Why Study/Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Science (Professional), majoring in Biochemistry, is a four-year professional science degree that combines theoretical science with laboratory learning and industry experience. The Biochemistry major focuses on the molecules and chemical processes underlying life, including microorganisms, enzymes, DNA and biomolecular structures.

Key benefits include:

• Practical laboratory experience from the early stages of the degree.
• Study of biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry and molecular biology.
• Development of skills in understanding biomolecular structures, laboratory experimentation, data analysis, scientific research and technical reporting.
• Guaranteed Work Integrated Learning as part of Swinburne's bachelor-degree offering.
• A 12-month paid professional work-placement opportunity.
• Three industry-linked projects designed to provide professional experience and industry exposure.
• Opportunity to build professional networks while earning academic credit for the placement.
• The Biochemistry major is connected to applications in medical investigation, agriculture, environmental science, food production and forensic science.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

Swinburne's current indicative course sequence is based on the 2026 study plan. Swinburne notes that unit availability and sequencing can change and students should use their current course planner when enrolling.

Year 1 – 100 credit points

Core units include:

• Data Science Principles — COS10022 — 12.5 credit points
• Calculus and Applications — MTH10012 — 12.5 credit points
• Concepts of Biology — BIO10001 — 12.5 credit points
• Chemistry 1 — CHE10001 — 12.5 credit points
• Energy and Motion — PHY10001 — 12.5 credit points
• Linear Algebra and Applications — MTH10013 — 12.5 credit points
• Sustainability Challenges in Science — NPS10003 — 12.5 credit points

Students choose the applicable introductory science units according to the published course structure.

The Biochemistry major begins with:

• Concepts of Biotechnology — BIO10003 — 12.5 credit points
• Chemistry 2 — CHE10002 — 12.5 credit points.

Year 2

Major units include:

• Introduction to Biochemistry — BCH20002 — 12.5 credit points
• Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins — BCH20001 — 12.5 credit points

Students also complete the relevant science core and elective units.

Professional work placement

The professional placement consists of:

• Work Experience in Industry A — WEI20001
• Integrated Professional Placement A – Science — NPS20003
• Work Experience in Industry B — WEI20002
• Integrated Professional Placement B – Science — NPS20004

Together these units represent 100 credit points and form the 12-month professional placement component.

Year 4 – 75 credit points

Biochemistry major units include:

• Advanced Biochemistry — BCH30003 — 12.5 credit points
• Environmental Biology — ENV30001 — 12.5 credit points
• Computational Chemistry: Methods and Applications — CHE30006 — 12.5 credit points
• Molecular Biotechnology — BIO30004 — 12.5 credit points

Disciplines/Specialisations

The selected major is:

• Biochemistry

Swinburne currently offers the following majors within the Bachelor of Science (Professional):

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

The Biochemistry major itself does not currently list separate formal specialisations.

• Additional Biochemistry specialisations: Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

Programme Highlights

• Four-year Bachelor of Science (Professional).
• 375 credit points.
• Biochemistry major with eight dedicated major units.
• Laboratory-based science education.
• Study of enzymes, DNA, microorganisms, biomolecules and biochemical processes.
• Computational chemistry and molecular biotechnology in advanced study.
• Guaranteed Work Integrated Learning.
• 12-month paid professional work-placement opportunity.
• 100 credit points allocated to professional placement.
• Three industry-linked projects.
• CRICOS code 095882G.
• Two published 2027 intakes.
• RACI professional accreditation pathway when the Biochemistry major is completed with the Chemistry minor.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne 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.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• Current 2027 starts: 1 March 2027 and 2 August 2027.
• CRICOS code: 095882G.
• International Student visa holders studying this course in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• The programme contains laboratory activities involving scientific equipment, procedures and potentially hazardous materials. Students need to be able to follow laboratory procedures safely and interpret complex scientific information. Swinburne identifies concentration, retention, interpretation and safe application of procedures as relevant requirements.
• Some safety-critical activities may have limited flexibility for reasonable adjustments.
• Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning are assessed individually.
• The published study sequence is indicative and may change depending on unit availability, advanced standing and exemptions. 

International Student Visa Requirements

The Bachelor of Science (Professional), Biochemistry is registered under CRICOS code 095882G and can be used for an Australian Student visa application where the applicant meets all applicable Department of Home Affairs requirements.

For Student visa subclass 500, applicants generally need to:

• Be enrolled in a full-time CRICOS-registered course.
• Hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Apply online.
• Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Satisfy the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meet applicable financial-capacity requirements.
• Meet applicable health and character requirements.
• Meet documentary requirements applicable to the individual application.
• Comply with Student visa conditions.
• Meet welfare-arrangement requirements if under 18.