Accelerated biomedical science program
The Accelerated Biomedical Science (ABMS) program is the first Innovative Curriculum project of the Toowoomba Education Coalition and has been developed in partnership with USQ and the Toowoomba Technology, Maths and Science Centre of Excellence.
The program is aimed at providing highly achieving Year 11 students with a coordinated and rigorous, streamlined program that will lead them to guaranteed enrolment in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science program at the University of Southern Queensland.
Advantages of the program
The advantages of participation in this program include :
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Early achievement and tertiary completion
Students will complete their Bachelor of Biomedical Science program in two years instead of three, allowing faster entry into postgraduate degrees (or the workplace). They will also have access to extension learning environments.
Over the period of a standard format degree(s), this provides an additional $37,000 to $50,000 in salary earnings by students entering into the workplace one year earlier.
In the short term, students will save SCC (student contribution charges) for 5 courses (5 x $907) providing a saving of $4,535.
Additional support will be provided to facilitate success in students' studies during Years 11 and 12 as well as during transition to University study.
Eligibility
Students who are Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents who are currently in Year 11 are eligible to apply.
Students must have B grades in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics B at the time of application.
There are a limited number of places so an interview process will also take place after written applications have been submitted.
Cost
Students will not be charged full tuition fees for their first four program courses. Instead students will pay only $250 per course which will equate to $500 for the semester.
Students will be expected to meet the costs normally incurred with the course in which they are enrolled, including books/materials.
Application procedure
Applications will close on Friday 29 May 2009 to commence the program in semester 2, 2009.
Late applications may be accepted subject to availability.
Applicants should complete an application form and discuss their application with their School/College's Head of Science.
Contact details
All enquiries should be directed to the Program Coordinator Lisa Reardon.
Frequently asked questions
Which students are best suited to the ABMS program?
Students should have a strong interest in science and need to be considered capable of undertaking the study successfully in addition to their current workload. They will also need the support of their school and their parents/guardians.
Will students who successfully pass the program be eligible for entry into a Bachelor of Biomedical Science Program at USQ upon completion of year 12?
Yes, students completing the ABMS program requirements will gain direct entry into the second year of a Bachelor of Biomedical Science program at USQ.
Does USQ have special classes for high school students in the ABMS program?
Yes, there is a weekly 3 hour workshop run especially for ABMS students.
When do ABMS students begin the program?
In 2009 ABMS students will begin the program in the week commencing 2 March.
What if a student finds the ABMS program too difficult?
If a high school student is having difficulty with a program they should contact the ABMS Coordinator as early as possible so that an attempt can be made to work through the issues.
If it is necessary for a student to withdraw from the program, there will be no financial or academic penalties incurred.