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