About the Course

Course Description:

Aims & Objectives:

• to develop in students a mastery of a wide spectrum of basic principles underlying biomedical sciences
• to give students an appropriate introduction to the role of the medical technician, biochemist, technologist or researcher in the health community
• to give students a sound knowledge of anatomy, biochemistry, 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 biochemistry, 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, 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 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' communication skills so that they can present their ideas clearly by verbal, written and graphical means
• to prepare students for the changing workplace and changing societal context by developing their life-long learning skills and flexibility of mind.

Course Structure:

• Biosciences Professional Major, 16 units of 12.5 credit points each (200 credit points); and
• Advanced Biochemistry Co-Major, 8 units of 12.5 credit points each (100 credit points).

• 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 free electives 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.

Major specialisation:

Units of Study:

Course Features

Industry-Based Learning:

Industry-Based Learning (IBL) is an optional program in which students are placed in paid, supervised employment relevant to their studies as part of their degree. IBL gives you practical experience to add to your academic studies and is aimed at increasing a your employability upon graduation. All IBL placements are subject to availability of places. It is not available to international students holding a student visa. For further information visit: www.swinburne.edu.au/lss/ibl

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.

Employment Outcomes

Career Opportunities:

Careers outcomes are focused on hospital laboratories, including intensive care support and medical technologist positions in cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological medicine. Strong chemistry and biochemistry skills open up opportunities for work in various laboratories, including those requiring knowledge in molecular biology, biotechnology and environmental science disciplines. Graduates may be called on to analyse metabolic disorders, perform blood, metabolic, genetic and tissue tests, or identify an infectious micro-organism. Employment may also be found in the health care sector, medical equipment companies and the sports science area and some aspects of forensic science.

Graduate Attributes:

• the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
• the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI)
• the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM)
• the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers (APESMA)

How To Apply

Entry Requirements:

Successful completion of an appropriate Victorian Year 12 or its equivalent.

2012 VCE Prerequisites: Units 3 & 4 - a study score of at least 20 in English (any) and in Mathematics (any).

Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR): 70.20

2011 Round 1 Clearly-In ATAR (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.

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:

Scholarships:

For information about scholarships at Swinburne visit: www.swin.edu.au/scholarships

Application Procedure:

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Further information: