Bachelor of Health Science

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The Bachelor of Health Science is designed to equip students for careers promoting health and wellbeing.

Access laboratories and testing facilities equipped with the latest technology - 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. Learn about contemporary issues in health science, such as biomedical testing or health communication, and how to address them. Apply your learning in a professionally focused, multidisciplinary project during your final year of study.

Discover a career in counselling, community development, health communication, disability, social welfare or medical research. Graduates may also progress to postgraduate study in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy or nursing.

Choose a major

Back Biomedical Science Clinical Technologies Health Promotion Neuroscience Nutrition Psychology and Forensic Science Psychology and Psychophysiology

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If you’ve found your ideal course, then what are you waiting for? Lock in your 2020 study plans and start creating your ideal future. I’m ready!

Time’s ticking

You have until 4pm December 14 to preference a Swinburne degree or double degree for the December offer round. Choose Swinburne.

Start dates

Hawthorn campus

Semester 1 - 2 March 2020
Semester 2 - 3 August 2020

View application and start dates

Duration

3 years full-time or equivalent part-time

Full-time, Part-time

VTAC codes

3400210971 (CSP)
3400210973 (IFP)

Faculty

Faculty of Health, Arts and Design

Health sciences at Swinburne

Learn how to improve the wellbeing of communities and groups across Australia through a degree in health sciences at Swinburne.

Course details

- Description, course structure, work integrated learning and career opportunities.

Course structure

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Health 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.
View course rules and special requirements

Core studies

8 units (100 credit points)

Units	Unit codes	Credit points
Anatomy and Physiology	BIO10004	12.5
Introduction to Health Sciences	HEA10001	12.5
Digital Health Foundations	HEA10004	12.5
Brain and Behaviour	PSY10007	12.5
Foundations of Statistics	STA10003	12.5
Health and Disease Across the Life Course	BIO20004	12.5
Either Research Methods for Health Sciences	HEA20007	12.5
or Introduction to Research Methods - This alternative unit is required in the Psychology and Psychophysiology Major and the Psychology and Forensic Science Major and is only available to students enrolled in these majors.	PSY10005	12.5
Either Health Sciences Project *	HEA30001	12.5
or Psychology Project * - This alternative unit is required in the Psychology and Psychophysiology Major and the Psychology and Forensic Science Major and is only available to students enrolled in these majors.	PSY30003	12.5

*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes

Major

8-16 units (100-200 credit points)

Choose a major:

Choose a major

Biomedical Science Clinical Technologies Health Promotion Neuroscience Nutrition Psychology and Forensic Science Psychology and Psychophysiology

Other studies

0 - 8 units (0 - 100 credit points)

Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 0 - 100 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).

Second major Co-major Minors Elective units Signature Series

Units	Unit codes	Credit points
Academic Literacies: Situating University Knowledge	ART10001	12.5
Concepts of Biotechnology	BIO10003	12.5
Musculoskeletal Anatomy Across the Lifespan	BIO10008	12.5
Chemistry 1	CHE10001	12.5
Chemistry 2	CHE10002	12.5
Introduction to Programming	COS10009	12.5
Introduction to Design Principles and Processes	DDD10007	12.5
Electronics Systems	EEE10001	12.5
Entrepreneurship and Opportunity	ENT10001	12.5
Problem Solving with ICT	ICT10001	12.5
Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences	INS10001	12.5
Technology & Data Acquisition	MBP10001	12.5
Introduction to Media Studies	MDA10001	12.5
Introduction to Management	MGT10001	12.5
Fundamentals of Marketing	MKT10007	12.5
Preliminary Mathematics	MTH00007	12.5
Essential Mathematics	MTH10010	12.5
Neuroscience	NEU10002	12.5
Introduction to e-Science	NPS10001	12.5
Introduction to Nutrition	NTR10001	12.5
Behaviour and Communications in Organisations	ORG10003	12.5
History of Ideas	PHI10001	12.5
Introduction to Philosophy	PHI10002	12.5
Critical Thinking	PHI10003	12.5
Australian Politics	POL10001	12.5
Sociological Foundations	SOC10004	12.5
Introduction to Exercise and Sport Science	SPH10010	12.5
Introduction to Sports Business Management	SPO10001	12.5
Introduction to Sports Psychology	SPO10002	12.5
Foundations of Statistics	STA10003	12.5
Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins	BCH20001	12.5
Introduction to Biochemistry	BCH20002	12.5
The Microbial World	BIO20002	12.5
Object Oriented Programming	COS20007	12.5
Information Design	DCO20003	12.5
Web Design	DCO20004	12.5
Toolbox for Prototyping and Interdisciplinary Collaboration	DES20057	12.5
Health Informatics	HEA20005	12.5
Business Analysis and Modelling	INF20002	12.5
Requirements Analysis and Modelling	INF20003	12.5
Reading, Writing and Criticism	LIT20001	12.5
Cardiopulmonary Physiology	MBP20004	12.5
Medical Imaging Systems	MBP20009	12.5
Social Marketing	MKT20013	12.5
Sensation and Perception	NEU20005	12.5
Neurophysiology	NEU20006	12.5
Neuroimaging	NEU20007	12.5
Developmental and Molecular Neuroscience	NEU20008	12.5
Nutrition Science	NTR20001	12.5
Nutrition in the life course	NTR20002	12.5
Social Psychology	PSY20016	12.5
Families, Relationships and Sexuality	SOC20003	12.5
Race, Ethnicity and Migration	SOC20013	12.5
Sports Statistics	STA20004	12.5
Analysis of Variance and Regression	STA20006	12.5
Statistics for Forensics	STA20008	12.5
Epidemiology	STA20009	12.5
Technical Software Development	SWE20004	12.5
Molecular Biotechnology	BIO30004	12.5
Data Visualisation	COS30045	12.5
Youth Justice and Crime	CRI30010	12.5
CSIRO NEXT Innovation Accelerator	DES30065	12.5
Innovation Challenge Project	DES30066	12.5
Sleep & Attention	NEU30002	12.5
Public Health Nutrition	NTR30004	12.5
Public Policy in Australia	POL30010	12.5
Psychology of Health	PSY30001	12.5
Psychology of Wellbeing	PSY30011	12.5
Events Management	PUB30001	12.5
Issues, Crisis and Risk Communication	PUB30002	12.5
Medical and Regulatory Practice	BME40004	12.5
Advanced Medical Imaging Systems	BME40005	12.5

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

Course description

The Bachelor of Health Science is designed to equip students with a wide range of skills, knowledge, and attributes for careers promoting health and well-being. Students will receive grounding in core sciences and then choose specialised studies in one of nine major areas: Biomedical Science, Clinical Technologies, Health Promotion, Neuroscience, Nutrition, Psychology and Forensic Science, Psychology and Psychophysiology.

The course has a multi-disciplinary and applied focus, which ensures students receive a comprehensive undergraduate education. It engages students with contemporary issues in health science and develops the skills needed to address them by examining the challenges confronting individuals and communities within Australia and internationally.

The course also develops competency in technologies and approaches to innovative health science practice.

Course learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course 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.

Work Integrated Learning

Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning program provides opportunities to gain invaluable skills and confidence in knowing that you have what it takes to land a job in your field by graduation. You can also earn credit towards your degree. Choose from six- or 12-month professional placements, professional internships, industry-linked projects, industry study tours and accreditation placements. Find out more.

Choose a professional placement option:

12 months Six months

Professional Placement in Health

Units	Unit codes	Credit points
Work Experience in Industry A	WEI20001	25
Integrated Professional Placement A - Health	HEA20003	25
Work Experience in Industry B	WEI20002	25
Integrated Professional Placement B - Health	HEA20004	25

Professional Placement in Health

Units	Unit codes	Credit points
Work Experience in Industry A	WEI20001	25
Integrated Professional Placement A - Health	HEA20003	25

Career opportunities

Future career options for graduates of this degree may include medical researcher, community worker, health policy developer, clinical technologist, laboratory technician, healthcare consultant, fitness specialist, health communication officer, nutritionist and more.

Graduates who intend to pursue psychology as a career must follow a sequence of education and training in psychology as required by the Psychology Board of Australia.

Following completion of an accredited bachelor degree, graduates should apply for the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) – Graduate Entry (or an equivalent APAC-accredited fourth-year program) and, on completion, register as provisional psychologists. Those seeking general registration as practicing psychologists in Australia must subsequently successfully graduate from an accredited postgraduate program such as the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology), Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) or Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology), or undergo a two-year supervised internship program.

For more detailed information on Australian requirements for registration as a psychologist, visit the Australian Psychological Society website.

Fees

- Fees for 2019 and 2020.

Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.

Fees for 2019
Fees for 2020

Fees for 2019

2019 rate*	Estimated total cost of the course	Estimated cost of the course per year if studying full-time*	Amenities fee per year if studying full-time*
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)	$28,077	$9,359	See how your SSAF is calculated

Fees are estimates only: The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2019 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester. Students who participate in a six or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.

How do I pay my fees?

HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.

Find out more about fees.

Fees for 2020

2020 rate*	Estimated total cost of the course	Estimated cost of the course per year if studying full-time*	Amenities fee per year if studying full-time*
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)	$28,581	$9,527	See how your SSAF is calculated

Fees are estimates only: The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2020 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester. Students who participate in a six or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.

How do I pay my fees?

HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.

Find out more about fees.

How to enter this course

- Entry requirements, pathways, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.

Entry requirements

2019 Guaranteed Entry ATAR: 60

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).

Applicants without a formal qualification may be considered for entry upon completion of the STAT test.

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

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne for general information about the admission process.

Pathways

Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides advanced standing to the second.

Progress from this course to Bachelor of Health Science	Maximum amount of credit available
Diploma of Health Science (UniLink) (8 months)	8 units

This information should be used as a guide only. Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree.

Learn more about pathways.

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. Learn more about credit.

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. Learn more about RPL.

How to apply

Applications for Semester 1 for courses listed on the VTAC Guide are generally made through VTAC. Under certain circumstances, some students (e.g. Non-Year 12) may apply directly to Swinburne. Find out more about how to apply.

Applications for all other intakes should be made directly to Swinburne.

View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.