About the Course

Course Description:

This degree maximises a student's career choices through a combination of the study of the physical aspects of human physiology and the related technologies for clinical care and biomedical monitoring.

Aims & Objectives:

• to develop in students a mastery of a wide spectrum of basic engineering principles underlying biomedical engineering
• to develop in students a thorough understanding of a broad range of engineering methods and techniques, and competence in their application, so that students are able to comprehend and analyse problems and obtain satisfactory design solutions that, where appropriate, show originality and resourcefulness
• to give students an appropriate introduction to the role of the medical technician, technologist or researcher in the health community
• to give students a sound knowledge of anatomy, physiology, the application of physics to biomedical systems, and the appropriate application of monitoring technology in the clinical environment
• to develop in students a mastery of the application of physics and mathematical principles to the interpretation and study of human physiological processes
• to develop an understanding of human pathophysiology and associated clinical techniques for identifying them
• to develop in students a thorough understanding of the appropriate technology, instrumentation and techniques, as well as competence in their application, so that students are able to comprehend and analyse problems and obtain satisfactory design solutions that, where appropriate, show originality and resourcefulness
• to introduce students to the skills necessary for working in a clinical environment as an effective team member
• to develop in students an understanding of clinical evaluation and monitoring to assist the medical process
• to develop students problem-solving skills in complex human-machine systems
• to develop students' communication skills so that they can present their ideas clearly by verbal, written and graphical means
• to give students an appropriate introduction to the role of the professional engineer in the community and to explore the social effects of engineering decisions
• to prepare students for the changing workplace and changing societal context of engineering by developing their life-long learning skills and flexibility of mind
• to integrate the formal course of study with an optional one year period of Industry-Based Learning*
• to deliver a professionally recognised course of study

Course Structure:

• Biomedical Engineering (BME) Core Studies
• Software Engineering Studies
• Technical (BME) Studies
• Specialist Technical (BME) Studies
• Management and Business Studies

• Biomedical Engineering (BME) Core Studies (287.5 credit points);
• 25 credit points chosen from Software Engineering Studies;
• 37.5 credit points chosen from Management and Business Studies;
• 12.5 credit points chosen from Specialist Technical (BME) Studies (or Electives Plus Sequence #1); and a further
• 37.5 credit points chosen from Specialist Technical (BME) Studies and/or Software Engineering Studies (or Electives Plus Sequence #2, #3).

Major specialisation:

• Effective Communication
• Establishing and Running a Business
• Language Practice and Culture
• Enterprising Marketing
• Multimedia: Web Development
• Information Orientation and Knowledge Management
• Undergraduate Research Skills
• Design: Process and Strategy Electives Plus sequence
• The Networked Economy

Units of Study:

Course Features

Industry-Based Learning:

Industry-Based Learning is an optional program in which students are placed in paid, supervised employment relevant to their studies as part of their degree. Industry-Based Learning gives students practical experience to add to their academic studies, and is a proven advantage in the graduate job market. All Industry-Based Learning placements are subject to availability of places. For further information visit: www.swinburne.edu.au/spl/ibl

The optional year of Industry-Based Learning in Australia is not available to international students.

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 while on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Swinburne Abroad website.

Employment Outcomes

Career Opportunities:

Graduates may work in biomedical areas of either the public sector, for example in hospitals, or in the health industry. Alternatively, graduates may choose to work as an electrical engineer.

Professional recognition:

This degree program will produce graduates who have the technological skills and knowledge expected of professional engineers. Graduates will be eligible to apply for graduate membership of Engineers Australia. Graduates from the Biomedical Engineering degree are eligible for membership of the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine.

How To Apply

Entry Requirements:

ENTER:

2008 Round 1 Clearly-In ENTER: 75.25 (CSP)

Credit Transfer:

Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be granted ‘credit’ and/or entry into the course with ‘advanced standing’. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to ‘Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide’ at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways//

Pathways (articulation):

An advanced credit transfer system, known as the Pathways program, is in place at Swinburne. Through Pathways, students with one or more of a wide range of post-secondary qualifications (both local and international) can gain entry into a course with advanced standing. Certain subject requirements must be met and an acceptable standard of results achieved in order to gain admission and for maximum credit to be granted. For further information refer to 'Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways//

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. 

Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm

Course Fees:

• HECS-HELP (previously HECS) – is available to eligible Commonwealth supported students. It provides students with a loan to cover their student contribution amount. Students are eligible for a 20% discount if they choose to pay all, or at least $500, of their student contribution up-front.
• FEE-HELP (previously PELS) – is available to eligible fee paying undergraduate and postgraduate students. It provides students with a loan to cover their tuition fees (lifetime maximum $81,600 from 1 January 2008). The FEE-HELP limit is indexed on 1 January each year.
• OS-HELP – is available to eligible Commonwealth supported students, who wish to study overseas, with a loan to cover expenses such as accommodation and travel.

Scholarships:

This course is also offered through the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Program. Successful applicants are awarded HECS waiver scholarships and will be funded for the duration of their course. For further information visit the website at: www.swin.edu.au/scholarships

Application Procedure:

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Further information: