About the Course

Course Description:

This double degree course emphasises the skill sets of a biotechnologist while broadening the student’s skills to include media and communication. The course is ideal for students who see the need to promote science in the media and allows students to pursue a career in either or both disciplines (including further study). Both degrees are hands-on and involve the student with practical reinforcement of their theory.  Being 'work ready' is a strength of this double degree.

Aims & Objectives:

• mastery of the basic scientific principles that underpin biotechnology
• a sound and practical knowledge of laboratory techniques and practices through which biotechnological discoveries are made
• an appreciation of the social context in which scientific work is undertaken and which scientific knowledge is applied
• an appreciation of the legislation that regulates scientific activities, and particularly those that relate to biotechnology
• 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

• an understanding of communications and media
• an advanced understanding of the social context of technological developments
• an ability to define and analyse social issues related to science and technology
• excellent skills for professional communication, scientific communication and lay communication

Course Structure:

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Science, a student must complete 200 credit points of science units of study ie. units of study that would normally be regarded as contributing to the science component of a science degree.

Units of Study:

Stage 1
Semester 1
HES1610 Concepts of Biology 
HES1510 Chemistry 1*
HMS101 Foundation Mathematics **
HALM104 Media Literature Film: Texts and Contexts

Semester 2
HMS102 Introduction to Statistics
HES1616 Concepts of Biotechnology
HES1525 Chemistry 2
HAM105 The Media in Australia

Stage 2
Semester 1
HES2621 Introduction to Biochemistry
HES2631 The Microbial World
Elective 1
Arts Media/Comm Unit

Semester 2
HES2626 Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
HES2636 Microbes in the Environment
Elective 2
Arts Media/Comm Unit

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: http://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.

Employment Outcomes

Career Opportunities:

This double degree prepares graduates for careers in the media and communications industries, where their expert understanding of the sciences associated with biotechnology will allow them to deal critically with technological issues and enhance community understanding.

Professional recognition:

• Australian Biotechnology Association
• The Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Australian Society for Microbiology

Graduate Attributes:

• capable in their chose professional, vocational or study areas
• able to 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

How To Apply

Entry Requirements:

ENTER:

2008 Round 1 Clearly-In ENTER: 76.15(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:

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

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: http://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: http://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: http://www.swin.edu.au/scholarships

Find Out More

Further information: