Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Science(Physics)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Science (Physics) at Swinburne University of Technology is a unique double degree that blends human health knowledge with the analytical power of physics, preparing you to solve complex challenges in healthcare, medical technology, and research. This program is ideal for students who are curious about how science can improve human health and want to combine technical problem-solving with real-world health applications.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build strong foundations in both health science and physics. Units such as Foundations of Health Science, Human Structure and Function, and Physics Fundamentals introduce you to the human body, health systems, and core physical principles like motion, energy, and forces. You’ll also develop essential academic and laboratory skills that prepare you for more advanced study.

Year 2:
The second year deepens your understanding across both disciplines. You’ll study units like Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Health Promotion, and Electromagnetism and Thermodynamics, learning how to analyse health data while also exploring key physics concepts that underpin medical technologies. Practical labs and case-based learning help you connect theory to real-world applications in healthcare and science.

Year 3:
By the third year, your learning becomes more specialised and applied. Physics units such as Quantum Physics and Computational Physics develop your technical and analytical skills, while health science units like Public Health Policy and Research Methods in Health Science focus on evidence-based decision-making. You’ll begin integrating knowledge from both areas, particularly in contexts like medical imaging, diagnostics, and health technology.

Year 4:
In your final year, you’ll refine your expertise and prepare for professional pathways. Advanced units such as Advanced Physics Project and Health Science Capstone Project allow you to undertake independent or group research, applying your combined knowledge to real-world challenges. This year focuses on critical thinking, research skills, and professional readiness, ensuring you graduate with a strong interdisciplinary profile.

Focus Areas

Health science, human biology, public health, physics principles, medical technology, data analysis, research methods.

Learning Outcomes

Apply physics concepts to healthcare challenges, analyse health data, conduct interdisciplinary research, develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, communicate scientific findings effectively.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program aligns with health science industry standards and provides a strong scientific foundation that can support further professional recognition in both health and science-related fields.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Swinburne University of Technology is recognised for its strong industry engagement and focus on employability, with graduates benefiting from practical learning and real-world experience.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Swinburne University of Technology, the Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Science (Physics) is built around hands-on, real-world learning where you actively apply both scientific and health knowledge in modern, industry-grade environments. You’ll gain practical experience through laboratory work, research-informed teaching, and exposure to advanced technologies used in healthcare, physics, and biomedical innovation. From specialised health labs to high-tech physics research facilities, you’ll develop the confidence to work across disciplines — using data, technology, and experimentation to solve real health and scientific challenges:

Here’s how your practical learning experience comes together:

Advanced physics and research laboratories: You’ll access facilities such as the Nanofabrication Laboratory, Microanalytical and Microfabrication Facility, and Ultrafast Laser Labs, where students work with advanced materials, photonics, and experimental physics tools used in cutting-edge research.
High-performance computing and simulation tools: Use powerful systems like OzSTAR supercomputing and advanced visualisation facilities to run simulations, analyse complex datasets, and model physical systems — key skills in both physics and health technologies.
Health and biomedical learning environments: Access specialised facilities such as the Babylab and biophotonics laboratories, where you explore human biology, health data, and medical technologies in controlled, research-informed settings.
Interdisciplinary research centres: Engage with research groups within the Department of Physics and Astronomy and science research hubs, where health and physics intersect in areas like medical imaging, photonics, and biotechnology.
Laboratory-based practical learning: Work in chemistry, biology, and physics labs equipped with advanced analytical instruments, allowing you to conduct experiments, collect data, and develop hands-on technical skills essential for both healthcare and scientific careers.
Collaborative projects and research skills: Throughout the degree, you’ll work in teams on lab experiments, case studies, and applied research tasks, building communication and problem-solving skills used in both clinical and scientific environments.
Digital tools and data analysis: Learn to interpret scientific and health data using modern analytical software and digital platforms, supporting evidence-based decision-making in both disciplines.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Science (Physics) at Swinburne University of Technology gives you a highly versatile skill set that blends scientific analysis with real-world health applications — something employers increasingly look for in today’s data-driven healthcare and technology sectors. With this dual expertise, you can confidently pursue roles such as health data analyst, medical technology specialist, research assistant, or public health consultant, working across hospitals, research labs, tech companies, and government organisations. This combination opens doors to careers where science directly improves human wellbeing, while also giving you the flexibility to move across industries as your interests evolve:

Here’s how Swinburne supports your career success and long-term progression:

Guaranteed Work Integrated Learning (WIL): This degree includes structured industry experience where you work on real projects in multidisciplinary teams, helping you graduate with practical experience already on your CV.
Career support and employability services: Swinburne’s Careers and Employability services provide personalised career coaching, resume building, interview preparation, and direct employer connections to help you transition into professional roles.
Strong graduate employment outcomes: Swinburne reports that around 86% of health science graduates find employment within four months of completing their degree, reflecting the university’s strong industry focus.
Industry-relevant facilities and partnerships: Through access to advanced health technologies (such as digital dissection tables and biomedical tech) and collaboration with industry partners, you gain exposure to real healthcare and scientific environments.
Professional and interdisciplinary value: Your combined qualification in health science and physics positions you uniquely for emerging fields like digital health, medical imaging, and health technology innovation, where cross-disciplinary expertise is highly valued.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, you’ll have strong pathways into both science and health postgraduate study. Many graduates choose to pursue Master’s programs in public health, biomedical science, or health technology, while others continue into Honours or research degrees in physics or applied sciences, eventually progressing to a PhD. This flexibility means you can specialise further in areas like medical physics, neuroscience, or data-driven healthcare — or even pivot into advanced research and leadership roles in science and health innovation.