1997 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

Student workload and credit point system
The Division of Science, Engineering and Design operates a
student workload model based on a credit point system. In
this model, the standard workload for a full-time student
undertaking a program of study for one year comprises
subjects with a total value of 100 credit points. To complete,
for example, a full-time three-year bachelor degree program,
a student must pass subjects to the value of at least 300 credit
points.
The credit point value of a subject is a notional measure of
the relative workload associated with that subject.
Normally, a full-time student enrols in subjects totalling
fifty credit points per semester. However, small variations in
this total are permitted according to the choice and
availability of elective subjects.
Credit for Swinburne TAFE Division
associate diplomas
Associate Diploma of Applied Science in Laboratory
Technology
Students who complete this associate diploma at an
acceptable level and with an appropriate choice of electives
are eligible for direct entry into the second year of the
Bachelor of Applied Science degree programs in applied
chemistry or biochemistry. The amount of credit granted in
each case exceeds 100 credit points. Applications should be
made through VTAC.
Associate Diploma of Applied Science in Computing
and Applied Physics
Students who complete this associate diploma at an
acceptable level and with an appropriate choice of electives
are eligible for direct entry into the second year of the
Bachelor of Applied Science degree programs in computing
and instrumentation; computer science (conversion) and
mathematics and computer science. In each case the amount
of credit granted is up to 100 credit points. Applications
should be made through VTAC.
Associate diplomas in computer science
Students who have completed an appropriate TAFE
associate diploma at an acceptable level may be admitted
directly into a special two year full-time conversion program
available to such students. The associate diploma maybe in
business, science, or engineering, but must include
acceptable introductory courses in computer systems and
computer programming. Applicants will also be expected to
have passed mathematics subjects to at least the equivalent of
the VCE level required for normal entry into the first year
of computer science degree programs in the Division of
Science, Engineering and Design. Applications should be
made through VTAC.
Applied Science courses
To qualify for a Bachelor of Applied Science, a student must
complete successfully one of the following courses:
Biochemistry/Chemistry
Chemistry
Computer Science (conversion course)
Computer Science and Psychology
Computer Science and Software Engineering
Computing and Scientific Instrumentation
Environmental Health
Mathematics and Computer Science
Medical Biophysics and Instrumentation
Multimedia Technology
Psychology and Psychophysiology
The structures of courses are described on the following
pages in the above order (alphabetical).
Courses combining the single major chemistry with
instrumentation, computing or mathematics are also offered
on an individual basis, subject in each case to the approval of
the Divisional Board.
As some courses may have minor changes made in 1996 some
alterations may be made to subject codes and contact hours.
Up-to-date listings of subjects and hours will be made
available to students on enrolment and re-enrolment.
2052 Biochemistry/C hemistry
1997 VTAC course code-34608
This program combines studies in chemistry, biochemistry and
microbiology.
Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of living matter
based on principles of organic, physical and analytical
chemistry. As well as understanding biology and working
with biochemicals and biochemical instrumentation, the
modern biochemist has to make extensive use of computers.
Computers are used to control instrumentation in
investigations ranging from alcohol levels in blood to
vitamin concentrations in food. Computers are also used to
control industrial processes such as fermentations and food
processing.
The course in biochemistry/chemistry involves a study of
the structure and function of the chemical systems of living
organisms and application of this knowledge to many
industrial fields such as clinical, pharmaceutical and food
chemistry. The course provides a sound background in
theory and application of analytical and preparative
biochemical techniques. Computing subjects are ancillary
but provide awareness and proficiency in modern computer
technology and its applications to biochemistry. All aspects
of the course are reinforced by paid industrial experience.
Swinburne University of Technology 1 997 Hand book 1 1 5