Bachelor of Science (Professional) | Course handbook

General Information

Overview

This course provides students with a broad science overview with the ability to specialise in a field of their choice through a range of science majors. The course aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge and key theoretical insights required to work in a range of professional scientific environments.

A distinctive feature of the course is the practical application of knowledge through project-based units of study. Another key aim of the course is to give students real-world experiences and more closely connect their studies to future career pathways, which is the specific focus of 3 Spine units, all directly working on industry projects.

Drawing on the expertise of leading teachers, researchers and a variety of industry experts, the course allows students to tailor their degree and develop a unique range of interdisciplinary skills.

Offering a flexible range of unit combinations, the course allows students to select a professionally focused program of study. The topics covered seek to blend a range of key scientific skills and knowledge required by current and projected industry needs.

The professional industry-linked component provides students with the opportunity to gain awareness, experience, and links to industry, whilst enabling them to apply their knowledge, techniques and skills to solve industry related problems.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Science (Professional) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 375 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Core units

100 credit points

Note:
¹ CHE10001 assumes completion of VCE 3 and 4 Chemistry
² MTH00007 for students without Maths Methods completion)
³ STA10003 assumes completion of VCE 3 and 4 Maths Methods or equivalent
⁴ MTH10012 assumes completion of VCE Mathematical Methods 3 & 4 with a study score of 20 or higher (or equivalent) and interested in elevating their maths knowledge
⁵ MTH10013 for students studying a major or minor in Applied Mathematics or Physics
⁶ MTH10010 for students who have obtained at least 20 in VCE Units 3 and 4 any Mathematics not including Mathematical Methods (or equivalent)
⁷ MTH10012 for students who have completed MTH00007 Preliminary Mathematics or STA10003 Foundations of Statistics and have an interest in pursuing higher-level mathematics studies
* Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes

Majors and units

100 credit points

Applied Mathematics

Units of study	Unit code
Matrices, Vector Calculus and Complex Analysis Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MTH20014
Modelling Nature’s Non-Linearity Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MTH20015
Series and Transforms Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MTH20012
Quantitative Prediction Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MTH20016
Differential Equations Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MTH30002
Optimisation Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MTH30006
Stochastic Modelling Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MTH30001
Numerical and Computational Mathematics Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MTH30003

Biochemistry

Units of study	Unit code
Concepts of Biotechnology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BIO10003
Chemistry 2 Major unit, 12.5 credit points	CHE10002
Introduction to Biochemistry Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BCH20002
Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BCH20001
Advanced Biochemistry Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BCH30003
Environmental Biology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	ENV30001
Computational and Advanced Organic Chemistry Major unit, 12.5 credit points	CHE30006
Molecular Biotechnology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BIO30004

Biotechnology

Units of study	Unit code
Concepts of Biotechnology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BIO10003
Introduction to Biochemistry Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BCH20002
The Microbial World Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BIO20002
Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BCH20001
Microbes in the Environment Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BIO30005
Advanced Biochemistry Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BCH30003
Applications of Bioinformatics Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BIO30009
Molecular Biotechnology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BIO30004

Chemistry

Units of study	Unit code
Chemistry 2 Major unit, 12.5 credit points	CHE10002
Analytical and Forensic Chemistry Major unit, 12.5 credit points	CHE20006
Spectroscopy and Instrumentation Major unit, 12.5 credit points	CHE20009
Investigative Organic Chemistry Major unit, 12.5 credit points	CHE20008
Inorganic Chemistry Major unit, 12.5 credit points	CHE30010
Advanced Analytical Chemistry Major unit, 12.5 credit points	CHE30005
Surface and Colloid Chemistry Major unit, 12.5 credit points	CHE30009
Computational and Advanced Organic Chemistry Major unit, 12.5 credit points	CHE30006

Environmental Science

Units of study	Unit code
Consumer Chemistry Major unit, 12.5 credit points	CHE10005
Built and Sustainable Communities Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PEH20004
The Microbial World Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BIO20002
Environmental Management Major unit, 12.5 credit points	ENV30003
Food Science Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PEH20002
Water Science Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PEH20006
Environmental Biology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	ENV30001
Microbes in the Environment Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BIO30005

Physics

Units of study	Unit code
Electronics and Electromagnetism Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PHY10004
Discovering the Universe Major unit, 12.5 credit points	AST10001
Optics, Relativity and Subatomic Physics Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PHY20004
Quantum Mechanics and Solid State Physics Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PHY20007
Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PHY20008
Physics Research Laboratories Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PHY30005
Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PHY30003
Quantum, Atomic and Optical Physics Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PHY30004

Work placement

100 credit points

Professional work placement

100 credit points

Units of study	Unit code
Professional placement - 12 months
Work Experience in Industry A Practical unit, 25.0 credit points	WEI20001
Integrated Professional Placement A - Science Academic unit, 25.0 credit points	NPS20003
Work Experience in Industry B Practical unit, 25.0 credit points	WEI20002
Integrated Professional Placement B - Science Academic unit, 25.0 credit points	NPS20004

Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 75 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).

Advanced minors

50 credit points

Advanced minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points in a field of study which builds upon your first major. Advanced minors can only be taken in conjunction with specific majors - see here for more information.

Astrophysics Advanced

Space Technology Advanced

Minors

50 credit points

Minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points and may be chosen from any field of study.

Accounting
Applied Mathematics
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Engineering
Higher Mathematics
Innovation
Physics
Space Technology Minor

View minor units

Recommended elective units

These recommended elective units can deepen your understanding of your chosen major or an area of interest. A full list of available elective units can be found upon enrolment.

Applied Mathematics major

AER10001 Space Applications
AER20001 Space and Microgravity Science
AER20002 Space Environment, Data, Visualisation and Applications
AST10001 Discovering the Universe
AST30001 From Stars to Black Holes
BCH20001 Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
BCH20002 Introduction to Biochemistry
BIO10003 Concepts of Biotechnology
BIO20002 The Microbial World
CHE10002 Chemistry 2
CHE20006 Analytical and Forensic Chemistry
CHE20008 Investigative Organic Chemistry
CHE20009 Spectroscopy and Instrumentation
COS10009 Introduction to Programming
COS20007 Object Oriented Programming
LAW10027 Space Policy, Law and the New Space Economy
PHI10007 What is Power?
PHI10008 Introduction to Ethics
PHY10004 Electronics and Electromagnetism
PHY20007 Quantum Mechanics and Solid State Physics
PHY20008 Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism
PHY30003 Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics
PHY30004 Quantum, Atomic and Optical Physics
PSY10005 Introduction to Research Methods
STA10003 Foundations of Statistics
STA20010 Statistical Computing

Biochemistry major

AER10001 Space Applications
AER20001 Space and Microgravity Science
AER20002 Space Environment, Data, Visualisation and Applications
AST10001 Discovering the Universe
BIO10004 Anatomy and Physiology
BIO20002 The Microbial World
BIO30004 Molecular Biotechnology
BIO30005 Microbes in the Environment
CHE10005 Consumer Chemistry
CHE10007 Introduction to Forensic Science
CHE20006 Analytical and Forensic Chemistry
CHE20008 Investigative Organic Chemistry
CHE20009 Spectroscopy and Instrumentation
CHE30009 Surface and Colloid Chemistry
CHE30010 Inorganic Chemistry
ENV30003 Environmental Management
LAW10027 Space Policy, Law and the New Space Economy
MBP10001 Technology and Data Acquisition
MTH10012 Calculus and Applications
MTH10013 Linear Algebra and Applications
NTR10001 Introduction to Nutrition
PEH20002 Food Science
PEH20006 Water Science
PEH30004 Occupational Health and Safety
PHI10007 What is Power?
PHI10008 Introduction to Ethics
STA10003 Foundations of Statistics

Biotechnology major

AER10001 Space Applications
AER20001 Space and Microgravity Science
AER20002 Space Environment, Data, Visualisation and Applications
AST10001 Discovering the Universe
BIO10004 Anatomy and Physiology
CHE10002 Chemistry 2
CHE10005 Consumer Chemistry
CHE10007 Introduction to Forensic Science
CHE20006 Analytical and Forensic Chemistry
CHE20008 Investigative Organic Chemistry
CHE20009 Spectroscopy and Instrumentation
CHE30005 Advanced Analytical Chemistry
CHE30006 Computational and Advanced Organic Chemistry
CHE30009 Surface and Colloid Chemistry
ENV30001 Environmental Biology
ENV30003 Environmental Management
LAW10027 Space Policy, Law and the New Space Economy
MTH10012 Calculus and Applications
NEU10002 Neuroscience
NTR10001 Introduction to Nutrition
PEH20002 Food Science
PEH20005 Communicable Disease Control
PEH30004 Occupational Health and Safety
STA10003 Foundations of Statistics

Chemistry major

AER10001 Space Applications
AER20001 Space and Microgravity Science
AER20002 Space Environment, Data, Visualisation and Applications
AST10001 Discovering the Universe
BCH20001 Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
BCH20002 Introduction to Biochemistry
BIO10003 Concepts of Biotechnology
BIO10004 Anatomy and Physiology
BIO20002 The Microbial World
BIO30005 Microbes in the Environment
CHE10005 Consumer Chemistry
CHE30006 Computational and Advanced Organic Chemistry
ENV30001 Environmental Biology
LAW10027 Space Policy, Law and the New Space Economy
MTH10012 Calculus and Applications
MTH10013 Linear Algebra and Applications
NEU10002 Neuroscience
NTR10001 Introduction to Nutrition
PEH20002 Food Science
PEH20006 Water Science
PEH30004 Occupational Health and Safety
PHY10004 Electronics and Electromagnetism
STA10003 Foundations of Statistics

Environmental Science major

AER10001 Space Applications
AER20001 Space and Microgravity Science
AER20002 Space Environment, Data, Visualisation and Applications
AST10001 Discovering the Universe
BCH20002 Introduction to Biochemistry
BIO10003 Concepts of Biotechnology
BIO10004 Anatomy and Physiology
CHE10002 Chemistry 2
CHE10007 Introduction to Forensic Science
CHE20006 Analytical and Forensic Chemistry
CHE20008 Investigative Organic Chemistry
CHE20009 Spectroscopy and Instrumentation
CHE30009 Surface and Colloid Chemistry
CHE30010 Inorganic Chemistry
LAW10027 Space Policy, Law and the New Space Economy
MTH10012 Calculus and Applications
NTR10001 Introduction to Nutrition
PEH20002 Food Science
PEH20005 Communicable Disease Control
PEH30004 Occupational Health and Safety
PHI10007 What is Power?
PHI10008 Introduction to Ethics
PHY10004 Electronics and Electromagnetism
STA10003 Foundations of Statistics

Physics major

AER10001 Space Applications
AER20001 Space and Microgravity Science
AER20002 Space Environment, Data, Visualisation and Applications
BCH20002 Introduction to Biochemistry
BIO10003 Concepts of Biotechnology
CHE10002 Chemistry 2
CHE20009 Spectroscopy and Instrumentation
COS10009 Introduction to Programming
ENG10002 Engineering Materials
LAW10027 Space Policy, Law and the New Space Economy
MTH10012 Calculus and Applications
MTH10013 Linear Algebra and Applications
MTH20010 Statistics and Computation for Engineering
MTH20012 Series and Transforms
MTH20014 Mathematics 3B
MTH30001 Stochastic Modelling
MTH30002 Differential Equations
MTH30003 Numerical and Computational Mathematics
MTH30006 Optimisation
PHY10004 Electronics and Electromagnetism
PHY20004 Optics, Relativity and Subatomic Physics
PHY40001 Electromagnetic Waves

Find more detail about elective units

Outcomes and course rules

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the Bachelor of Science (Professional), graduates will be able to:

articulate the methods of science, explain why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry and explain the role and relevance of science in society
apply a depth and breadth of scientific knowledge in at least one science disciplinary area, considering both global and Indigenous perspectives
critically analyse and solve scientific problems by evaluating information from a range of sources, designing and planning an investigation, selecting and applying practical and theoretical techniques for that investigation and collecting, recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from scientific data
effectively communicate science by presenting information or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes using a variety of modes
adopt ownership of their own learning and scientific work by being independent and self-directed learners, working effectively and safely in an individual or team context, demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory framework relevant to the disciplinary area and practising ethical conduct.
apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills in an industry or other workplace to demonstrate professional practice experience in their discipline.

Career opportunities

The course aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge and key theoretical insights required to work in a range of professional scientific environments. Example careers include laboratory technician, energy analyst, data science specialist, researcher, technology analyst, scientific advisor, wine scientist and quality control manager.

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Science (Professional) students must complete 375 credit points comprising:

Eight (8) Science core units of study (100 credit points)
Eight (8) units of study of a Science discipline major in one of the following: Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics (100 credit points)
Four (4) units of study from the Professional Placement Co-Major (100 credit points) (between 1672 and 1976)* hours of professional placement); and
Six (6) units of other studies comprising an Advanced Minor, Minor and/or electives (75 credit points

Note: Two units of study will need to be taken in an alternative semester (summer or winter), online or through overload in order to complete in the standard 3.5 years.

Students may not complete more than 150 credit points (normally 12 units) at Introductory Level. A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.

* The total hours may vary depending on the number of weeks of placement completed.

Academic Progress - special requirements

In addition to the standard academic progress rules, this course has the following additional academic progress rules which are established in accordance with Academic Courses Regulation 62(2):

1. A student is classified as 'at risk' of unsatisfactory progress if they:

(a) fail any unit of study

(b) behave in a manner which breaches the Swinburne Student Charter whilst on a professional placement

(c) are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Placement two months before Week 1 of their final year of study.

2. A student is classified as 'unsatisfactory progress' if they:

(a) fail any unit of study in the next Progress Review period after being classified as being 'at risk'

(b) fail a Professional Placement or Work Experience in Industry unit

(c) have their professional placement terminated early by an industry partner. In the case of early termination of an industry placement by an industry partner, the student will be deemed as having 'unsatisfactory progress' and a progress review hearing may be convened within 2 weeks of the cessation of the placement.

(d) are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Placement two months before Week 1 of their final semester of study

Students in this situation may be invited to transfer to an alternative undergraduate course. Students who are identified as having unsatisfactory progress will be subject to the show cause provisions in the Progress Review section of the Academic Progress Policy.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Science (Professional) is 200 credit points (normally 16 units).

Professional recognition

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science with a major in Physics and a maths minor are eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP).

Undergraduate students studying physics are eligible to apply for Student Associate Membership of the AIP.

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Entry requirements

A. Applicants with recent secondary education (within past three years)

ATAR

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

Guaranteed ATAR: if you receive an ATAR of 80 or higher and meet all the essential requirements for this course, you will be guaranteed an offer.

Educational history

An applicant's entire academic history, including ATAR results, will be considered for entry into this course.

Selection rank adjustments

Selection ranks for this course will be calculated based on your ATAR with adjustments to overall study scores based on subjects studied, location of your home address, SEAS application, and participation In Swinburne's Early Leaders program. For further details about selection rank adjustments, see Admissions at Swinburne.

Subject adjustments

A study score of 25 in any Mathematics, Physical Education or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 15 points.

Meeting course prerequisites

VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent.
VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any Mathematics.

Bridging courses

Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: General bridging program.

ATAR profile for those offered places wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in Semester 1 2024

ATAR-Based offers only, across all offer rounds	ATAR Excluding adjustment factors	Selection Rank ATAR + any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer	88.15	93.2
Median rank to receive an offer	77.05	81.75
Lowest rank to receive an offer	70.85	75.35

B. Applicants with higher education study

Educational history

This course only accepts applicants who have just completed Year 12 or have not commenced any studies after completing Year 12 (ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered).

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent.

C. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Educational history

This course only accepts applicants who have just completed Year 12 or have not commenced any studies after completing Year 12 (ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered).

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent

D. Applicants with work and life experience

Entire academic record

This course only accepts applicants who have just completed Year 12 or have not commenced any studies after completing Year 12 (ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered).

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent

Bridging courses

Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: General bridging program.

Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced in this course in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

Student profile table

Applicant background	Number of students	Percentage of all students
	Semester 1, 2024
(A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	N/A	N/A
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study	N/A	N/A
(C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)	<5	<5
(D) Recent secondary education:
Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	N/P	N/P
Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)	N/A	N/A
Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)	N/A	N/A
International students	0	0
All students	12	100%

Notes:

"<5” – the number of students is less than 5.
N/A – Students not accepted in this category.
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.

Interested in the Bachelor of Science (Professional)?

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