Bachelor of Science (Professional)

Overview

Discover the expertise of leading teachers, state-of-the-art facilities and a broad selection of science majors to suit your ambition. Practically apply your knowledge and learn on the job as you work as a scientist for a whole year – and get paid for it – with a 12-month work placement. You’ll emerge with the networks and experience to give you a competitive edge.

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 
• 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.
• 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); 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. 

Volume of Learning 

The Bachelor of Science (Professional) consists of a total of 375 credit points. Units normally carry 12.5 credit points. A standard annual full-time load comprises eight (8) units (100 credit points), and a part-time load comprises four (4) units (50 credit points). The volume of learning of the Bachelor of Science (Professional) is typically 4 years.

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 two 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).

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: Further bridging program.