Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Majoring in Biomedical Science
60
Overview
The world needs highly skilled biomedical graduates – and our new tech-focussed Bachelor of Biomedical Science is the ideal entry into this vital healthcare domain. Learn in an engaging and immersive environment using state-of-the-art technology and facilities, including virtual reality and digital dissection. You’ll get the chance to take up real industry experience with leading organisations like Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and, Royal Children's Hospital. Graduate as a career-ready biomedical professional, or transition into postgraduate studies in physiotherapy, occupational therapy and medicine.
Swinburne Open Day 2026
Stop by our Hawthorn campus on Sunday 26 July for Open Day – the stop where everything starts. Got everything you need? Apply for midyear now and get on your way in Semester 2.
Your industry experience
Build up your CV with real industry experience while you study through our Work Integrated Learning program, a guaranteed part of all our bachelor degrees.
Skills you’ll learn
- Scientific writing skills
- Understanding of human anatomy
- Understanding of physiology
- Biomedical data analysis
- Biomedical sciences laboratory practices
- Genetic basis of clinical conditions
Your career opportunities
- Biomedical laboratory technician
- Medical Scientist
- Biomedical technician
- Health Information Officer
- Clinical trials coordinator
- Microbiology technical officer
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Why Swinburne?
Ranked Top 500 in Public Health
ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022
86% of graduates found employment within 4 months of completing their course
#1 in Melbourne for graduate salary 5 years out - $85.3K (national average $66.3K)
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"I have been taught to seek out knowledge and information globally and work in a team with collaborative and negotiation skills. My Industry Supervisor supports me and provides me with opportunities to learn valuable workplace skills that will help me to perform well".
Nikky Naaz Shaik , Bachelor of Health Science (Professional) - Biomedical Science
Qualifications
One of the following:
- successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
- completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates IV (completed), diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees).
Guaranteed Entry ATAR
60
Subject adjustments:
- A study score of 25 in Food Studies, Health and Human Development, any Mathematics, Physical Education, any Science or Sociology equals 2 aggregate points per study.
- A study score of 30 in Food Studies, Health and Human Development, any Mathematics, Physical Education, any Science or Sociology equals 3 aggregate points per study.
Overall maximum of 10 points. Subject adjustment points are applied to the aggregate, not the ATAR.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification.
This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.
Course prerequisites
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any English (except EAL) or 25 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any English (except EAL) or 25 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Informed Choices
Informed Choices is how Swinburne supports you through course selection, navigating university experiences and accessing the right support services at the right times, along with ensuring you can successfully complete your course, and are equipped with the information you need to make the right career decision for you.
Informed Choices covers five areas of course requirements and capability:
Sensory
Mobility and movement
Legal, duty of care and professional
Learning and knowledge creation; and
Interpersonal.
Required components
Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.
The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course.
Sight
Students in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science will use and interpret visual information, including colour and/or facial cues, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments.
Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:
Interpreting visual materials, including anatomical structures, laboratory specimens, microscopic images, graphs and digital anatomy resources
Identifying subtle colour changes in chemical reactions
Observing microscopic structures (e.g. cells, tissues, microorganisms) to recognise features and abnormalities
Reading and interpreting measurement scales and instrument outputs to ensure accurate results
Noticing visual safety cues (e.g. hazard labels, spills, equipment signals) and responding quickly to prevent harm
Working in laboratories and specialised spaces
Adaptable components
The following sensory components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Sound | Hear and respond to vocal cues and differentiate sounds and tone, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments. |
| Touch | Feel tactile differences and changes in objects, assess physical conditions, and respond to discomfort or danger, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments. |
Adaptable components
The following sensory components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Endurance | Sustain physical effort and concentration over extended periods without experiencing excessive fatigue. |
| Stamina | Perform short-term, high intensity physical tasks while maintaining control and energy. |
| Strength | Lift, move, or hold objects safely using physical effort. |
| Dexterity | Use fine and coordinated movements of the hands and limbs to complete tasks that require precision and control. |
| Steadiness | Maintain balance, control, and stable movement while standing, walking, or performing physical tasks. |
| Fine motor skills | Execute small, precise movements efficiently, such as manipulating tools, equipment, or controls. |
| Gross motor skills | Coordinate whole body movements such as lifting, walking, standing, or maintaining posture or balance. |
Adaptable components
The following sensory components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Codes of conduct | Follow professional rules, standards, and ethical guidelines provided by professional association(s). |
| Duty of care | Act in ways that support personal safety and the safety of others. |
| Cultural sensitivity (including equity awareness) | Respect diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives by acting in inclusive, fair, and nonjudgemental ways. |
| Engage effectively | Interact with others honestly, respectfully, and responsibly to build trust and professional relationships. |
| Professional reflection | Review your learning and performance to identify areas for improvement. |
Adaptable components
The following learning and knowledge creation components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cognition | Apply thinking skills such as attention, memory, language, and perception to focus, learn, and complete tasks over a continued period of time. |
| Understand and apply information | Interpret and use information by following instructions, making decisions, solving problems and applying knowledge appropriately. |
| Critical thinking and analysis | Analyse and evaluate information objectively to form well-reasoned conclusions. |
| Digital literacy | Use digital tools and technologies effectively to access, create, and apply knowledge. |
Adaptable components
The following interpersonal components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Verbal communication | Express ideas clearly through spoken language, supported by tone and body language, to support understanding and feedback. |
| Social cues | Notice and respond to unspoken communication such as body language, facial expression, gestures and pace of conversations. |
| Written communication | Express information through written formats including via software, print or handwriting. |
| Numeracy | Use numbers and data to make decisions in everyday and professional situations. |
| Collaboration and teamwork | Work with others to build trust, contribute to shared goals, and maintain positive team dynamics. |
| Conflict resolution | Address disagreements calmly and respectfully to reach beneficial outcomes. |
| Emotional regulation | Take part in interactions with others in a way that supports respectful and productive communication. |
| Adaptability | Respond to changes by adjusting plans and managing different tasks as situations change. |
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Apply for a pathway course
Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides credit (advanced standing) to the second.
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Diploma of Health Science (UniLink)
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Diploma of Sport/Diploma of Leadership and Management
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Diploma of Business
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Diploma of Laboratory Technology
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Diploma of Community Services
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Diploma of Health Science (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 8 units max credit
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Diploma of Sport/Diploma of Leadership and Management
1 year full-time, 8 units max credit
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Diploma of Laboratory Technology
1 year full-time, 8 units max credit
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Diploma of Community Services
18 months full-time, 8 units max credit
Note: This information should be used as a guide for those who have completed a course and are seeking credit into another course. For those yet to commence their course, during the time taken to complete, this information may change. Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree. Progression to professional degrees may be subject to additional criteria or academic performance.
How credit points work
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Biomedical 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.
What your course could look like
This is the indicative sequence for Semester 1, 2026 only. You are advised to use the study plan template available via your student portal in conjunction with your course planner to plan your studies. Sequence may also vary depending on advanced standing and exemptions. The unit offering information is correct at the time of publication, however changes may occur.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Anatomy and Physiology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO10004 |
|
Digital Health Foundations
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
HEA10004 |
|
Foundations of Statistics
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
STA10003 |
|
Introduction to Biomedical Science
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO10010 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Musculoskeletal Anatomy
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO10008 |
|
Chemistry 1
Major * unit, 12.5 credit points |
CHE10001 |
|
Introduction to Chemistry
Major * unit, 12.5 credit points |
CHE10004 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
* Students must select one of these major units in semester 2.
Want to see the full range of electives?
Learn about all the electives you can take in the course handbook.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Research Methods for Health Science
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
HEA20007 |
|
Epidemiology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
STA20009 |
|
Introduction to Biochemistry
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
BCH20002 |
|
Physiology in Medical and Health Sciences
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NTR20003 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Health and Disease Across the Life Course
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO20004 |
|
Infections and Immunology in Health Sciences
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO20005 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Professional placement - Major (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 |
| or | |
| Professional placement - Minor (6 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 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Genes and Genomics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO30006 |
|
Body Function and Structure for Health Science
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO30007 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Biomedical Science Project
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO30011 |
|
Pathophysiology
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO30008 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
2026 tuition fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$9,537.00
Total fee* ($AUD)
$28,611.00
Total indicative fee* ($AUD)
$38,340.00
2026 tuition fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$40,520.00
Fees are estimates only
Published student tuition fees for 2026 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for HECS-HELP
You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:
- are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2026.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2026.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Professional placement fees
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
Applying through Early Entry Program?
If you are applying through the EEP Program you will need a special code to apply.