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Bachelor of Clinical Sciences

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BClinSc

  • Course code

    3007162

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

The Bachelor of Clinical Sciences has a strong clinical focus and provides students with a comprehensive grounding in biomedical science and health.

During the course, students gain the knowledge and skills required in a range of health-related areas. They can tailor their study program through the choice of majors to pursue specific career paths. The degree can also be completed without a major, providing the option of a general study program offering a wide range of elective units.

The course is also ideal as a first degree for those who wish to continue their health education with a graduate course in a professional field such as osteopathy (offered by SCU), nutrition and dietetics, physiotherapy and medicine.

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Exercise analytical thinking, critical thinking and reasoning and problem solving skills

Creativity

Demonstrate innovative and creative responses and solutions to challenges in health-related settings

Ethical practice

Demonstrate a knowledge of, and commitment to, social responsibility, ethics and human rights in health-related settings.

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate an understanding of a broad and integrated body of knowledge of the concepts of human health and disease.

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the physical, social, political, ecological and/or cultural influences that impact health and health-related settings

Lifelong learning

Recognise responsibility for independent and self-directed learning and reflective practice.

Manage personal responsibility for maintaining or advancing information and literacy skills for scholarly and professional practice

Communication and social skills

Communicate concisely and appropriately in an oral and written form in an academic and professional context in health-related settings.

Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of teamwork in health-related settings.

Cultural competence

Apply and integrate an understanding of social, indigenous and cultural diversity, and respect for the identity of all persons, in local and international contexts.

Students who choose the osteopathic or pedorthic areas of study will have the opportunity to undertake a supervised professional placement. Professional placements provide students with experience in the practice of safe and effective manual therapy and the application of a wide range of treatments and management plans. Students have opportunities to work with a diverse range of patients in areas including rehabilitation, health promotion and illness prevention. Visit scu.edu.au/healthplacements

Only the following majors will be available in 2015:

Human Nutrition encompasses the study of food and nutrition in the context of human health, disease processes and in society.

Human Structure and Function extends knowledge through the study of advanced levels of anatomy and physiology, particularly the structure and function of the muscular and nervous systems.

Osteopathic Studies (only available as a double major with Human Structure and Function and taught at Lismore only) introduces students to the philosophical and biological underpinnings of the osteopathic concept of health. The major develops students’ foundational skills in diagnosis and technique that are utilised in osteopathic clinical practice.

Pedorthic Studies (only available as a double major with Foot Care and taught at the Gold Coast only) is a new allied health profession about keeping people mobile and getting the best performance from their feet, footwear or orthoses. In this major, students learn about health problems associated with feet, as well as footwear design and production.

Foot Care (taught at the Gold Coast only) introduces students to the requirements for foot care as the key to living independently and being mobile.

The course can also be completed without a major, providing the option to pursue a general study program from a wide range of elective units.

Please note:
Students interested in the Human Nutrition, Human Structure and Function, and Osteopathic Studies majors are advised to apply to study this course at Lismore, to commence in Session 1. Students interested in the Pedorthic Studies and Foot Care majors are advised to apply to study this course at Gold Coast, to commence in Session 1. Students interested in the generic pathway can apply to study at either Lismore or Gold Coast, to commence in Session 1 or 2.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Gold Coast Session 1, Session 2 330167 059761
Lismore Session 1, Session 2 335115 055111

Career Outcomes

For students interested in pursuing a career in osteopathy, five years of education and training is required (three-year Bachelor of Clinical Sciences majoring in Osteopathic Studies and Human Structure and Function; and a two-year Master of Osteopathic Medicine offered by Southern Cross University). In Australia, entry level training in osteopathic medicine is accredited by the Osteopathy Board of Australia and this course pathway was granted full accreditation in 2012. Registration in Australia gives mobility across all states and territories and New Zealand.

The Human Nutrition major offers students the underpinning knowledge to work as nutritionists in non-clinical roles as well as to further their studies in postgraduate nutrition/dietetics. Graduates of this major may be eligible to apply as an Associate Nutritionist with the Nutrition Society of Australia. This course may also meet the requirements for entry to postgraduate study in nutrition and dietetics – interested students should seek further information from their chosen institution.

Students who wish to become pedorthists must complete the Pedorthic Studies and Foot Care double major. A pedorthist is a health care professional who specialises in the improvement of human movement, in particular gait and better foot function. A pedorthist conducts a comprehensive assessment which may lead to them manufacturing corrective footwear, orthoses or other supportive devices to address conditions which affect the feet and human mobility. The University is undertaking accreditation through the Australian Pedorthic Medical Grade Footwear Association. Once accredited, the degree will enable graduates to become members of the Association, to become certified pedorthists, and to practise as professional pedorthists in Australia.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Credit for prior learning

Candidates who have completed a Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma at an AQF Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in the same or a related discipline, with similar learning outcomes, volume of learning, program of study (including content), and learning and assessment approaches, may be granted advanced standing of unspecified electives into the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences of up to 4, 8 or 12 units, respectively.

Course requirements

  1. To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Clinical Sciences, a candidate shall successfully complete not less than twenty-four (24) units comprising:
    1. Eight (8) units from Part A of the Schedule; and
    2. one (1) eight-unit major selected from the majors in Part B of the Schedule plus eight (8) elective units from Part B of the Schedule; or
    3. two (2) eight-unit majors selected from Part B of the Schedule of Units, which may include compulsory major combinations; or
    4. sixteen (16) elective units including those from Part B of the Schedule or any university elective.
  2. To be eligible for the award of Associate Degree of Clinical Sciences a candidate shall successfully complete not less than sixteen (16) units comprising:
    1. Five (5) units from Part A of the Schedule of Units:
      BIO00307  Human Physiology
      BIO00101  Physiological Pathology I
      BIO00102  Physiological Pathology II
      NUT00214 Food and Nutrition in Health
      Plus one unit from the following:
      BIO01302 Human Anatomy
      BIO10662 Systemic Anatomy; and
    2. eleven (11) units including those from Part B of the Schedule or any university elective.
  3. A candidate who, while enrolled in the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences, has successfully completed the requirements for the Associate Degree of Clinical Sciences may elect to be awarded the Associate Degree of Clinical Sciences following withdrawal from the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory
CMM10580 -  The Australian Health Care System Introductory
BHS10581 -  Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences Introductory
PDT10001 -  Introduction to Podiatry and Pedorthics Introductory Note 4
Year 1, Session 2
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory
MAT00330 -  Research and Analysis in Health Introductory
HLT10583 -  Communication Skills for Health Sciences Introductory
BIO10001 -  Functional Anatomy of the Lower Limbs and Foot and Ankle Intermediate Note 4
Year 2, Session 1
BIO00101 -  Physiological Pathology I Intermediate
PDT20005 -  Principles and Practice of Pedorthics I Intermediate
PDT20002 -  Orthoses and Bracing Intermediate
BIO20002 -  Biomechanics of Gait Intermediate
Year 2, Session 2
BIO00102 -  Physiological Pathology II Intermediate
PDT20006 -  Principles and Practice of Pedorthics II Intermediate
PDT20004 -  Lower Limb Assessment Intermediate Note 4, Note 5
Year 3, Session 1
PDT30001 -  Management and Treatment of the High Risk Foot Intermediate
PDT30002 -  Lower Limb Medicine I Advanced
PDT30005 -  Pedorthics Clinical Placement I Advanced
PHA00315 -  Introductory Pharmacology OR 1 elective from Part B or Part C Introductory
Year 3, Session 2
MNG00306 -  Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport Introductory
PDT30003 -  Lower Limb Medicine II Advanced
NUT00214 -  Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory
PDT30006 -  Pedorthics Clinical Placement II Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory Note 8
BHS10581 -  Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences Introductory
2 electives from Part B or
Year 1, Session 2
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory
NUT00214 -  Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory
2 electives from Part B or
Year 2, Session 1
BIO00101 -  Physiological Pathology I Intermediate
MWF10663 -  Research and Evidence Based Practice Intermediate Note 7
2 electives from Part B or
Year 2, Session 2
BIO00102 -  Physiological Pathology II Intermediate
CSL00231 -  Counselling Theory and Practice Introductory
2 electives from Part B or
Year 3, Session 1
4 electives from Part B or
Year 3, Session 2
4 electives from Part B or

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
8 electives may be substituted with another Part B major
Year 1, Session 1
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory
MWF10663 -  Research and Evidence Based Practice Intermediate Note 7
BIO00207 -  Mechanics for Movement Introductory
BHS10581 -  Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory
SCI10473 -  Histology and Embryology Intermediate
BIO00209 -  Biomechanics and Kinesiology Intermediate
1 elective from Part B or
Year 2, Session 1
BIO00101 -  Physiological Pathology I Intermediate
SCI10475 -  Neuroscience Intermediate
SCI10474 -  Advanced Visceral Anatomy Advanced
1 unit from Human Structure and Function
Year 2, Session 2
BIO00102 -  Physiological Pathology II Intermediate
BIO00326 -  Exercise Biochemistry Introductory
NUT00214 -  Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory
1 elective from Part B or
Year 3, Session 1
PHA00315 -  Introductory Pharmacology Introductory
2 electives from Part B or
HLT00274 -  Clinical Diagnosis I Advanced
Year 3, Session 2
CSL00231 -  Counselling Theory and Practice Introductory
2 electives from Part B or
HLT00275 -  Clinical Diagnosis II Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory Note 8
CSL10553 -  Ageing in Contemporary Society Introductory
CSL10555 -  Healthy Ageing I Introductory
BHS10581 -  Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory
NUT00214 -  Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory
CSL00231 -  Counselling Theory and Practice Introductory
CSL10556 -  Healthy Ageing II Intermediate
Year 2, Session 1
BIO00101 -  Physiological Pathology I Intermediate
MWF10663 -  Research and Evidence Based Practice Intermediate Note 7
CSL10558 -  Case Management and Care Planning Intermediate
1 unit from Ageing
Year 2, Session 2
BIO00102 -  Physiological Pathology II Intermediate
CSL10554 -  Aged Services Introductory
CSL10559 -  Legal Issues in Health and Ageing Intermediate
CSL10557 -  Introduction to Volunteering Intermediate
Year 3, Session 1
4 elective units from Part B OR Part C
Year 3, Session 2
4 elective units from Part B OR Part C

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory Note 8
3 electives from Part B or
Year 1, Session 2
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory
NUT00214 -  Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory
2 electives from Part B or
Year 2, Session 1
BIO00101 -  Physiological Pathology I Intermediate
3 electives from Part B or
Year 2, Session 2
BIO00102 -  Physiological Pathology II Intermediate
3 electives from Part B or

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
8 electives may be substituted with another Part B major.
Year 1, Session 1
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory Note 8
CHE10700 -  Chemistry for Health Sciences Introductory
MWF10663 -  Research and Evidence Based Practice Intermediate Note 7
BHS10581 -  Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory
NUT00214 -  Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory
2 electives from Part B OR Part C
Year 2, Session 1
BIO00101 -  Physiological Pathology I Intermediate
CHE00002 -  Biochemistry Intermediate
ENV10702 -  Food Ecology Introductory
SCI10703 -  Food Science Introductory
Year 2, Session 2
BIO00102 -  Physiological Pathology II Intermediate
NUT00216 -  Nutritional Biochemistry and Human Metabolism Intermediate
NUT00215 -  Nutrition Across the Lifespan Intermediate
1 elective from Part B OR Part C
Year 3, Session 1
BIO10701 -  Nutrition Physiology Advanced
2 electives from Part B OR Part C
Year 3, Session 2
PHA00315 -  Introductory Pharmacology Introductory
NUT00217 -  Advanced Nutrition and Disease Advanced
CSL00231 -  Counselling Theory and Practice Introductory
2 electives from Part B OR Part C

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory
BHS10581 -  Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences Introductory
PDT10001 -  Introduction to Podiatry and Pedorthics Introductory
1 elective from Part B or
Year 1, Session 2
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory
MAT00330 -  Research and Analysis in Health Introductory
HLT10583 -  Communication Skills for Health Sciences Introductory
BIO10001 -  Functional Anatomy of the Lower Limbs and Foot and Ankle Intermediate
Year 2, Session1
BIO00101 -  Physiological Pathology I Intermediate
PDT20002 -  Orthoses and Bracing Intermediate
BIO20002 -  Biomechanics of Gait Intermediate
1 elective from Part B or
Year 2, Session 2
BIO00102 -  Physiological Pathology II Intermediate
PDT20004 -  Lower Limb Assessment Intermediate Note 5
1 elective from Part B or
Year 3, Session 1
PDT30002 -  Lower Limb Medicine I Advanced
2 electives from Part B or
PHA00315 -  Introductory Pharmacology OR 1 elective from Part B or Introductory
Year 3, Session 2
PDT30003 -  Lower Limb Medicine II Advanced
NUT00214 -  Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory
2 electives from Part B or

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 2
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory
CSL00231 -  Counselling Theory and Practice Introductory
MAT00330 -  Research and Analysis in Health Introductory Note 9
NUT00214 -  Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory Note 8
CHE10700 -  Chemistry for Health Sciences Introductory
BHS10581 -  Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences Introductory
ENV10702 -  Food Ecology Introductory
Year 2, Session 2
4 electives from Part B or
Year 3, Session 1
BIO00101 -  Physiological Pathology I Intermediate
CHE00002 -  Biochemistry Intermediate
SCI10703 -  Food Science Introductory
1 elective from Part B or
Year 3, Session 2
BIO00102 -  Physiological Pathology II Intermediate
NUT00216 -  Nutritional Biochemistry and Human Metabolism Intermediate
NUT00215 -  Nutrition Across the Lifespan Intermediate
1 elective from Part B or
Year 4, Session 1
BIO10701 -  Nutrition Physiology Advanced
2 electives from Part B or
Year 4, Session 2
HEA10704 -  Public Health Nutrition and Promotion Intermediate

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 2
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory
CSL00231 -  Counselling Theory and Practice Introductory
MAT00330 -  Research and Analysis in Health Introductory
NUT00214 -  Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory
BIO00207 -  Mechanics for Movement Introductory
BHS10581 -  Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences Introductory
PHA00315 -  Introductory Pharmacology Introductory
Year 2, Session 2
BIO00326 -  Exercise Biochemistry Introductory
SCI10473 -  Histology and Embryology Intermediate
BIO00209 -  Biomechanics and Kinesiology Intermediate
1 elective from Part B or
Year 3, Session 1
BIO00101 -  Physiological Pathology I Intermediate
SCI10474 -  Advanced Visceral Anatomy Advanced
SCI10475 -  Neuroscience Intermediate
1 unit from Human Structure and Function
Year 3, Session 2
BIO00102 -  Physiological Pathology II Intermediate
3 electives from Part B or
Year 4, Session 1
4 electives from Part B or

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Completion of this double major may allow entry into a two (2) year full time Master of Osteopathic Medicine at SCU.
Year 1, Session 1
BIO01302 -  Human Anatomy Introductory
BHS10581 -  Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences Introductory
BIO00207 -  Mechanics for Movement Introductory
HLT10481 -  Osteopathic Studies I Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory
SCI10473 -  Histology and Embryology Intermediate
BIO00209 -  Biomechanics and Kinesiology Intermediate
HLT10482 -  Osteopathic Studies II Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
BIO00101 -  Physiological Pathology I Intermediate
SCI10475 -  Neuroscience Intermediate
SCI10474 -  Advanced Visceral Anatomy Advanced
HLT10483 -  Osteopathic Studies III Intermediate
Year 2, Session 2
BIO00102 -  Physiological Pathology II Intermediate
BIO00326 -  Exercise Biochemistry Introductory
NUT00214 -  Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory
HLT10484 -  Osteopathic Studies IV Advanced
Year 3, Session 1
HLT00274 -  Clinical Diagnosis I Advanced
HLT10118 -  Clinical Studies I Intermediate
PHA00315 -  Introductory Pharmacology Introductory
HLT10485 -  Osteopathic Studies V Advanced
Year 3, Session 2
HLT00275 -  Clinical Diagnosis II Advanced
HLT10119 -  Clinical Studies II Intermediate
MAT00330 -  Research and Analysis in Health Introductory Note 6
HLT10486 -  Osteopathic Studies VI Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Session 2, 2015
BIO00307 -  Human Physiology Introductory
MAT00330 -  Research and Analysis in Health Introductory
MNG00306 -  Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport Introductory
From 2016 students will transfer to the new Bachelor of Pedorthics

Note 1:

Students completing the majors Osteopathic Studies, Human Structure and Function, Pedorthic Studies or Foot Care must complete this unit.

Note 2:

Students completing the majors in Pedorthic Studies or Foot Care must complete this unit.

Note 3:

Compulsory for completion of Osteopathic Studies Major

Note 4:

This unit will be delivered from Gold Coast campus only

Note 5:

Double-weighted unit

Note 6:

Alternately, students can choose to take MWF10663 Research and Evidence Based Practice in Session 1 and complete PHA00315 Introductory Pharmacology in Session 3.

Note 7:

Alternatively, students can choose to take MAT00330 Research and Analysis in Health in Session 2

Note 8:

Alternatively, students may choose BIO10662 Systemic Anatomy

Note 9:

Alternatively, students can choose MWF10663 Research and Evidence Based Practice in Session 1 or 3

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Part A
All of the following five (5) units
BIO00307 Human Physiology Introductory
BIO00101 Physiological Pathology I Intermediate
BIO00102 Physiological Pathology II Intermediate
NUT00214 Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory
BHS10581 Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences Introductory
Plus one (1) unit from the following
BIO01302 Human Anatomy Introductory Note 1
BIO10662 Systemic Anatomy Introductory
Plus one (1) unit from the following
MAT00330 Research and Analysis in Health Introductory Note 2
MWF10663 Research and Evidence Based Practice Intermediate
Plus one (1) unit from the following
PHA00315 Introductory Pharmacology Introductory Note 3
CSL00231 Counselling Theory and Practice Introductory

Part B

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
BIO00207 Mechanics for Movement Introductory
BIO00209 Musculoskeletal Functional Anatomy Intermediate
BIO00326 Exercise Biochemistry Introductory
SCI10474 Advanced Visceral Anatomy Advanced
SCI10473 Histology and Embryology Intermediate
SCI10475 Neuroscience Intermediate
HLT00274 Clinical Diagnosis I Advanced
HLT00275 Clinical Diagnosis II Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
This major must be undertaken as a double major with Human Structure and Function to meet the first stage of requirements of the Osteopaths Registration Board of Australia and to facilitate admission to the Master of Osteopathic Medicine.
HLT10118 Clinical Studies I Intermediate
HLT10119 Clinical Studies II Intermediate
HLT10481 Osteopathic Studies I Introductory
HLT10482 Osteopathic Studies II Intermediate
HLT10483 Osteopathic Studies III Intermediate
HLT10484 Osteopathic Studies IV Advanced
HLT10485 Osteopathic Studies V Advanced
HLT10486 Osteopathic Studies VI Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
CHE10700 Chemistry for Health Sciences Introductory
ENV10702 Food Ecology Introductory
CHE00002 Biochemistry Intermediate
SCI10703 Food Science Introductory
NUT00215 Nutrition Across the Lifespan Intermediate
NUT00216 Nutritional Biochemistry and Human Metabolism Intermediate
BIO10701 Nutrition Physiology Advanced
NUT00217 Advanced Nutrition and Disease Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
The Pedorthic Studies major can only be undertaken as a double major with Foot Care.
CMM10580 The Australian Health Care System Introductory
MNG00306 Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport Introductory
PDT20005 Principles and Practice of Pedorthics I Intermediate Note 4
PDT20006 Principles and Practice of Pedorthics II Intermediate Note 4
PDT30001 Management and Treatment of the High Risk Foot Intermediate Note 4
PDT30005 Pedorthics Clinical Placement I Advanced Note 4
PDT30006 Pedorthics Clinical Placement II Advanced Note 4
HLT10583 Communication Skills for Health Sciences Introductory

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
BIO20002 Biomechanics of Gait Intermediate Note 4
PDT10001 Introduction to Podiatry and Pedorthics Introductory Note 4
BIO10001 Functional Anatomy of the Lower Limbs and Foot and Ankle Intermediate Note 4
PDT20002 Orthoses and Bracing Intermediate Note 4, Note 5
PDT20004 Lower Limb Assessment Intermediate Note 4
PDT30002 Lower Limb Medicine I Advanced Note 4
PDT30003 Lower Limb Medicine II Advanced Note 4

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
All of the following six (6) units
CSL10553 Ageing in Contemporary Society Introductory
CSL10554 Aged Services Introductory
CSL10555 Healthy Ageing I Introductory
CSL10556 Healthy Ageing II Intermediate
CSL10558 Case Management and Care Planning Intermediate
CSL10559 Legal Issues in Health and Ageing Intermediate
Plus two units from Part B or university electives