Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Science is a three-year undergraduate science degree designed around practical, interdisciplinary and industry-relevant learning. Swinburne highlights laboratory access from first year, hands-on classes and industry-linked projects as key features.

Key benefits include:

• Broad scientific foundation before progressing into a specialised major.
• Eight major options covering mathematics, astronomy, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, environmental science, physics and space technology.
• Practical laboratory learning and access to science facilities.
• Three professionally focused, industry-linked projects as part of the degree's Work Integrated Learning approach.
• Development of laboratory, data-analysis, research, problem-solving, report-writing and teamwork skills.
• Opportunity to add a second major, advanced minor, minor or electives.
• Professional placement options are available within the course structure, subject to competitive selection and applicable international-student requirements.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The standard structure is 300 credit points:

• 8 Science core units = 100 credit points
• 8 units from one Science major = 100 credit points
• 8 units of other study = 100 credit points.

Current Science core content includes subjects such as:

• Data Science Principles – COS10022
• Concepts of Biology – BIO10001
• Chemistry 1 – CHE10001
• Energy and Motion – PHY10001
• Sustainability Challenges in Science – NPS10003
• Societal Challenges in Science – NPS20011
• Grand Challenges in Science – NPS30004

The exact core combination depends on the student's study plan and selected major.

The current handbook also identifies alternative core mathematics/statistics subjects, including:

• Preliminary Mathematics
• Calculus and Applications
• Foundations of Statistics
• Essential Mathematics
• Linear Algebra and Applications.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The current Bachelor of Science offers these eight majors:

1. Applied Mathematics
2. Astronomy and Astrophysics
3. Biochemistry
4. Biotechnology
5. Chemistry
6. Environmental Science
7. Physics
8. Space Technology.

Brief focus areas include:

• Applied Mathematics: mathematical and numerical methods applied to real-world phenomena.
• Astronomy and Astrophysics: study of the universe from fundamental particles to large-scale cosmic structures.
• Biochemistry: molecular processes and applications across medical and industrial fields.
• Biotechnology: application of biology and technology to areas such as healthcare, products and industry.
• Chemistry: applications including forensic science, environmental science, water analysis, materials and analytical chemistry.
• Environmental Science: interaction between ecological, social, local and global environmental issues.
• Physics: classical and modern physics together with digital and practical skills.
• Space Technology: space environments, microgravity, space law, data visualisation and challenges associated with space missions.

Second majors currently available include:

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

Programme Highlights

• 3-year Bachelor of Science.
• 300 credit points.
• Hawthorn campus in Melbourne.
• Eight current major choices.
• Laboratory access from first year.
• Hands-on and practical science learning.
• Three professionally focused, industry-linked projects as part of the degree's Work Integrated Learning approach.
• Opportunities to add a second major, advanced minor, minor or electives.
• Professional placement option subject to competitive selection.
• Chemistry major has accreditation through the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).
• Students completing Physics with a Higher Mathematics minor are eligible to apply for Australian Institute of Physics membership pathways as specified by Swinburne.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies potential career areas including:

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

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current course code: BA-SC2.
• CRICOS code: 088402K.
• Current published 2027 starts: 1 March 2027 and 2 August 2027.
• Current major list includes Space Technology in addition to the traditional science disciplines.
• The standard degree is 300 credit points.
• Maximum academic credit is 200 credit points, subject to assessment.
• Professional placement is competitive.
• A six- or 12-month professional placement increases the overall course duration and tuition costs.
• International students holding an Australian Student visa must study full-time and on campus.
• The programme includes practical laboratory activities involving scientific equipment and, depending on the study area, chemicals and other potentially hazardous substances. Swinburne's current "Informed Choices" information describes sensory, mobility, learning/knowledge and interpersonal capabilities relevant to participation in the course.
• Applicants who do not satisfy the mathematics prerequisite may need a MathsLink bridging programme.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying this course in Australia, the relevant visa is generally the Australian Student visa, Subclass 500.

Key requirements include:

• 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.
• Providing financial evidence where required by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Maintaining compliance with Student visa conditions.
• Studying consistently with the enrolled course and visa requirements.