Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Science
Course handbook
General Information
Overview
The Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Science offers students the skills, knowledge and key theoretical insights required to work in a range of professional scientific environments and build a career promoting health and wellbeing. Access laboratories and testing facilities equipped with the latest technology and Swinburne is the only university in Australia with MRI and MEG labs on campus. Explore Australian and international health challenges.
Examine the physical, psychological and social aspects of health in a variety of settings. A distinctive feature of the course is the practical application of knowledge through project-based units of study. Tailor your degree and develop a unique range of interdisciplinary skills. Learn about contemporary issues in health science, such as biomedical testing or health communication, and how to address them.
Study structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Health Science/ Bachelor of Science requires students to complete units of study to the value of 400-500 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.
Units of study | Unit code |
---|---|
Core units | |
Anatomy and Physiology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO10004 |
Introduction to Health Sciences
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
HEA10001 |
Digital Health Foundations
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
HEA10004 |
Brain and Behaviour
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY10007 |
Foundations of Statistics
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
STA10003 |
Health and Disease Across the Life Course
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO20004 |
Research Methods for Health Sciences
Core unit, 12.5 credit points, Non-psychology majors only |
HEA20007 |
Introduction to Research Methods
Core unit, 12.5 credit points, Psychology majors only |
PSY10005 |
Core units | |
Technology and Society
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
ART10002 |
Concepts of Biology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO10001 |
Chemistry 1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
CHE10001 |
Introduction to Chemistry
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
CHE10004 |
Preliminary Mathematics
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MTH00007 |
Foundations of Statistics
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
STA10003 |
Digital and Data Systems
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
ENG10004 |
Essential Mathematics
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MTH10010 |
Calculus and Applications
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MTH10012 |
Linear Algebra and Applications
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MTH10013 |
Sustainability Challenges in Science
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NPS10003 |
Energy and Motion
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PHY10001 |
Introduction to Physics
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PHY10002 |
Skills and Strategies for Social Change
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
ART20003 |
Societal Challenges in Science
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NPS20011 |
Changemakers in Action
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
ART30004 |
BA Professional Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
ART30005 |
Grand Challenges in Science
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NPS30004 |
Units of study | Unit code |
---|---|
Musculoskeletal Anatomy
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO10008 |
Introduction to Biochemistry
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
BCH20002 |
Physiology in Medical and Health Sciences
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NTR20003 |
Infections and Immunology in Health Sciences
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO20005 |
Genes and Genomics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO30006 |
Body Function and Structure for Health Science
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO30007 |
Pathophysiology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO30008 |
Units of study | Unit code |
---|---|
Neurophysiology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NEU20006 |
Technology and Data Acquisition
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MBP10001 |
Measurement and Instrumentation
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MBP20010 |
Medical Imaging Systems
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MBP20009 |
Physiological Signals
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MBP30007 |
MedTech Design and Innovation
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
BME30001 |
Biomedical Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MBP30003 |
Cardiopulmonary and Renal Physiology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MBP30009 |
Units of study | Unit code |
---|---|
Neuroscience
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NEU10002 |
Neurophysiology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NEU20006 |
Neuroimaging
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NEU20007 |
Sensation and Perception
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NEU20005 |
Developmental and Molecular Neuroscience
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NEU20008 |
Higher Cortical Functions
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NEU30004 |
Advanced Topics in Neuroscience
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NEU30007 |
Neuropsychopharmacology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NEU30009 |
Units of study | Unit code |
---|---|
Chemistry 1
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
CHE10001 |
Introduction to Nutrition
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NTR10001 |
Physiology in Medical and Health Sciences
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NTR20003 |
Nutrition Science
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NTR20001 |
Nutrition in the Life Course
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NTR20002 |
Nutrition and Disease Prevention
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NTR30001 |
Public Health Nutrition
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NTR30004 |
Nutritional Biochemistry
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NTR30005 |
Units of study | Unit code |
---|---|
Introduction to Forensic Science
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
CHE10007 |
Fundamentals of Psychology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY10008 |
Introduction to Forensic Psychology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FOR10001 |
Developmental Psychology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY20007 |
Analysis of Variance and Regression
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
STA20006 |
Cognition and Human Performance
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY20006 |
Social Psychology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY20016 |
Statistics for Forensics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
STA20008 |
Psychology of Personality
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY30008 |
Advanced Topics in Forensic Psychology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FOR30001 |
Mental health diversity, diagnosis and treatment
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY30016 |
History and Philosophy of Psychology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY30013 |
Units of study | Unit code |
---|---|
Neuroscience
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NEU10002 |
Fundamentals of Psychology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY10008 |
Analysis of Variance and Regression
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
STA20006 |
Neurological Monitoring
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NEU20004 |
Neurophysiology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NEU20006 |
Developmental Psychology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY20007 |
Sensation and Perception
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NEU20005 |
Cognition and Human Performance
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY20006 |
Social Psychology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY20016 |
Psychology of Personality
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY30008 |
Sleep and Attention
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NEU30002 |
Higher Cortical Functions
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NEU30004 |
Mental health diversity, diagnosis and treatment
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY30016 |
History and Philosophy of Psychology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY30013 |
Abnormal Psychology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PSY30010 |
Psychophysiological Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NEU30006 |
Units of study | Unit code |
---|---|
Environment and Society: Problems and Solutions
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
SOC10005 |
Physical Activity, Health and Technology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
SPH10013 |
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
HEP20002 |
Epidemiology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
STA20009 |
Indigenous Health
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
HEA20006 |
Health Communication
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
HEP30003 |
Public Health Nutrition
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NTR30004 |
Leadership and Innovation in Health Promotion
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
HEA30010 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Health Science graduates will be able to:
- apply health sciences concepts, practices, theories and evidence across a range of health-related issues
- retrieve, critically evaluate and communicate information about local and global health sciences issues from a variety of perspectives
- find and integrate information from a variety of sources using a range of technologies
- apply knowledge and skills associated with health sciences to a range of health-related activities, working independently and in teams
- apply innovation and technology to extend the boundaries of knowledge and research in health sciences
- demonstrate professional and ethical behaviours
- reflect on current skills, knowledge and attitudes, and plan ongoing personal and professional development
- promote and optimise the health and welfare of individuals and/or populations.
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Science 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
- exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by demonstrating well-developed knowledge in at least one science disciplinary area
- 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 modesadopt 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.
Career opportunities
Future career opportunities for graduates in this degree may include medical researcher, hospital scientist, clinical physiologist, forensic scientist, pathologist, sustainability analyst and more.
Course rules
To qualify for the Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Science, students must complete 400-500 credit points comprising:
- eight [8] core Health Science units of study (100 credit points)
- eight [8] core Science units of study (100 credit points)
- eight [8] units of study from a Health Science discipline major in one of the following: Biomedical Science, Clinical Technologies, Health Promotion, Neuroscience, Nutrition (100 credit points)
or 12 units of study in the Psychology and Forensic Science major (150 credit points)
or 16 units of study in the Psychology and Psychophysiology major (200 credit points) - eight [8] units of study from one of the following Science majors: Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics (100 credit points)
Domestic students also have an opportunity to undertake a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Professional Placement.
Please note that due to government regulations, international students holding a student visa are not able to undertake Professional Placements in this course.
Note:
- Students selecting the Psychology and Forensic Science Major will be required to complete 450 credit points in this course
- Students selecting the Psychology and Psychophysiology Major will be required to complete 500 credit points in this course.
Due to government regulations, international students holding an international student visa are not able to undertake the Psychology and Forensic Science major or the Psychology and Psychophysiology major.
Students must not complete more than 200 credit points (normally 16 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 alternative. Where there are no available units, students will be required to complete an alternative approved cognate unit.
Professional placements
Professional Placements are subject to a competitive selection process.
Students who undertake a 12-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 500 credit points comprising:
- eight [8] core Health Science units of study (100 credit points)
- eight [8] core Science units of study (100 credit points)
- eight [8] units of study from a Health Science discipline major in one of the following: Biomedical Science, Clinical Technologies, Health Promotion, Neuroscience, Nutrition (100 credit points)
or 12 units of study in the Psychology and Forensic Science major (150 credit points)
or 16 units of study in the Psychology and Psychophysiology major (200 credit points) - eight [8] units of study from one of the following Science majors: 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)
Note:
- Students selecting the Psychology and Forensic Science major will be required to complete 550 credit points in this course
- Students selecting the Psychology and Psychophysiology major will be required to complete 600 credit points in this course.
Professional Placements are subject to a competitive selection process.
Students who undertake a 6-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 450 credit points comprising:
- eight [8] core Health Science units of study (100 credit points)
- eight [8] core Science units of study (100 credit points)
- eight [8] units of study from a Health Science discipline major in one of the following: Biomedical Science, Clinical Technologies, Health Promotion, Neuroscience, Nutrition (100 credit points)
or 12 units of study in the Psychology and Forensic Science major (150 credit points)
or 16 units of study in the Psychology and Psychophysiology major (200 credit points) - eight [8] units of study from a Science discipline major in one of the following: Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics (100 credit points)
- two [2] units of study from the Professional Placement minor (50 credit points)
Note:
- Students selecting the Psychology and Forensic Science major will be required to complete 500 credit points in this course
- Students selecting the Psychology and Psychophysiology major will be required to complete 550 credit points in this course.
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Science is 200 credit points (normally 16 points), 100 credit points maximum from each discipline.
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 65 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 Health and Human Development, any Mathematics, Physical Education, any Science or Sociology equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 10 points.
Meeting course prerequisites
VCE units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in any English (except EAL) or at least 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent. VCE units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics or equivalent.
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 | <5 | <5 |
Median rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
Lowest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
Notes: "<5" - indicates less than 5ATAR-based offeres were made
B. Applicants with higher education study
Educational history
An applicant's entire academic history, including results from previous higher education study will be considered for entry into this course. If previous higher education qualifications are incomplete, results must have been obtained in the last seven years.
Meeting course prerequisites
As for Year 12 or equivalent.
STAT/Bridging courses
Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.
C. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
Educational history
An applicant's entire academic history from the past seven years, including complete and/or incomplete post-secondary VET studies, will be considered for entry into this course. Only graded results will be considered.
Meeting course prerequisites
As for Year 12 or equivalent.
STAT/Bridging courses
Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.
D. Applicants with work and life experience
Entire academic record
This course uses an applicant's entire academic record as part of its selection considerations, including an applicant's ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered for entry into this course.
Meeting course prerequisites
As for Year 12 or equivalent.
STAT/Bridging courses
Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.
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.
Semester 1, 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Applicant background | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
(A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 0 | 0% |
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study | 0 | 0% |
(C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | 0 | 0 |
(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) | <5 | <5 |
Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were N/A 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 N/A not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | <5 |
International students | 0 | 0% |
All students | 6 | 100% |
Notes: "<5" - the number of students is less than 5.
N/A – Students not accepted in this category.
Interested in the Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Science
From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.