Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering)
Undergraduate course
Overview
You can also look at entering this course via pathways from one of our UniLink or TAFE courses.
Biomedical engineering is a rapidly emerging discipline designed to improve human health through interdisciplinary activities that integrate engineering with biomedical science and clinical practice. This course emphasises the application of electronics, electrical and systems engineering in medicine and biology, allowing you to explore the applications and challenges associated with biomedical engineering. You will become capable of creating new devices, instrumentation software and other technologies to advance biology and improve healthcare and the quality of life within communities.
| Duration | 4 years full-time (or equivalent part-time) plus an optional year of Industry-Based Learning or a minimum of 12 weeks Professional Engineering Experience | ||
Campus and intakes  |
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| Study mode | Full-time Part-time (day) | ||
| Course code | Z029 | ||
| Fees | For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website. |
Course in detail
Course description
This program information is provided for prospective students. Current students, please refer to your program planner and unit outline. Program planners are available on the faculty website under Information for Current Students.
This degree maximises a student's career choices through a combination of the study of the physical aspects of human physiology and the related technologies for clinical care and biomedical monitoring.
Biomedical engineering is a discipline that advances knowledge in engineering, biology and medicine, and improves human health through cross-disciplinary activities that integrate the engineering sciences with the biomedical sciences and clinical practice. As such, the learning outcomes of the degree have been designed to integrate knowledge, understanding, intellectual, practical and transferable skills across both engineering and its interface with the life sciences.
Please also refer to the Biomedical Engineering website for more information.
Course structure
This course operates under a student workload model based on 100 credit points for a full-time academic year. One credit point is deemed to be equivalent to one hour of student work per week over a semester, whether in contact with staff or in private study. The normal full-time load is four units of study per semester, each worth 12.5 credit points. The typical student's average weekly workload during semester is therefore expected to be 50 hours. Total student contact hours, including lectures, classes, tutorials, flexible learning and laboratory and field sessions will vary in different semesters.
Students complete a total of 32 units (400 credit points), as follows:
23 x Biomedical Engineering (BME) Core units (287.5 credit points), consisting of:
8 x Foundation Studies (100 credit points)
12 x Technical units (150 credit points)
3 x Capstone units (37.5 credit points)
2 x Management and Business units (25 credit points):
8 x Foundation Studies (100 credit points)
12 x Technical units (150 credit points)
3 x Capstone units (37.5 credit points)
2 x Management and Business units (25 credit points):
- HES3380, and
- HES5380
4 x Elective units (50 credit points), select from:
- Specialist Studies electives, or
- Approved Minor
3 x Technical Elective units (37.5)
In addition:
3 x Compulsory, non-credit point units (0 credit points):
3 x Compulsory, non-credit point units (0 credit points):
- HED400 (or IBL), and
- HES0000, and
- HED402
Note: this program contains three Capstone experiences.
Professional Experience in Engineering (HED400) (0 credit points)
In addition to the above, all engineering students must complete a minimum of 12 weeks relevant industry experience. Where students complete Industry-Based Learning, an exemption will be granted for HED400. Please note that due to government regulation international students holding a student visa are not able to undertake IBL.
Industry-Based Learning (HEW050/HEW055) (0 credit points)
Engineering students have the option of undertaking a 6 or 12 month, full-time, paid professional placement to link theory to practice, develop leadership potential and enhance graduate employability. Placements are subject to availability and student eligibility, and unit fees apply. Please note that due to government regulation international students holding a student visa are not able to undertake IBL. Please refer to the Course Experience tab for more information.
Careers in the Curriculum (HES0000) (0 credit points)
In addition to the above, all Swinburne undergraduate students must complete a compulsory unit of study, Careers in the Curriculum. Careers in the Curriculum is an innovative unit designed to assist Swinburne students to enhance their employability and career prospects.
Professional Experience in Engineering (HED400) (0 credit points)
In addition to the above, all engineering students must complete a minimum of 12 weeks relevant industry experience. Where students complete Industry-Based Learning, an exemption will be granted for HED400. Please note that due to government regulation international students holding a student visa are not able to undertake IBL.
Industry-Based Learning (HEW050/HEW055) (0 credit points)
Engineering students have the option of undertaking a 6 or 12 month, full-time, paid professional placement to link theory to practice, develop leadership potential and enhance graduate employability. Placements are subject to availability and student eligibility, and unit fees apply. Please note that due to government regulation international students holding a student visa are not able to undertake IBL. Please refer to the Course Experience tab for more information.
Careers in the Curriculum (HES0000) (0 credit points)
In addition to the above, all Swinburne undergraduate students must complete a compulsory unit of study, Careers in the Curriculum. Careers in the Curriculum is an innovative unit designed to assist Swinburne students to enhance their employability and career prospects.
Careers in the Curriculum has been developed by Swinburne Careers and Employment who provide advice and feedback on completing job applications and undergoing interviews, directed at obtaining graduate employment. Careers in the Curriculum is a one semester compulsory unit usually undertaken in second year.
Students will not incur a HECS or fee debt as the cost will be met by the university as part of an initiative to enhance students' employability skills.
Units of study
The recommended sequence of study or 'program planner' for both new students and current students are available at the links below:
Most courses offer elective units, minors and/or majors within the structure, as listed above. Please refer to the Elective Options available for this program.
For this program, students may complete a minor in one of the following fields:
- Electronics
- Control and Automation
- or an approved minor
Graduate outcomes
Aims and objectives
Program Objectives
The following eight objectives are the typical skills and abilities that Swinburne graduates will have a few years after graduation, as they develop their professional engineering careers.
The following eight objectives are the typical skills and abilities that Swinburne graduates will have a few years after graduation, as they develop their professional engineering careers.
- Manage complex biomedical engineering projects that are motivational, entrepreneurial, research and/or industry linked
- Take leadership and mentoring roles during the design and implementation phases of biomedical engineering projects
- Work in local and/or international organisations demonstrating an understanding of global engineering issues
- Apply electrical and biomedical technical expertise to industry-related fields in engineering, biomedical sciences and medical environments
- Work autonomously and in teams within organisations or as a consultant
- Apply ethical standards, principles of design for sustainable development, and environmental consideration to conceptualising and implementing industry related projects
- Apply physics and mathematical principles to the interpretation and study of human physiological processes and instrumentation
- Apply problem-solving skills in complex human-machine systems
Program Outcomes
At the completion of the Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering) course, graduates should be able to demonstrate the attainment of the following Biomedical Swinburne Engineering Competencies, required for external professional recognition:
At the completion of the Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering) course, graduates should be able to demonstrate the attainment of the following Biomedical Swinburne Engineering Competencies, required for external professional recognition:
- K1 Basic Science: Proficiently applies concepts, theories and techniques of the relevant natural and physical sciences
- K2 Maths and IT as Tools: Proficiently uses relevant mathematics and computer and information science concepts as tools
- K3 Discipline Specific: Proficiently applies advanced technical knowledge of Biomedical Engineering within that context
- K4 Emerging Disciplinary Trends: Interprets and applies current or emerging knowledge from inside and outside Biomedical Engineering
- K5 Practice Context: Discerns and appreciates the contextual factors affecting professional engineering practice
- K6 Professional Practice: Appreciates the principles of professional engineering practice in a sustainable context
- S1 Engineering Methods: Applies engineering methods in practical applications. S2 Problem Solving: Systematically uses engineering methods in solving complex problems
- S3 Design: Systematically uses engineering methods in design
- S4 Project Management: Systematically uses engineering methods in conducting and managing projects
- A1 Ethics: Values the need for, and demonstrates, ethical conduct and professional accountability
- A2 Communication: Demonstrates effective communication to professional and wider audiences
- A3 Entrepreneurial: Appreciates entrepreneurial approaches to engineering practice
- A4 Information Management: Demonstrates seeking, using, assessing and managing information
- A5 Professional Self: Demonstrates professionalism
- A6 Management of Self: Demonstrates self management processes
- A7 Teamwork: Demonstrates effective team membership and team leadership
Career opportunities
Career opportunities may be found in hospital engineering, clinical and para-clinical departments, industry and research involving biomedical instrumentation, physiological signal processing, medical imaging and physiological modeling. Alternatively, graduates may choose to work as an electrical engineer.
Course experience
Industry learning
Students studying on an international student visa must complete Professional Experience in Engineering (HED400). All other students may complete an Industry-Based Learning placement instead (exemption will be granted for HED400 on completion of IBL).Professional Experience in Engineering (HED400): Equivalent of 12 full-time weeks of approved relevant engineering practical experience (0 credit points, 0 fees). To be taken at any stage during the degree.
Industry-Based Learning (Placement 1) (HEW050), Industry-Based Learning (Placement 2) (HEW055): Full-time paid placement in industry for six months (HEW050) or 12 months (HEW050 and HEW055) in an area relevant to your studies (0 academic credit points, unit fees apply). Students should attend an information session one semester prior to the scheduled IBL entry point. Further information: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/engineering/ibl/
Students are recommended to complete HES0000 Careers in the Curriculum prior to their Industry Experience.
Industry-Based Learning (Placement 1) (HEW050), Industry-Based Learning (Placement 2) (HEW055): Full-time paid placement in industry for six months (HEW050) or 12 months (HEW050 and HEW055) in an area relevant to your studies (0 academic credit points, unit fees apply). Students should attend an information session one semester prior to the scheduled IBL entry point. Further information: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/engineering/ibl/
Students are recommended to complete HES0000 Careers in the Curriculum prior to their Industry Experience.
Honours
Swinburne Engineering degrees offer the opportunity for high-achieving students to graduate with an Honours grade.
Engineering Honours are awarded on the basis of academic achievement in twelve units nominated as representing the key values of the program. The mark for the student’s first attempt each of in the nominated units is averaged to determine the Honours grade:
H1: Greater than or equal to 80%
H2A: Greater than or equal to 75% and less than 80%
H2B: Greater than or equal to 70% and less than 75%
H3: Greater than or equal to 65% and less than 70%
Swinburne Abroad
Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help internationalise your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne's Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies while on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Swinburne Abroad website.Entry requirements
ATAR
72.90
2013 Round 1 Clearly-In ATAR (CSP)
You can also look at entering this course via pathways from one of our UniLink or TAFE courses.
Entry requirements
Standard Entry:
A. VCE or Equivalent:
Units 3 and 4–a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or at least 25 in any other English and at least 20 in mathematical methods.
In the absence of VCE, applicants must have a qualification deemed to be the equivalent of the VCE accredited by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA).
B. Advanced Diploma and Associate Degree holders:
Successful completion of a relevant associate degree, advanced diploma, or equivalent. Preference are given to applicants with credit grade average of at least 65% or above with no fails in their final year.
Depending on the results obtained, advanced standing in the degree program is considered on an individual basis within the limits of the Engineering Board of Studies Credit Transfer Policy. These applications are judged on an individual basis by the program coordinator.
Depending on the results obtained, advanced standing in the degree program is considered on an individual basis within the limits of the Engineering Board of Studies Credit Transfer Policy. These applications are judged on an individual basis by the program coordinator.
C. Applicants with partially completed tertiary qualifications:
Preference are given to applicants with credit grade average of at least 65% (VTAC calculated GPA of 5) with no fails.
Depending on the results obtained, advanced standing in the degree program is considered on an individual basis within the limits of the Engineering Board of Studies Credit Transfer Policy. These applications are judged on an individual basis by the program coordinator.
Special Entry:
Depending on the results obtained, advanced standing in the degree program is considered on an individual basis within the limits of the Engineering Board of Studies Credit Transfer Policy. These applications are judged on an individual basis by the program coordinator.
Special Entry:
Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS) is the umbrella program covering the special entry and access schemes conducted by tertiary institutions participating in the VTAC system.
There are two distinct schemes within SEAS:
- Access and Equity
- Year 11/12 Special Consideration
Both schemes are designed for applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage; however, each scheme has a specific focus.
Access and Equity
SEAS Access and Equity is for all applicants whose education has been affected by long-term disadvantage.
Year 11/12 Special Consideration
Year 11/12 Special Consideration is for current Year 12 students who have experienced adverse circumstances specifically in Years 11 and/or 12 which have impacted on their Year 12 results (ATAR).
Pathways
An advanced credit transfer system, known as the Pathways program, is in place at Swinburne. Through Pathways, students with one or more of a wide range of post-secondary qualifications (both local and international) can gain entry into a course with advanced standing. Certain subject requirements must be met and an acceptable standard of results achieved in order to gain admission and for maximum credit to be granted. For further information refer to 'Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways//Credit transfer
Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be granted ‘credit’ and/or entry into the course with ‘advanced standing’. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to ‘Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide’ at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways//Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training.Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm
Apply
How to apply
Applications must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).
VTAC code: 34681 (CSP), 34683 (Int. Fee)
For further information, visit the VTAC website at: www.vtac.edu.au
VTAC code: 34681 (CSP), 34683 (Int. Fee)
For further information, visit the VTAC website at: www.vtac.edu.au
Applicants who have not already applied through VTAC can apply direct to the university by following the step-by-step process on our How to Apply page.
Applicants who believe they will receive an ATAR of at least 95.00, have an opportunity to undertake this course through the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Program. For further information visit the website at: www.swin.edu.au/scholarships
This course is available for mid-year intake. Applications are made directly to Swinburne and will be taken on a case-by-case basis. Application forms can be downloaded from our How to Apply website.