Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Science(Biochemistry)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry) at Swinburne is a unique 5-year program that combines hands-on engineering training with in-depth study of biochemistry. It’s ideal for students who are curious about how things work, enjoy solving complex problems, and want a career where they can apply both scientific insight and technical know-how.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year gives you a strong foundation in both engineering and science. You’ll explore engineering concepts through units like Humanitarian Engineering Design Project and Engineering Materials, while biochemistry units such as Introduction to Chemistry and Concepts of Biology introduce you to molecular processes and laboratory techniques. This year sets the stage for thinking like both an engineer and a scientist.

Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll build on that foundation with more advanced engineering and science topics. Units like Linear Algebra and Applications and Calculus and Applications develop your problem-solving skills, while Introduction to Biochemistry and Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins deepen your understanding of molecular biology and lab research. You’ll start connecting theory with practical application.

Year 3:
By the third year, your studies become even more applied. Engineering projects and professional experience units help you develop design and teamwork skills, while biochemistry subjects such as Advanced Biochemistry and Environmental Biology explore complex molecular systems and their real-world implications. This year shows how chemistry underpins engineering innovation.

Year 4:
Year four is all about taking on larger, industry-relevant projects. Engineering capstone units challenge you to design and test solutions, while biochemistry units like Computational and Advanced Organic Chemistry and Molecular Biotechnology provide research-focused, hands-on scientific experience. You’ll start seeing how your skills can solve real-world problems.

Year 5:
The final year ties everything together with advanced projects that mirror professional work. You’ll integrate engineering design and biochemical research skills, completing complex tasks that prepare you for a career in industry, research, or further study.

Focus areas

Engineering design, biochemistry, molecular science, laboratory techniques, problem solving, data interpretation, professional engineering practice.

Learning outcomes

You’ll graduate with strong engineering and lab skills, practical experience in biochemistry, and the confidence to analyse and solve real-world problems across multiple industries.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, and the biochemistry component aligns with standards recognised by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), giving your degree credibility nationally and internationally.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Swinburne is well-regarded for its graduate outcomes and global standing in science and engineering, ensuring that your degree is respected by employers worldwide.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying this double degree at Swinburne is all about learning by doing. From your first semester, you’ll get hands-on experience in engineering and biochemistry, working on real-world projects, running experiments in professional labs, and developing the skills that employers are looking for. You’ll also have opportunities to collaborate with industry, use state-of-the-art equipment, and tackle challenges that mirror what you’ll face in your future career:

Industry-linked projects: Every semester, you’ll work on real projects that connect your coursework with current engineering and scientific challenges.
Hands-on labs: Access advanced chemistry and biotechnology labs to learn modern lab techniques — from chromatography and mass spectrometry to molecular analysis and microscopy.
Engineering workshops: Practical workshops let you test materials, build prototypes, and work on design challenges alongside your peers.
Internships and placements: Gain professional experience through Work Integrated Learning opportunities that expand your network and enhance your resume.
Group activities and industry engagement: Participate in mentoring programs, site visits, and guest lectures to see how theory translates into real-world practice.
Libraries and study spaces: Swinburne’s libraries provide access to scientific journals, databases, and collaborative study areas to support your research and teamwork.

These experiences ensure that by the time you graduate, you’re not just confident in theory — you’re ready to step straight into professional roles in engineering, biochemistry, or interdisciplinary careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this double degree leave Swinburne with a unique mix of engineering and biochemistry skills that employers really value. You’ll be ready to step into careers where both scientific knowledge and technical problem-solving matter, such as working as a chemical engineer, biochemistry research scientist, process engineer, or materials specialist:

Career support that works for you: Swinburne’s Careers & Employability Team helps you every step of the way with personalised advice, résumé and interview coaching, networking events, and access to employers in engineering and science — giving you confidence and connections to launch your career.
Hands-on industry experience: Through Swinburne’s Work Integrated Learning, you’ll complete internships, industry projects, and placements that let you apply your skills in real workplaces, often leading to job opportunities straight out of university.
Strong graduate outcomes: Swinburne graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects and competitive starting salaries, thanks to the practical skills and industry exposure built into the program. Students can expect to earn between AUD 70,000 and AUD 90,000 per annum.
Industry partnerships: The university collaborates with engineering firms, biotech companies, and research organisations, giving you the chance to work on meaningful projects and build professional networks while you study.
Accreditation you can trust: Your engineering degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, and the biochemistry component aligns with Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) standards, ensuring your qualification is recognised and respected nationally and internationally.
Flexible career pathways: Whether you want to work in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, chemical research, or environmental engineering, this degree prepares you for a wide range of exciting opportunities.

Further Academic Progression:

After graduation, you can continue your studies to specialise even further. Many students pursue a Master of Engineering to deepen their technical expertise, a Master of Science (Biochemistry) for research-focused roles, or honours and PhD programs if they’re aiming for careers in research or academia. These pathways build on the skills and experience you’ve gained at Swinburne and open doors to leadership and specialist roles in industry or innovation.