How to become a medical scientist
Improve human health through research, testing and analysing information.
What does a medical scientist do?
Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.
Duties and tasks
Design and conduct studies that investigate human diseases and ways to prevent and treat them.
Examine, prepare and analyse medical samples and tissue sections to study the effects of microbial infections.
Investigate causes and treatment of toxicity, pathogens, or chronic diseases.
Advise medical practitioners on the interpretation of tests and methods for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Standardise drug potency, doses, and methods to allow for mass manufacturing and distribution.
Setting up the steps and rules of laboratory medical testing including contamination and safety procedures.
Preparing scientific papers and reports.
Professional bodies
Related jobs
Biological scientist
Biomedical engineer
Geneticist
Immunologist
Microbiologist
Discover related science degrees
Undergraduate Certificate in Health Sciences
UndergraduateCUR-CHS-CTF
Take your first step towards a career in health—including nursing
Start building your foundational knowledge of human health and healthcare. Explore human bodies. Get to know health practice. For graduates of this online health course, the pathway to health careers and further studies is open wide.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Graduate Diploma in Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing
PostgraduateUON-WMH-GDI
Insight and skills to support mental health in the workplace
Explore mental health and build counselling skills specifically for the workplace. Consider Indigenous Australian’s holistic perspective. Recognise psychosocial hazards. Help build resilience. Gain confidence to support change and help colleagues in need.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing
PostgraduateUON-WMH-GCE
Support mental health in any workplace setting
Step into high demand support roles and foster wellbeing in the workplace. You’ll learn how to identify and respond to mental health challenges. Build counselling skills. Unpack healthy mental functioning and ill-health. Make work safe and healthy.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Master of Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing
PostgraduateUON-MHW-MAS
Foster psychologically healthy workplaces
Lead the way to organisational effectiveness with a safe and healthy workplace. You’ll unpack key issues that effect the physical and psychological health of your employees. Reduce absenteeism. Increase productivity. Build a workplace that thrives.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
Discover related science subjects
Leading Clinical Supervision in Health and Human Service Professions
PostgraduateTAS-CAM609
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 23 Feb 2026
Clinical Examination and Diagnostics for Advanced Practice
PostgraduateTAS-CAA501
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 23 Feb 2026, 6 Jul 2026
Advanced Clinical Reasoning in Practice
PostgraduateTAS-CAA500
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 23 Feb 2026
Clinical Management: Supportive Cancer Care
PostgraduateMUR-NUR506
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 23 Feb 2026, 27 Jul 2026
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