Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne Australia
Future Students - Courses
Course Description:
Biochemistry is the study of molecules of life, their structure and role(s) in the processes of animals, plants and micro-organisms. It has application in all areas of life where an understanding of the molecular basis of biology is important – from nutrition and agriculture through to medicine and psychology. The course especially emphasises practical skills that are important to a range of medical, industrial, environmental and research applications. These skills include computing, teamwork, problem solving and communication skills, as well as the traditional skills of an analytical biochemist, microbiologist or chemist. Projects which link students directly to industry and/or leading-edge research are also a feature of this course.
Course Structure:
This course will operate under a student workload model based on 100 credit points for a full-time academic year. One credit point is deemed to be equivalent to one hour of student work per week over a semester, whether in contact with staff or in private study. Four units of study, each worth 12.5 credit points, will generally be taken each semester. The typical student's average weekly workload during semester is therefore expected to be fifty hours. Total student contact hours, including lectures, classes, tutorials, flexible learning and laboratory and field sessions will vary in different semesters. Careers in the Curriculum (CIC) In addition to the above, students must complete a compulsory unit HAC0001 Careers in the Curriculum to be awarded the degree. Careers in the Curriculum (CIC) is an innovative unit designed to assist Swinburne students to enhance their employability and career prospects. It is usually undertaken in the second year of your course and is compulsory for all undergraduate students who commence their course from 2007 onwards. Students studying CIC will not incur a HECS or fee debt as the cost will be met by the university as part of an initiative to enhance students' career skills. Final Year Experience - Major Projects As part of the Swinburne Model for Professional Learning, all incoming undergraduates from 2007 will undertake 25 credit points of professionally-focused final year major projects within their programs of study. Entry with advanced standing may require alternate study sequences to be undertaken. Electives Plus Sequences Electives plus sequences provide Swinburne degree students with options to broaden their career skills and strengthen their employability by selecting from units of study outside their degree discipline. Students undertaking this course can choose to study Electives Plus sequences of up to three units from one of the following themes: 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 Electives Plus sequences are available in all Swinburne degree programs subject to timetabling constraints, with the exception of double degree programs, specialist double major degrees, and where entry has been approved with advanced standing.
Units of Study:
Stage 1 Semester 1 HES1510 Chemistry 1 HMS101 Foundation Mathematics * HES1610 Concepts of Biology HES1626 Professional Skills for Biotechnologists Semester 2 HES1525 Chemistry 2 HES1555 Consumer Science HES1616 Concepts of Biotechnology HMS102 Introduction to Statistics Stage 2 Semester 1 HES2621 Introduction to Biochemistry HES2631 The Microbial World Elective 1 Elective 2 Semester 2 HES2626 Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins HES2636 Microbes in the Environment Elective 3 Elective 4 Stage 3 Semester 1 HES4520 Advanced Chemistry 1 HES4510 Investigative Chemistry Prac 3 HES4621 Advanced Biochemistry HES4641 Practical Biochemistry Semester 2 HES4626 Biotechnology HES4646 Biotechnology Research Project Elective 5 Elective 6 * May be replaced by HMS111 Engineering Mathematics 1 if student intends to continue studying mathematics at a higher level IBL, if undertaken, is generally taken between Stages 2 and 3 and consists of: HSW050 Industry-Based Learning and/or HSW055 Industry-Based Learning This optional Industry-Based Learning program is not available to international students. Electives 1 to 4 Choose one of the following: HES2540 Forensic and Analytical Science, or HES2541 Analytical Chemistry and one of the following: HES2520 Chemistry 3, or HES2526 Organic Chemistry and two of the following: HES2510 Investigative Chemistry Prac 1 HES2515 Investigative Chemistry Prac 2 HBSG200 New Venture Development and Management HES4701 Research Skills Project Electives Plus Sequence 1 (see above) Electives Plus Sequence 2 (see above) Note: credit cannot be obtained for both HES2541 and HES2510. Nor can credit be gained for both HES2526 and HES2515. Elective 5 Choose between: HES4525 Advanced Chemistry 2 HES4516 Research Project Elective 6 This is a free elective. Recommended units of study include any previously non-selected elective and: HES4525 Advanced Chemistry 2 HES4516 Research Project HES4628 Environmental Biotechnology HBSG200 New Venture Development and Management Electives Plus Sequence 3 (see above)
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 who hold a student visa.
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 who hold a student visa.
Honours:
An honours program at Swinburne provides students, who have a demonstrated academic ability, with an opportunity to pursue their undergraduate studies to an advanced level: to deepen their intellectual understanding in their major area of study; and to develop their research skills. For further information, contact the Faculty of Life and Social Sciences.
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 Swinburne Abroad website.
Career Opportunities:
Biochemists work in many areas, including medical research, environmental research, clinical biochemistry, biotechnology, industrial chemistry, microbiology, food production, agricultural biochemistry, beverage production, fermentation technology, pharmaceutical production, biomolecular research, protein engineering, wine science, waste treatment, biodegradation and bioremediation. Some graduates move into sales, marketing, business analysis and management associated with the biochemical and chemical industries.
Professional recognition:
The Royal Australian Chemical Institute has accredited this course for the purposes of professional recognition. Graduates are also eligible for membership of: Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM) Australian Biotechnology Association (ABA)
Graduate Attributes:
Students are expected to develop a number of graduate attributes during this course, resulting in graduates who are: capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations adaptable and manage change aware of environments in which they will be contributing entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace, or community
Entry Requirements:
Successful completion of an appropriate Victorian Year 12 or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification. 2009 VCE Prerequisites: Units 3 & 4 - a study score of at least 20 in English (any), and in Mathematics (any). All Non-Year 12 students (NONY12) should refer to the VTAC website at: www.vtac.edu.au for further infomation.
ENTER:
2008 Round 1 Cleary-In ENTER: 76.15 (CSP)
Credit Transfer:
Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of the course may be granted 'credit' and/or entry to 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://pandoraplus.swin.edu.au/credit/
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 this course with advanced standing. Certain subject requirements apply and an acceptable standard of results must be 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://pandoraplus.swin.edu.au/credit/ Note: Eligibility for credit does not guarantee a place in the course; acceptance depends on the number of applicants and available places.
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:
Swinburne offers domestic undergraduate studentsCommonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or holders of an Australian permanent resident visa are classified as domestic students. All other students are considered international students. HELP The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. HELP consists of: 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. Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount. For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: http://www.goingtouni.gov.au
Swinburne offers domestic undergraduate studentsCommonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or holders of an Australian permanent resident visa are classified as domestic students. All other students are considered international students.
HELP
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. HELP consists of:
Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount.
For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: http://www.goingtouni.gov.au
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:
Applications must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). VTAC code: 34241(CSP), 34243 (Int. Fee) For further information, visit the VTAC website at: www.vtac.edu.au Applicants who believe they will receive an ENTER of at least 97.00, have an opportunity to undertake this course through the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Program. For further information visit the website at: www.swin.edu.au/scholarships
Further information:
Submit an Online Enquiry Tel: 1300 368 777 Email: study@swinburne.edu.au Faculty of Life and Social Sciences website
