Why Study/Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biochemistry, combines biological science, chemistry, laboratory practice, data analysis and research skills. The major focuses on the molecules of life, including microorganisms, enzymes and DNA, and examines how biochemical knowledge can be applied in industry and medical investigations.

Key benefits include:

• Study of biomolecular structures and biochemical processes.
• Laboratory-based learning from the early stage of the degree.
• Practical experience with scientific equipment and laboratory techniques.
• Development of critical data-analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Research and information-gathering skills.
• Technical report-writing experience.
• Three professionally focused, industry-linked projects through Work Integrated Learning.
• Small, hands-on classes and guaranteed laboratory access from Year 1.
• Opportunity to combine Science with another degree through selected double-degree options.
• Potential RACI accreditation for students who complete the Biochemistry major together with the Chemistry minor.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The standard Bachelor of Science consists of 300 credit points: 8 core units, 8 major units and 8 elective units. The published study sequence is indicative and can change depending on unit availability, advanced standing and exemptions.

Year 1 – 100 credit points:

Semester 1:

• Data Science Principles – COS10022 – 12.5 credit points.
• Choose two:
  • Concepts of Biology – BIO10001 – 12.5 credit points.
  • Chemistry 1 – CHE10001 – 12.5 credit points.
  • Energy and Motion – PHY10001 – 12.5 credit points.
• Choose one mathematics pathway:
  • Calculus and Applications – MTH10012 – 12.5 credit points; or
  • Preliminary Mathematics – MTH00007 – 12.5 credit points.

Semester 2:

• Sustainability Challenges in Science – NPS10003 – 12.5 credit points.
• Concepts of Biotechnology – BIO10003 – 12.5 credit points.
• Chemistry 2 – CHE10002 – 12.5 credit points.
• Choose one mathematics pathway:
  • Linear Algebra and Applications – MTH10013 – 12.5 credit points; or
  • Essential Mathematics – MTH10010 – 12.5 credit points.

Year 2 – 100 credit points:

Semester 1:

• Introduction to Biochemistry – BCH20002 – 12.5 credit points.
• Three elective units.

Semester 2:

• Societal Challenges in Science – NPS20011 – 12.5 credit points.
• Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins – BCH20001 – 12.5 credit points.
• Two elective units.

Year 3 – 100 credit points:

Semester 1:

• Advanced Biochemistry – BCH30003 – 12.5 credit points.
• Environmental Biology – ENV30001 – 12.5 credit points.
• One elective.

Semester 2:

• Grand Challenges in Science – NPS30004 – 12.5 credit points.
• Computational Chemistry: Methods and Applications – CHE30006 – 12.5 credit points.
• Molecular Biotechnology – BIO30004 – 12.5 credit points.
• One elective.

The eight Biochemistry major units are:

• Concepts of Biotechnology – BIO10003.
• Chemistry 2 – CHE10002.
• Introduction to Biochemistry – BCH20002.
• Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins – BCH20001.
• Advanced Biochemistry – BCH30003.
• Environmental Biology – ENV30001.
• Computational Chemistry: Methods and Applications – CHE30006.
• Molecular Biotechnology – BIO30004.

Optional professional placement:

Students can choose a six- or 12-month professional placement. The 12-month placement includes:

• Work Experience in Industry A – WEI20001 – 25 credit points.
• Integrated Professional Placement A – Science – NPS20003 – 25 credit points.
• Work Experience in Industry B – WEI20002 – 25 credit points.
• Integrated Professional Placement B – Science – NPS20004 – 25 credit points.

Disciplines/Specialisations

Selected major: Biochemistry.

The major focuses on:

• Biomolecular structures.
• Molecules of life.
• Microorganisms.
• Enzymes.
• DNA.
• Biochemistry of genes and proteins.
• Molecular biotechnology.
• Environmental biology.
• Computational chemistry.
• Laboratory science.
• Scientific data analysis.

The wider Bachelor of Science currently offers these majors:

• Applied Mathematics.
• Astronomy and Astrophysics.
• Biochemistry.
• Biotechnology.
• Chemistry.
• Environmental Science.
• Physics.
• Space Technology.

The Biochemistry major can also be combined with selected double degrees, including:

• Health Science/Science.
• Science/Applied Innovation.
• Laws/Science.
• Arts/Science.
• Engineering (Honours)/Science.

Programme Highlights

• Bachelor of Science.
• Biochemistry major.
• Course code: BA-SC2.
• CRICOS: 088402K.
• Hawthorn campus.
• 3 years full-time.
• 300 credit points.
• 8 core units.
• 8 major units.
• 8 elective units.
• Laboratory access from Year 1.
• Small, hands-on classes.
• Three professionally focused industry-linked projects through Work Integrated Learning.
• Optional six- or 12-month professional placement.
• Potential Royal Australian Chemical Institute accreditation when Biochemistry is completed with the Chemistry minor.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne specifically identifies the following career opportunities for the Biochemistry major:

• Biochemical researcher.
• Clinical biochemist.
• Agricultural or environmental scientist.
• Forensic scientist.
• Food or beverage production technician.
• Pathologist.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying this programme in Australia generally require an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

The programme is registered under CRICOS code 088402K.

Key visa requirements can include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
• Evidence of financial capacity where required.
• English-language evidence where required.
• Applicable health requirements.
• Applicable character requirements.
• Compliance with Student visa conditions.