Why Study/Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Science (Professional) is a four-year undergraduate science degree designed to combine broad scientific foundations with specialised study and substantial industry experience. Swinburne describes the course as providing a broad science overview while allowing students to specialise through science majors and apply their knowledge through project-based and industry-linked learning.

Key benefits include:

• Choice of science majors across mathematics, astronomy and astrophysics, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, environmental science, physics and space technology.
• Practical laboratory and scientific learning.
• Three industry-linked projects integrated into the professional degree.
• A 12-month paid professional work placement opportunity as part of the Professional degree structure.
• Development of critical data analysis, problem-solving, research, report-writing and teamwork skills.
• Opportunities to build industry connections and apply scientific knowledge to real-world problems.
• Access to interdisciplinary study through minors, advanced minors and electives.
• Professional recognition opportunities in Chemistry through the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and, for eligible Physics students, membership pathways with the Australian Institute of Physics.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The degree combines four principal components:

• Science core studies.
• A Science major.
• Professional placement.
• Advanced minor, minor and/or elective studies.

The current course page lists core study including topics such as:

• Data Science Principles
• Calculus and Applications
• Concepts of Biology
• Chemistry
• Energy and Motion
• Linear Algebra and Applications
• Sustainability Challenges in Science
• Societal Challenges in Science
• Grand Challenges in Science.

The exact core choices depend on the approved course structure and major selected.

The professional placement component includes:

• Work Experience in Industry A
• Integrated Professional Placement A – Science
• Work Experience in Industry B
• Integrated Professional Placement B – Science.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The currently available majors are:

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

Examples of study within these areas include:

Applied Mathematics:

• Matrices, Vector Calculus and Complex Analysis
• Modelling Nature's Non-Linearity
• Series and Transforms
• Quantitative Prediction
• Differential Equations
• Optimisation
• Stochastic Modelling
• Numerical and Computational Mathematics.

Astronomy and Astrophysics:

• Cosmology and the Large-scale Structure of the Universe
• Galaxies and their Place in the Universe
• From Stars to Black Holes
• Research Skills in Astrophysics.

Biochemistry:

• Introduction to Biochemistry
• Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
• Advanced Biochemistry
• Molecular Biotechnology
• Computational Chemistry.

Biotechnology:

• The Microbial World
• Microbes in the Environment
• Applications of Bioinformatics
• Molecular Biotechnology.

Chemistry:

• Analytical and Forensic Chemistry
• Investigative Organic Chemistry
• Spectroscopy and Instrumentation
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Advanced Analytical Chemistry
• Surface and Colloid Chemistry.

Environmental Science:

• Environmental Management
• Food Science
• Water Science
• Environmental Biology
• Microbes in the Environment
• Built and Sustainable Communities.

Physics:

• Electronics and Electromagnetism
• Optics, Relativity and Subatomic Physics
• Quantum Mechanics and Solid State Physics
• Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism
• Physics Research Laboratories
• Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics
• Quantum, Atomic and Optical Physics.

Space Technology:

• Your Career in the Space Sector
• Space and Microgravity Science
• Space Environment, Data, Visualisation and Applications
• Space Policy, Law and the New Space Economy
• Design and Entrepreneurship for the Space Industry
• Space Innovation Research Challenge
• Space Industry Research Project.

Programme Highlights

• Bachelor of Science (Professional).
• Course code: BA-SC2PROF.
• CRICOS: 095882G.
• Hawthorn campus.
• Four-year full-time course listing.
• 375 credit points.
• Eight science majors currently available.
• 12-month paid professional work placement opportunity.
• Three industry-linked projects.
• Laboratory, project and applied scientific learning.
• Advanced minors, minors and electives for interdisciplinary study.
• Chemistry professional recognition through RACI for eligible study combinations.
• Physics students may be eligible for AIP membership pathways when the specified mathematics minor combination is completed.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne lists example career opportunities including:

• Forensic scientist
• Sustainability analyst
• Meteorologist and climate modeller
• Pathologist
• Astrophysicist
• Laboratory technician
• Energy analyst
• Data science specialist
• Researcher
• Technology analyst
• Scientific advisor
• Wine scientist
• Quality control manager.

International Student Visa Requirements

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

CRICOS course code: 095882G.

Key requirements can include:

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