General Information

Overview

Experiential learning meets interdisciplinary skills and real industry experience in the Bachelor of Science, where placements, internships and industry-linked projects put you at the science frontline. Choose from a broad range of majors taught by leading minds in research and industry, then practically apply your knowledge in world-class, industry-standard facilities.

Double degree options

You can also study Science in a double degree with Applied Innovation, Arts, Engineering (Honours), Health Science, and Laws.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Science requires students to complete units of study to the value of 300 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

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

Applied Mathematics major units
Biochemistry major units
Biotechnology major units
Chemistry major units
Environmental Science major units
Physics major units
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes

Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 100 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).

A second major can be chosen in addition to your first major and will be named on your testamur certificate. Please note you cannot choose the same major as your first major. To see specific units for the second major go to major units accordion.

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Biochemistry*
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Science

*Students who select Biotechnology as a major may not select Biochemistry as a second major.

A co-major is a major in a field of study outside this course. You can choose one in addition to a first major. Co-majors will not be named on your testamur certificate however will be shown on your transcript of results.

  • Accounting 
  • Advertising 
  • Animation 
  • Business Analysis 
  • Business Analytics and Analysis 
  • Cinema and Screen Studies 
  • Climate and Social Justice 
  • Creative Writing and Literature 
  • Criminology 
  • Data Analytics 
  • Digital Advertising Technology 
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation 
  • Environmental Sustainability 
  • Ethics and Technology 
  • Finance 
  • Financial Planning 
  • Games and Interactivity 
  • Global Studies 
  • History 
  • Human Resource Management 
  • Indigenous Studies 
  • Information Systems 
  • Journalism 
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management 
  • Management 
  • Marketing 
  • Media Industries 
  • Neuroscience 
  • Perspectives on Globalisation 
  • Philosophy 
  • Politics and International Relations 
  • Politics, Power and Technology 
  • Professional and Creative Writing 
  • Professional Writing and Editing 
  • Psychology 
  • Public Relations 
  • Screen Production 
  • Screen Studies and Popular Culture 
  • Social Media 
  • Space Technology 
View co-major units

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 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

You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for either 6 or 12 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.

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

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course 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 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.

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.

Professional recognition

Depending on the choice of major, or minor studies, graduates of the Bachelor of Science may be eligible to apply for membership of the following professional societies:

  • Australian Institute of Physics

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Science students must complete 300 credit points comprising:

  • eight [8] Science Core units of study (100 credit points)
  • eight [8] Science units of study (100 credit points) from one of the following Majors: Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics
  • eight [8] units of other studies (100 credit points) comprising of a second major, co-major, minor/s, advanced minor/s or electives.
     

Students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement. 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.

Volume of learning

The Bachelor of Science consists of a total of 300 credit points. Units normally carry 12.5 credit points.

A standard annual full-time load comprises 100 credit points, and a part-time load comprises 50 credit points. The volume of learning of the Bachelor of Science is typically 3 years. For students who complete a Professional Placement the Bachelor of Science consists of 337.5-375 credit points. Units normally carry 12.5 credit points with placement units carrying 25 credit points. A standard annual full-time student load comprises 100 credit points, and a standard part-time load comprises 50 credit points. The volume of learning of the Bachelor of Science with a 6-month placement is typically 3.5 years. The volume of learning of the Bachelor of Science with a 12-month placement is typically 4 years.

Professional placements

Professional Placements are subject to a competitive selection process. International students may be eligible for a Professional Placement where a relevant Professional degree exists. International students who successfully gain a placement through the selection process will be required to change courses to the relevant Professional degree, in order to complete a placement and should consider any visa and extended study duration implications prior to applying.

Students who undertake a 12-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 375 credit points comprising:

  • eight [8] Science Core units of study (100 credit points)
  • eight [8] Science units of study from one of the following 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); and
  • six [6] units of study comprising an Advanced Minor, Minor or electives (75 credit points)
     

Students who elect to undertake a 6-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 337.5 credit points comprising:

  • eight [8] Science Core units of study (100 credit points)
  • eight [8] Science units of study from one of the following Majors: Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics (100 credit points)
  • two [2] units of study from the Professional Placement Minor (50 credit points); and
  • seven [7] units of study comprising an Advanced Minor, Minor or electives (87.5 credit points).

Maximum Academic Credit

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

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 any Mathematics, Physical Education or any Science 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.

Bridging courses 

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

Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course and wish to complete a Physics or Applied Mathematics major will be required to successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: Methods bridging program.

ATAR profile for those offered places wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in Semester 1 2023

ATAR-Based offers only, across all offer rounds ATAR
Excluding adjustment factors
Selection Rank
ATAR + any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer 87 94.75
Median rank to receive an offer 69.5 74.7
Lowest rank to receive an offer 57.75 62

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 and applicants who do not meet the Mathematics prerequisite can sit the STAT Multiple Choice or successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: Further bridging program

Mathematics study scores or prerequisites older than five years are not considered to have met course prerequisite requirements. 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 and applicants who do not meet the Mathematics prerequisite can sit the STAT Multiple Choice or successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: Further bridging program

Mathematics study scores or prerequisites older than five years are not considered to have met course prerequisite requirements. 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 and applicants who do not meet the Mathematics prerequisite can sit the STAT Multiple Choice or successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: Further bridging program

Mathematics study scores or prerequisites older than five years are not considered to have met course prerequisite requirements. 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, 2023
Applicant background Number of students Percentage of all students
(A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) 20 24%
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study 7 9%
(C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) 6 7%
(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) 30 37%
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) 9 11%
International students 10 12%
All students 82 100%
Notes:
N/A – Students not accepted in this category.

Interested in the 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.

View course page