Why Study / Key Benefits

• Combines two bachelor's qualifications: Bachelor of Health Science and Bachelor of Science.
• Provides an interdisciplinary combination of health, wellbeing and scientific knowledge.
• Covers contemporary health issues alongside practical applications of science.
• Uses project-based learning to apply theoretical knowledge.
• Develops health-science communication, research, critical data analysis, problem-solving and report-writing skills.
• Includes health-industry and science-industry linked projects as part of Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning framework.
• Students can build a specialist profile by combining one Health Science major with one Science major.
• Swinburne highlights access to technologies including virtual reality and digital dissection tables for health-science learning.
• The course page states that Swinburne has both MRI and MEG facilities at its Hawthorn site.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The double degree has four principal components: Health Science core, Science core, a Health Science major and a Science major.

Health Science core – 100 credit points:

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

Science core – 100 credit points:

The Science component provides foundational study across biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, sustainability and broader scientific challenges, with specific unit choices determined by the selected Science major.

The remaining 200 credit points consist of:

• 100 credit points from one Health Science major
• 100 credit points from one Science major.

Disciplines / Specialisations

Students select one Health Science major and one Science major.

Health Science majors:

1. Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health

Focuses on healthcare, data science, emerging technologies and digital health systems. Topics include artificial intelligence for Industry 4.0, data science, communicating with AI, AI transformation of health, health data and information management, AI ethics and law, health informatics and applied AI in health.

2. Biomedical Science

Topics include:

• Chemistry 1
• Musculoskeletal Anatomy
• Introduction to Biochemistry
• Physiology in Medical and Health Sciences
• Infections and Immunology in Health Sciences
• Genes and Genomics
• Body Function and Structure for Health Science
• Pathophysiology.

3. Clinical Technologies

Topics include:

• Neurophysiology
• Technology and Data Acquisition
• Therapeutic Product Development Process and Clinical Trials
• Medical Imaging Systems
• Physiological Signals in Health and Managing Disease
• Neuropsychopharmacology
• Biomedical Project
• Cardiopulmonary and Renal Physiology

The Clinical Technologies major is endorsed by the Australian Neurophysiological Scientists of Australia (ANSA).

4. Neuroscience

Topics include:

• Neuroscience
• Neurophysiology
• Neuroimaging
• Sensation and Perception
• Developmental and Molecular Neuroscience
• Higher Cortical Function
• Advanced Topics in Neuroscience
• Neuropsychopharmacology.

5. Nutrition

Topics include:

• Chemistry 1
• Introduction to Nutrition
• Physiology in Medical and Health Sciences
• Food & Nutrition Science
• Nutrition in the Life Course
• Nutrition and Disease Prevention
• Public Health Nutrition
• Nutritional Biochemistry.

6. Public Health and Health Promotion

Topics include:

• Environment and Society: Problems and Solutions
• Physical Activity, Health and Technology
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
• Epidemiology
• Indigenous Health
• Health Communication
• Public Health Nutrition
• Leadership and Innovation in Health Promotion.

Science majors:

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

Programme Highlights

• Four-year undergraduate double degree.
• 400 credit points in the standard structure.
• Combines Health Science with Science.
• Six Health Science major options.
• Seven Science majors listed in the detailed handbook.
• Health-industry linked Health Sciences Project.
• Three science-industry linked projects.
• Practical and project-based learning.
• Health-science research and data-analysis training.
• Access to health technologies, virtual reality and digital dissection resources.
• Clinical Technologies major endorsed by ANSA.
• Chemistry major, or the specified Biochemistry/Chemistry combination, has RACI accreditation/recognition arrangements.
• Swinburne states that its Hawthorn site has both MRI and MEG facilities.
• Professional-placement structures exist for domestic students, but international Student visa holders cannot undertake the professional placement component under the current course rules.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies career opportunities across both the Health Science and Science components, including:

• Medical researcher
• Health policy developer
• Healthcare consultant
• Forensic scientist
• Sustainability analyst
• Meteorologist
• Climate modeller

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current course code: BB-HSCSCI.
• CRICOS code: 093360F.
• Standard duration: 4 years.
• Standard course requirement: 400 credit points.
• Campus: Hawthorn.
• Current 2027 starts: 1 March and 2 August 2027.
• Current application deadlines: 24 February and 28 July 2027.

Professional placement is an important special consideration for international students:

• Domestic students may apply for six- or 12-month professional placements, subject to competitive selection.
• A six-month placement changes the course structure to 450 credit points.
• A 12-month placement changes it to 500 credit points.
• The current handbook explicitly states that international students holding a Student visa are not able to undertake Professional Placements in this course due to government regulation.

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant Australian visa is the 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.
• Compliance with health and character requirements.
• Satisfaction of the Genuine Student requirement.
• Financial evidence where required by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Compliance with the conditions attached to the visa.

The Student visa can generally allow a student to remain in Australia for up to six years, depending on the course and enrolment period.

Study requirements:

• Swinburne states that international students in Australia holding Student visas must study full-time and on campus.
• The course itself is therefore suitable for international students seeking an Australian campus-based qualification.

Work rights:

• Standard Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
• They can generally work unlimited hours when their course is not in session.
• The unlimited-work exception for students undertaking a master's by research or doctoral degree does not apply to this undergraduate double degree.