Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in Biomedical Science, combines foundational health science with specialised study of the human body, disease, laboratory science, genetics, physiology and biomedical data.

Key benefits include:

• Develop knowledge of anatomy, biochemistry, genomics, immunology, pathology and physiology.
• Gain practical experience with contemporary biomedical and digital technologies.
• Develop biomedical data analysis and scientific writing skills.
• Learn to interpret health-related data and apply evidence-based approaches.
• Use bioinformatics software used by industry professionals.
• Access virtual-reality and digital-dissection technologies as part of health science learning.
• Complete guaranteed Work Integrated Learning through a placement, internship or industry research/project experience. However, the current course handbook states that international students holding a Student visa cannot undertake the professional placement option in this course because of government regulation.
• Build a foundation for employment in biomedical, laboratory, biotechnology and clinical research environments.
• The degree can also be combined with selected second degrees through Swinburne’s double-degree options.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The standard Bachelor of Health Science comprises 300 credit points: eight core units, eight major units and 100 credit points of other study.

Core units

The eight core units are:

• Anatomy and Physiology – BIO10004
• Introduction to Health Sciences – HEA10001
• Digital Health Foundations – HEA10004
• Foundations of Statistics – STA10003
• Brain and Behaviour – PSY10007
• Health and Disease Across the Life Course – BIO20004
• Research Methods for Health Science – HEA20007
• Health Sciences Project – HEA30001

Each standard core unit is worth 12.5 credit points.

Biomedical Science major

The current course handbook lists the following Biomedical Science major units:

• Chemistry 1 – CHE10001
• Musculoskeletal Anatomy – BIO10008
• Introduction to Biochemistry – BCH20002
• Physiology in Medical and Health Sciences – NTR20003
• Infections and Immunology in Health Sciences – BIO20005
• Genes and Genomics – BIO30006
• Body Function and Structure for Health Science – BIO30007
• Pathophysiology – BIO30008
• Health Sciences Project – HEA30001, for non-psychology majors

Other study and electives

The remaining 100 credit points can include a second major, minor/s and/or elective units, subject to Swinburne's course rules.

The current handbook lists the following second-major options:

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

Disciplines / Specialisations

The selected specialisation is Biomedical Science.

The broader Bachelor of Health Science currently offers eight majors:

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

Programme Highlights

• 3-year undergraduate degree.
• Biomedical Science major.
• 300 credit points.
• Hawthorn campus.
• CRICOS course code 077669G.
• Two published 2027 intakes.
• Technology-enhanced biomedical learning.
• Virtual reality and digital dissection technology.
• Study of anatomy, biochemistry, genomics, immunology, pathology and physiology.
• Biomedical data analysis and laboratory-practice skills.
• Guaranteed Work Integrated Learning as part of the bachelor's programme.
• Opportunities to undertake a second major, minor/s or electives.
• Double-degree options with Applied Innovation, Arts, Business, Media and Communication, and Science.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies career opportunities for the Biomedical Science major including:

• Biomedical technician
• Hospital scientist
• Biotechnology product developer
• Clinical trials coordinator
• Medical laboratory scientist
• Microbiology technical officer

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current course code: BA-HSC1.
• Current CRICOS code: 077669G.
• Current standard duration: 3 years full-time.
• Current published 2027 starts: 1 March 2027 and 2 August 2027.
• Current application deadlines shown by Swinburne: 24 February 2027 and 28 July 2027.
• International Student visa holders must study full-time and on campus.
• The current course handbook states that international students holding a Student visa cannot undertake the professional placement option in this course because of government regulation. This is important when interpreting the general course-page references to 6- and 12-month professional placements.
• The course includes Informed Choices information covering sensory, mobility, legal/duty-of-care/professional, learning/knowledge-creation and interpersonal capabilities. Some components may have limited flexibility because they relate to safety or professional practice.
• The current course page identifies a guaranteed Work Integrated Learning component; the specific form of WIL can vary according to the major and course structure.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying this CRICOS-registered course in Australia generally require a Student visa, subclass 500.

Core requirements

The Australian Department of Home Affairs states that Student visa applicants must:

• Apply online in or outside Australia.
• Be enrolled in an eligible course and hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided.
• Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meet the applicable Student visa requirements.
• Meet welfare requirements where the applicant is under 18.