Discontinued: This course has no new intake. This information is provided for continuing students

About the Course

Course Description:

This program provides an opportunity for selected students, who have achieved a high standard during a biochemistry or biotechnology course, to continue their undergraduate studies to an honours level.

Aims & Objectives:

The objective of this course is to allow high achieving students to gain a degree with honours in biochemistry/chemistry. Students undertaking this course will also be prepared for higher degree studies.

Course Structure:

Two streams are available:

In most circumstances, the Honours course is completed in one year of study after completion of a Bachelor of Applied Science or Bachelor of Science in biochemistry, biotechnology, or an equivalent degree. In this year, students will undertake honours lectures at an advanced level and a research project.

An accelerated program, that enables the degree to be obtained in four years in conjunction with their undergraduate degree studies, is also available. In this stream, students will commence an industry-oriented honours research project whilst undertaking their Industry-Based learning (IBL) year, and complete honours lectures and a research project in the final year of the course.

Units of Study:

Semester 1
HES5640 Honours Lectures
HES5590 Honours Project

Semester 2
HES5640 Honours Lectures
HES5590 Honours Project

Accelerated program Stage 1 and 2
As per Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry) or (Biotechnology) course.

Stage 3
Semester 1
HES3500 Industry-Based Learning
HES4520 Advanced Chemistry 1

Semester 2

HES4525 Advanced Chemistry 2

Stage 4
Semester 1
HES5640 Honours Lectures
HES5580 Biotechnology/ Biochemistry Honours Project
HES4621 Advanced Biochemistry
HES4641 Practical Biochemistry

Semester 2
HES5640 Honours Lectures
HES5580 Biotechnology/ Biochemistry Honours Project
HES4626 Biotechnology

Course Features

Education Abroad:

Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help internationalise your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne's Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies whilst on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Education Abroad website or telephone the Education Abroad Office on (03) 9214 4816

How To Apply

Entry Requirements:

For students to gain entry into the honours program, a weighted average mark of 65% or greater should have been achieved in the year of study prior to entry. In addition, a suitable honours research project must be identified. To obtain entry into the accelerated program, students must obtain a weighted average mark of 65% or greater in Stage 2 of their undergraduate course, in addition to the identification of a suitable honours research project.

Application Procedure:

Application should be made to the Honours in Chemistry and Biochemistry Co-ordinator towards the conclusion of the final year of their course (or at the conclusion of second year for the accelerated program).

Find Out More

Further information: