Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Arts Majoring in Biomedical Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

This program integrates biomedical science with arts studies, giving you a unique combination of laboratory-based scientific training and broader analytical and communication skills. It is ideal for students who want careers in health science, research, science communication, or interdisciplinary fields that connect science with society.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, you establish foundational knowledge in both science and arts through subjects such as Cell Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Chemistry for the Life Sciences, alongside introductory Arts units in Communication or Social Sciences. You develop essential laboratory skills, scientific reasoning, and critical thinking across both disciplines.

Year 2

The second year deepens your biomedical science knowledge with units such as Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Human Physiology, while continuing arts study in areas like Sociology, Psychology, or Writing and Communication. You begin to understand disease processes while also building strong communication and analytical skills across disciplines.

Year 3

In Year 3, you progress into advanced biomedical science including Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Pathophysiology, while also undertaking intermediate-level arts electives that strengthen research, writing, and critical analysis. This year helps you connect scientific knowledge with broader social and human perspectives.

Year 4

The final year focuses on advanced biomedical science applications and a capstone experience, alongside higher-level arts electives or a research-based project. You complete integrated learning that combines laboratory science with communication, policy, or interdisciplinary research, preparing you for diverse career pathways.

Focus Areas

Biomedical science, human physiology, cell biology, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, communication studies, sociology, psychology, science communication, interdisciplinary research

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop strong scientific literacy in biomedical science alongside advanced communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills. You are equipped to interpret biological data, understand health issues in broader social contexts, and communicate scientific ideas effectively across industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is aligned with biomedical science industry expectations and also develops transferable skills valued in communications, media, policy, and research sectors, supporting flexible career pathways across science and arts-related fields.

Reputation & Employability

Swinburne University of Technology is recognised for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and industry engagement, particularly in science, health, and communication disciplines. The university is regularly included in global rankings such as QS World University Rankings, reflecting its reputation for applied, career-focused education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Swinburne University of Technology, the Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Arts (Biomedical Science major) combines laboratory-based biomedical training with applied arts learning, giving students a rare mix of scientific and communication-focused experience. Throughout the degree, you actively engage in biomedical experiments, research tasks, and collaborative projects while also developing communication, writing, and analytical skills that are essential for explaining science in real-world contexts. The learning environment is highly practical, supported by modern laboratories, digital tools, and interdisciplinary teaching approaches that reflect both science and society:

Biomedical Science Teaching Laboratories: Students gain hands-on experience in microbiology, biochemistry, and cell biology using modern scientific instruments in controlled lab environments.
Cell and Molecular Biology Practical Training: You perform experiments involving microscopy, DNA analysis, and biochemical testing to understand disease mechanisms at a molecular level.
Arts Communication and Writing Studios: Dedicated learning spaces support development of scientific writing, media communication, and critical analysis skills.
Interdisciplinary Group Projects: Students complete collaborative projects combining biomedical science and arts perspectives, simulating real-world science communication and research environments.
Digital Research and Data Tools: You use scientific databases, digital analysis tools, and communication platforms to interpret biological data and present scientific findings.
Capstone and Research Projects: Final-year projects integrate biomedical science with arts-based inquiry, often focusing on health communication or interdisciplinary research topics.
Library and Digital Learning Resources: Access to Swinburne’s extensive digital library, including biomedical journals, humanities research databases, and scientific publications.
Industry-Linked Learning Opportunities: The program incorporates real-world perspectives through engagement with science communication and health-related industry contexts.
Applied Learning Environment: Practical workshops and laboratory classes are designed to reflect both scientific research and communication-focused professional settings.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Arts (Biomedical Science major) at Swinburne University of Technology are prepared for flexible career pathways that combine biomedical science expertise with strong communication and analytical skills. You can work in scientific research, health communication, public health, or roles that connect science with media, policy, and education:

Typical career roles include Biomedical Research Assistant, Science Communicator, Health Policy Assistant, and Laboratory Support Officer.

This strong career flexibility is supported through Swinburne’s employability ecosystem and industry engagement:

Swinburne Careers and Employability Service: Provides tailored career planning, CV development, interview preparation, and access to employer networks in science, health, and communication sectors.
Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities: Students gain real-world exposure through applied projects and industry-connected learning experiences across both science and arts disciplines.
Industry Partnerships in Science and Communication: Swinburne collaborates with organisations in health, research, and media, supporting practical learning and career pathways.
Graduate Employment Outcomes in Health Sciences and Arts: Graduates benefit from transferable skills that are valued across biomedical, communication, and public sector industries.
Interdisciplinary Skill Advantage: The combination of biomedical science and arts strengthens employability in roles requiring both technical understanding and communication expertise.
Long-Term Career Relevance: The degree builds adaptable skills that remain valuable across evolving science, health, and media-related industries.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, graduates can pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Biomedical Science, Master of Public Health, Master of Science Communication, or research-based Honours and PhD pathways. These options support advanced careers in scientific research, health communication, academia, and policy development.