Why Study/Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in Neuroscience, combines health science with biology, physiology, psychophysiology and neuroimaging. Students learn how brain function can be investigated using technologies such as MRI and MEG and explore neurological and brain-related disorders.

Key benefits include:

• Study the structure and function of the nervous system and brain.
• Develop knowledge of molecular pathways and their relationship to brain function.
• Explore sensory systems, perception and higher cortical functions.
• Develop skills in neuroimaging applications, including interpreting data generated by MRI and MEG.
• Study developmental and molecular neuroscience.
• Explore neuropsychopharmacology and its relationship to brain function.
• Develop research and evidence-analysis skills.
• Complete a Health Sciences Project as part of the degree.
• Gain guaranteed Work Integrated Learning through a placement, internship or industry research project.
• Access Swinburne's health-science learning environment and advanced technologies, including virtual reality and digital dissection resources.
• Build a foundation for employment in health, neuroscience, medical technology and related industries or for further postgraduate study.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The standard 300-credit-point degree consists of 8 core units, 8 Neuroscience major units and 8 elective units. Swinburne's currently published study sequence is an indicative Semester 1, 2026 sequence, so unit availability and sequencing may change.

Year 1 – 100 credit points

Core units:

• Anatomy and Physiology – BIO10004
• Introduction to Health Sciences – HEA10001
• Digital Health Foundations – HEA10004
• Foundations of Statistics – STA10003
• Brain and Behaviour – PSY10007

Neuroscience major:

• Neuroscience – NEU10002

Electives:

• 2 elective units

Year 2 – 100 credit points

Neuroscience major:

• Neurophysiology – NEU20006
• Neuroimaging – NEU20007
• Sensation and Perception – NEU20005
• Developmental and Molecular Neuroscience – NEU20008

Core:

• Health and Disease Across the Life Course – BIO20004

Electives:

• 2 elective units

Year 3 – 100 credit points

Core:

• Research Methods for Health Science – HEA20007
• Health Sciences Project – HEA30001

Neuroscience major:

• Higher Cortical Function – NEU30004
• Advanced Topics in Neuroscience – NEU30007
• Neuropsychopharmacology – NEU30009

Electives:

• 4 elective units

The Health Sciences Project is listed as a core unit for non-psychology majors.

The eight Neuroscience major units are confirmed in Swinburne's course handbook:

• Neuroscience – NEU10002
• Neurophysiology – NEU20006
• Neuroimaging – NEU20007
• Sensation and Perception – NEU20005
• Developmental and Molecular Neuroscience – NEU20008
• Higher Cortical Function – NEU30004
• Advanced Topics in Neuroscience – NEU30007
• Neuropsychopharmacology – NEU30009

Disciplines/Specialisations

The selected specialisation is:

• Neuroscience

The Bachelor of Health Science currently provides eight major options:

• Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health
• Biomedical Science
• Clinical Technologies
• Health Economics
• Health Service Management
• Neuroscience
• Nutrition
• Public Health and Health Promotion

The Neuroscience major specifically covers:

• Brain and nervous-system science
• Molecular neuroscience
• Developmental neuroscience
• Neurophysiology
• Neuroimaging
• Sensation and perception
• Higher cortical function
• Neuropsychopharmacology
• Psychophysiology
• Research methods and practice

Programme Highlights

• Specialisation in Neuroscience within a broad Bachelor of Health Science.
• Integration of biology and physiology with psychophysiology and neuroimaging.
• Training in MRI and MEG data interpretation.
• Exposure to developmental and molecular neuroscience.
• Neuropsychopharmacology study linked with Swinburne's Centre for Human Psychopharmacology.
• Research-methods training.
• Health Sciences Project.
• Guaranteed Work Integrated Learning across Swinburne's bachelor degrees.
• Optional six-month or 12-month professional placement.
• Access to advanced health-science technology and learning resources.
• Opportunity to combine Health Science with another degree through selected double-degree pathways.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne lists the following career opportunities for the Neuroscience major:

• Neuroscientist
• Pharmaceutical representative
• Medical device technician
• Hospital scientist
• Clinical neurophysiology technologist
• Clinical trials manager
• Sleep technician

The programme may also provide relevant preparation for areas such as:

• Neuroscience research
• Brain and behavioural research
• Medical technology
• Neuroimaging
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
• Clinical research
• Health science research
• Hospital and diagnostic environments

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current course code is BA-HSC1.
• The current CRICOS code is 077669G.
• 2027 intakes are 1 March and 2 August.
• Current application deadlines are 24 February and 28 July 2027 respectively.
• The currently published subject sequence is an indicative Semester 1, 2026 sequence; Swinburne advises that sequencing and unit offerings can change.
• The Neuroscience major has an individual VTAC code of 3400213871 for the relevant course application pathway shown by Swinburne.
• International students in Australia holding Student visas must study full-time and on campus.
• The course contains practical learning components involving interpretation of imaging, anatomical structures, graphs, laboratory results and health data.
• Swinburne's Informed Choices information identifies capabilities involving sensory functions, mobility, professional conduct, cognition, digital literacy, communication, teamwork and interpersonal interaction. Reasonable adjustments may be available for adaptable components, while some safety-critical activities have limited flexibility.
• Optional professional placement adds additional credit points and increases total course fees.

International Student Visa Requirements

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

Key requirements include:

• Enrolment in an eligible CRICOS-registered course.
• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Demonstrating sufficient financial capacity where required.
• Providing the documents identified by the Department of Home Affairs' Document Checklist Tool.

Student visa work conditions:

• Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
• The higher work-right exception for students undertaking master's by research or doctoral degrees does not apply to this bachelor's degree.
• Students can generally work unlimited hours when the course is not in session, subject to their visa conditions.
• Students cannot generally begin work before their course starts.