Let’s Talk About Western Medical Sciences
Does a Bachelor in Medical Science sound any alarms of interest? If so, you are in luck! This week’s OYMS blog continues our exploration of undergraduate programs and looks at the Medical Sciences programs at Western University, formerly the University of Western Ontario.
What is it?
Western’s Medical Sciences is what is called a first-entry program, a pathway leading into admission to the Bachelor of Medical Science (BMSc) program. Students apply as Medical Science students in Years 1 and 2 and apply to the BMSc Program in Year 3.
What makes it unique?
Direct entry program
Every application cycle, approximately 800 students are admitted to Medical Sciences 1. All these students will be guaranteed admission to Year 3 BMSc so long as they fulfill minimum average grade requirements. They would take the courses required for the specific Year 3 BMSc module that interests them and achieve a minimum average in order to apply to it for Year 3. There are a finite number of spots within each module due to limitations in resources, meaning competition for admission based on average grade is to be expected. The number of applicants, as well as that of accepted students for each module, will vary from year to year.
But even those unable to meet admission averages to continue through Medical Sciences 2 can still apply to Year 3 of the BMSc Program by taking required courses for the specific module they hope to pursue in Year 3 BMSc. This is known as the competitive pool.
Diverse major options after second year
The basic medical science departments at Western University offer Modules from a wide range of disciplines, so you’ll likely find a certain area that you’ll find worth studying. There’s the option of completing an Honours Specialization in a single module, such as an Honours Specialization in Biochemistry, or, completing a Double Major in two disciplines. Furthermore, if you have been admitted to Western’s Ivey School of Business, you have the choice of completing two degrees within five years through the Combined BMSc/HBA Program.
Research + hands-on
The program’s first-year courses focus on biology, chemistry and physics, involving laboratory work to accompany the course material. Third-year laboratories in the basic medical sciences also provide the opportunity for you to design experiments, participate as human subjects, etc. In fourth year, research projects are available in most Honours Specialization modules and give students the opportunity to conduct trials and their own research under the supervision of a faculty member.
How to apply
Requirements
Ontario Grade 12 courses required for admission include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Calculus
- English
- two other 4U/M courses
- Credits from any physics course are not required
A supplemental application (essay, etc.) is not required — admission is based only on an average in the required courses. The specific application process will be different depending on where you are applying from, so be sure to collect your information ahead of time!
Look to the future
Career pathway
So what comes after graduation, as far as that seems? BMSc degree can open up several doors to you, including professional programs, academic, and other research institutions, and industry. A large percentage of the graduates of this program choose to pursue careers in Medicine, Dentistry, or Graduate Studies. Meanwhile, others enter professional programs such as Pharmacy, Optometry, Law, Education, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Chiropractic, Speech Pathology, Veterinary Science, and Nursing.
Cost
Let’s get some numbers out! Exact costs will depend on the individual’s expenditure.
- Tuition: $7500–7700 each year in Medical Science
- Living cost: $21 000- 32 000 a year (assuming 8 months at $3000–4000/month average cost of living in London, including rent and car)
- Total: $28 500- 35 000 each year
About the author: April Sui is a second-year student in Medical Sciences at Western University in London, Ontario. She’s currently working with Hashtag Health Podcast (based at UWO) and the International Predental Student Alliance. Bookworm, origami fanatic and French tutor, you can find her on LinkedIn or Facebook.
Sources:
https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/bmsc/current_students/admission_progression/index.html
https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/bmsc/current_students/after_grad/career_survey.html
https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/bmsc/future_students/applying/index.html
https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/anesthesia/docs/education/fellowship/estimated-living-cost-london-ont.p
