Bachelor of Science Majoring in Biochemistry

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry) at Swinburne gives you the opportunity to explore life at a molecular level. You’ll gain hands-on laboratory experience, learn how molecules drive living systems, and see how this knowledge can be applied in healthcare, biotechnology, and environmental science.
This degree is ideal if you are curious about how living things work, enjoy solving problems, and want to combine practical lab work with a strong foundation in science.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation with units such as Concepts of Biology and Introduction to Chemistry, which introduce the basics of life and matter. You’ll also study Concepts of Biotechnology and Sustainability Challenges in Science, learning how scientific knowledge can be applied to real-world challenges and preparing you for more advanced topics.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on deeper biochemistry concepts. Units like Introduction to Biochemistry and Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins explore the chemical processes that underpin life. You’ll also engage with Societal Challenges in Science, developing an understanding of how science interacts with broader social and ethical issues.

Year 3:
In the final year, you’ll tackle advanced subjects such as Advanced Biochemistry, Molecular Biotechnology, and Computational and Advanced Organic Chemistry. These units help you apply everything you’ve learned to real research and industry contexts, with electives allowing you to pursue areas that match your personal interests and career goals.

Focus Areas

Biomolecular structures and functions, enzyme activity and metabolism, genetics, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to conduct biochemical experiments, analyse and interpret data, solve complex scientific problems, produce technical reports, and understand the ethical and societal impact of science.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Completing this major with a Chemistry minor is recognised by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), strengthening your credentials within the Australian scientific community.

Reputation and Employability

Swinburne is recognised globally for science and technology, with strong research performance and graduate outcomes that support employability in scientific and research roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Swinburne, studying biochemistry is much more than lectures and textbooks — you’ll be getting hands-on experience in real scientific environments right from the start. You’ll spend time in fully equipped laboratories conducting experiments, analysing biological samples, and learning the techniques that professional scientists use every day. The program also links you to industry through Work Integrated Learning (WIL) projects, giving you opportunities to tackle real-world scientific challenges and build practical skills that employers value.

Your learning experiences include:

Industry-Linked Projects: Throughout your degree, you’ll complete professionally focused projects that connect your classroom learning to real industry problems, helping you gain valuable experience before graduation.
State-of-the-Art Laboratories: Swinburne’s Chemistry and Biotechnology labs provide access to equipment like microscopes, chromatographs, and nano-drop spectrophotometers, so you can perform experiments just like in real research settings.
Practical Classes: Small, hands-on classes let you develop lab skills under close guidance, from culturing microbes to measuring enzyme activity and interpreting data.
Research Opportunities: If you’re interested in research, you can use advanced facilities such as the ANFF-VIC Biointerface Engineering Hub and characterisation labs, gaining experience that’s valuable for honours or postgraduate study.
Campus Resources: Swinburne’s libraries and digital platforms give you ac

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Swinburne’s Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry) leave ready to step into exciting scientific careers. With your practical lab experience and industry‑linked projects, you could work as a biochemical researcher, clinical biochemist, forensic scientist, or environmental scientist. The degree gives you both the skills and confidence to succeed in roles that value problem-solving, laboratory expertise, and scientific insight:

Career and Employability Support: Swinburne’s Careers & Employability team helps you prepare for the job market with personalised guidance, mock interviews, resume and cover letter reviews, and employer networking events. The SwinEmploy portal also connects you to internships, part-time roles, and graduate positions relevant to science students. Students can expect to earn between AUD 50,000 and AUD 65,000 per annum.
Graduate Success: Swinburne graduates enjoy high employment rates soon after finishing, with many stepping straight into full-time roles in research, healthcare, and biotech. The university is recognised for strong graduate outcomes and competitive starting salaries.
Industry Connections: The program links you to industry partners across science and technology, giving you opportunities to work on real projects, secure internships, and develop professional networks while still at university.
Professional Recognition: Completing the Biochemistry major with a Chemistry minor earns recognition from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), which adds long-term value to your qualification in scientific and chemistry-related fields.

Further Academic Progression:
After your Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, you can continue your studies in multiple ways. Many graduates pursue an Honours year or a Master of Science / Master of Biotechnology to specialise further. If research is your passion, a PhD opens doors to advanced roles in academia, medical research, and leadership positions in industry.