Graduate Diploma in Science

Graduate Diploma

The Graduate Diploma in Science provides an opportunity for graduates to upgrade or extend their qualifications in a field of study not covered in depth in their undergraduate studies.

Key details

Degree Type

Graduate Diploma

Duration

1 year full-time, 4 years part-time

Course Code

GradDipSc, 000452E

Study Mode

In person, Online

About this course

The Graduate Diploma in Science provides an opportunity for graduates to upgrade or extend their qualifications in a field of study not covered in depth in their undergraduate studies. Study programs are designed to meet the candidate's interests and academic background and involve a combination of course work selected from a chosen field of study. Available fields of study are: applied statistics, biochemistry, biodiversity science, biomedical science, chemistry, computational data science, genetics, health, mathematics, medicinal chemistry, physical sciences, quantitative ecology, regulatory science and zoology.

Articulation to the Master of Scientific Studies:

On completion of the Graduate Diploma, students who have obtained an overall GPA of 5 or better are eligible to articulate to the Master of Scientific Studies with 24 credit points of advanced standing for units completed towards the Graduate Diploma.

Entry requirements

A candidate shall;

(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline;

or

(b) hold an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours in a relevant discipline;

or

(c) hold an AQF Level 9 Master in a relevant discipline;

or

(d) hold an AQF Level 10 Doctorate in a relevant discipline.

Relevant disciplines include, but are not restricted to:

Biochemistry; Biology; Botany; Chemistry; Computational Science; Genetics; Geology; Mathematics; Medicinal Chemistry; Microbiology; Neuroscience (may include: Science, Medicine, Psychology, Nursing, Social Work, Education, Health, Counselling); Physics; Physiology; Statistics; and Zoology. A degree will be considered relevant to a nominated major if it includes study that covers the minimum assumed knowledge. Where it is not clear from their academic background, applicants may include a cover letter with their application describing how they have achieved the minimum assumed knowledge.

Minimum Assumed Knowledge for Each Major

Applied Statistics: one unit of statistics and one unit of (calculus-based) mathematics

Biochemistry: two units of biology and two units of chemistry

Biodiversity Science: two units of biology

Biomedical Science: two units of biology and two units of chemistry

Chemistry: two units of chemistry

Computational Data Science: one unit of statistics and one unit of (calculus-based) mathematics and two programming intensive units

Genetics: two units of biology and two units of chemistry

Health: two units of biology and two units of chemistry

Mathematics: two units of (calculus-based) mathematics

Medicinal Chemistry: two units of chemistry and one additional unit of chemistry, biochemistry, or pharmaceutical science

Neuroscience: four units at second year level or above from neuroscience (see relevant disciplines)

Physical Sciences: two units of physics, two units of chemistry and two units of (calculus-based) mathematics

Quantitative Ecology: two units of statistics or mathematics, two units in any natural, physical, or social science, or equivalent

Regulatory Science: four science-based units with at least two units at second year level or above or equivalent

Zoology: two units of biology

Note: Students wishing to complete the course on a full-time basis are strongly encouraged to have greater than the minimum assumed knowledge and to begin their study in first trimester.

Study locations

Armidale

Online

What you will learn

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

demonstrate through their own study and practise, advanced knowledge of science in their chosen discipline;
demonstrate through their own practise, specialist technical competencies in the field, laboratory and professional workplace related to science; and advanced knowledge of theoretical concepts applicable to their chosen discipline;
conduct investigations to critically analyse and evaluate complex ideas, and apply established theories to identify solutions to complex problems relating to their discipline;
be effective communicators of science by communicating scientific knowledge and concepts, and transferring complex knowledge and scientific ideas to a variety of audiences using a range of written and oral communication modes; and
be responsible and accountable for their own learning and scientific work by demonstrating initiative and high level independent judgement in a range of functions in their scientific discipline, operating with a high level of personal autonomy and responsibility for all aspects of the work or function of others, and planning and executing independent research while complying with regulatory frameworks and practising professional ethics relevant to their discipline area.

Career pathways

Career opportunities are possible in small and large businesses, industry, government, teaching and research. Examples include positions in the departments of primary industries, resource management, water and land resources, CSIRO, environmental protection authorities, forestry commissions, national parks and wildlife services and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). Industry opportunities include positions in computing, consulting, botanical gardens and museums, manufacturing, electronics, mining and oil.

University of New England (UNE)