Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne Australia
Future Students - Courses
Course Description:
Students who commenced prior to 2010, please refer to Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry and Chemistry) course information. From nutrition and agriculture through to medicine and psychology, anywhere an understanding of the molecular basis of biology is important –– you’ll see biochemistry in action. Through this program you’ll combine biochemistry (the study of molecules of life, their structure and role in the processes of animals, plants and micro-organisms) with chemistry (the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions). This combination examines how biochemical knowledge can be applied to a range of industries and medical investigations, and especially emphasises practical skills, like the culturing of micro-organisms, through to the investigation of complex molecules such as enzymes and DNA. The program 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. This course is also offered to Australian students 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 Scholarships website.
Aims & Objectives:
The course aims to develop: mastery of the basic scientific principles that underpin chemistry and biochemistry a sound practical knowledge of laboratory techniques and practices through which biochemical and chemical discoveries are made and through which industrial practise is carried out an integration of the theoretic and practical knowledge of both biochemistry and chemistry such that students are work- and research-ready advanced communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written an appreciation of the moral, ethical and social elements essential to a satisfying personal philosophy and a sound professional attitude skills in self education, evaluation of new information and encouragement in flexibility of thought, to prepare students for a world of accelerating technological change.
Course Structure:
This course operates 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 will generally be taken each semester. The typical student's average weekly workload during a semester is therefore deemed to be 50 hours. Total student contact hours, including lectures, classes, tutorials, flexible learning and laboratory and field sessions will vary in different semesters, but will be less than 20 hours per week. For the Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry and Chemistry) program students must complete 300 credit points, normally 24 units of 12.5 credit points each, comprising: Biotechnology Professional Major, 16 units of 12.5 credit points each (200 credit points); and Advanced Chemistry Co-Major (8 units) . Additionally the following rules apply: the non-credit unit, HAC0001 Careers in the Curriculum, is compulsory; two (2) Major Project units must be completed as part of the major studies sequence; the same unit cannot be counted more than once. Where there are overlaps, the 300 credit points of study must be made up in the first instance by a Minor where 50 credit points is required, otherwise by freeelectives or Options Plus units; students will normally not be permitted to successfully complete more than 26 units (325cps); Professional Major Co-ordinators have the authority to approve alternative units if required for students to complete in a timely fashion. To be noted at Faculty Academic Committee. Careers in the Curriculum (CIC) In addition to the above, students must complete a compulsory unit of study 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 their course and is compulsory for all undergraduate students. 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 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. Winter and Summer Term This program also provides opportunities to undertake study in an optional six-week Winter and Summer term allowing you to complete extra study between the standard semesters. These terms are not mandatory. However, if you wish to vary your study load you may want to consider this option. Options Plus Students will have access to a small set of approved individual Options Plus units of study which provide either a distinctive learning experience or targeted study support. This could include optional study tours, an Intercultural Communications unit, and an ‘introduction to undergraduate research’ unit. In some cases, students may be advised or directed to take specially targeted Options Plus units, for example the Analysing and Writing English unit to be offered for credit in Winter Term for NESB students. Students undertaking a full 300 cp program are allowed to substitute at least one Options Plus unit for one existing unit within their Co-Major– but not in their Professional Major. They will be advised by their Faculty on which unit(s) of the Co-Major. In the case of students who enter with significant levels of advanced standing and whose program is therefore composed only of a Professional Major, the Faculty may approve a substitution, or else require the students to undertake the Options Plus unit in addition to their Major studies.
Major specialisation:
Professional Majors A Professional Major (200 credit points or 16 units of study) in Science is designed to provide students with appropriate breadth and depth of knowledge in a particular field of study and provide suitable preparation for professional graduate employment. It may be based on a single, recognised discipline, or it may be inter-disciplinary in character. Study areas in the Biotechnology Professional Major include biochemistry, biological sciences, biology, biotechnology, environmental chemistry, DNA studies, genetics, measurements and instrumentation, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, molecular modelling and advanced biotechnology research. Co-Majors A Co-Major (100 credit points or 8 units of study) is a sequence of study focused on a specific discipline and is normally self-contained, in that it includes any requisite foundation studies. Where a student has studied a Co-Major they are not normally eligible to apply to graduate with the associated tagged degree outcome. Study areas in the Advanced Chemistry Co-Major include analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, environmental chemistry, chemical sustainability and advanced chemistry units.
Units of Study:
Biotechnology Professional MajorHET102 Introductory Physiology HMS111 Engineering Mathematics 1 OR HMS101 Foundation Mathematics HES1610 Concepts of Biology HES1510 Chemistry 1* HES1616 Concepts of Biotechnology HES1525 Chemistry 2 HES2621 Introduction to Biochemistry HES2631 The Microbial World HES2636 Microbes in the Environment HES2626 Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins HES4621 Advanced Biochemistry HES4641 Practical Biochemistry HES4701 Research Skills Project HES4628 Environmental Biotechnology HES4646 Biotechnology Research Project HES4626 Biotechnology * HES 1510 may be replaced with HES1490 Introduction to Chemistry for students without Year 12 Chemistry Advanced Chemistry Co-major HES4720 Environmental Management OR HES1555 Consumer Science HES2540 Forensic and Analytical Science HES2510 Investigative Chemistry Prac 1 HES2520 Chemistry 3 HES2515 Investigative Chemistry Prac 2 HES4520 Advanced Chemistry 1 HES4510 Investigative Chemistry Prac 3 HES4525 Advanced Chemistry 2
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 currently not available to international students. However international students may be able to participate in IBL in another country, subject to the approval of the relevant Swinburne IBL Manager and appropriate immigration approval.
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 and chemists 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. 2010 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.
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.
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 students Commonwealth 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
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:
For information about scholarships at Swinburne visit: www.swin.edu.au/scholarships
Application Procedure:
Applications must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). VTAC code: 34241 (CSP), 34243 (IFP) For further information, visit the VTAC website. Part-time study is also available to Australian citizens and holders of Australian residency.
Further information:
Submit an Online Enquiry Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794) Email: study@swinburne.edu.au Faculty of Life and Social Sciences website
