSTUDY. A scholarship will not be awarded to an applicant who already holds any other scholarship. To be eligible, the applicant must be enrolled at an Australian Medical School and completing at least their first year of medicine. Post: PO Box 6090, Kingston ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6270 5400 Email: [email protected] www.ama.com.au

Before completing the application form, please read the Course and Subject Handbook for this course, together with other course-specific information published by JCU in relation to the application process, which may specify additional criteria to be considered in ranking applicants in order of merit. If the number of applications exceeds a quota or other limit on the places made available for the course, the information provided by you in this form and any other information obtained by JCU in the application process may be used to rank applicants in order of merit by reference to those additional criteria. Division of Tropical Health and Medicine. The information in this brochure is intended as a general guide and was correct at the time of printing. Prospective students should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and availability of courses. JCU reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirements without prior notice. CRICOS Provider Code: 00117J. Updated February 2020. jcu.edu.au/dthm 5