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Diploma of Science

Diploma

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    View in availability

  • Duration

    1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

  • Location

    View in availability
    Distance education students attend compulsory residential workshops at the Lismore campus for some units.

  • Placements

    NA

  • Course abbreviation

    DipSc

  • Course code

    2127298

  • Credit points

    96

  • Equivalent units

    8

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

The Diploma of Science is a one-year (full-time or part-time equivalent) course that equips students with foundational knowledge and skills in areas including environmental, health and physical sciences such as engineering. The course includes a pathway to Southern Cross University’s Associate Degree of Science. Graduates can elect to pursue further study with a Bachelor degree qualification in environmental science, marine science and management, forestry science and management, civil engineering (Honours) and mechanical engineering (Honours). Graduates of the Diploma may receive up to one year of credit (advanced standing) into their Bachelor degree. 

This course is offered through SCU College which provides students with a highly supportive study environment.

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Exercise critical judgement and creative thinking to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined scientific settings

Creativity

Exercise critical judgement and creative thinking to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined scientific settings

Ethical practice

Apply ethical and sustainable values and practices within defined scientific contexts

Knowledge of a discipline

Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the field of science

Lifelong learning

Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work in defined scientific contexts

Communication and social skills

Communicate information, concepts and solutions, individually and/or in a team, with an awareness of diverse cultural perspectives within defined scientific contexts

Cultural competence

Communicate information, concepts and solutions, individually and/or in a team, with an awareness of diverse cultural perspectives within defined scientific contexts

The course includes core studies in science that prepare students for further study through a range of science discipline units. The Diploma will assist students’ progression to their preferred area of study, should they decide to articulate into Southern Cross University’s Associate Degree of Science, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Environmental Science, Bachelor of Marine Science and Management, Bachelor of Forest Science and Management, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering, and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering.

Study areas are offered as follows:

  • Human Science (Lismore campus)
  • Environmental Sciences (Lismore campus, or by distance education)
  • Physical Sciences and mathematics (Lismore campus, or some units by distance education)
  • Engineering (Lismore campus)

Please note: Not all study areas are available to study by distance education.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Lismore Session 1 334014 054701
Online Session 1 N/A N/A

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Course requirements

  1. To be eligible for a Diploma of Science, a candidate shall successfully complete the equivalent of eight (8) units (96 credit points) comprising:
    1. at least two (2) units from Part A; and
    2. at least four (4)  units from Part B; and
    3. two (2) units from either Part A or Part B

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Students must enrol in the core units from the College in their first session of study: EDU10010 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline andSCI10001 -  Nature of Science and MAT10001 -  Foundation Mathematics
Students are advised to select units from the same specialisation group to enable completion of a major if they wish to progress to a Bachelor Degree.
Year 1, Session 1
EDU10010 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline Introductory
MAT10001 -  Foundation Mathematics Introductory
SCI10001 -  Nature of Science Introductory
BIO00201 -  Biology Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
CHE00201 -  Chemistry Introductory
BIO00202 -  Ecology Introductory
Two (2) Electives unit from Part B Environmental Science stream

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
This stream is only available at the Lismore campus.
Students must enrol in the core units from the College in their first session of study: EDU10010 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline and MAT10001 -  Foundation Mathematics
Year 1. Session 1
EDU10010 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline Introductory
MAT10001 -  Foundation Mathematics Introductory
PHY10760 -  Physics and Materials Introductory
ENG10759 -  Processes and Philosophy of Engineering Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
MAT10719 -  Calculus Intermediate
CHE00201 -  Chemistry Introductory
ENG10757 -  Applied Mechanics Introductory
ENG10758 -  Humanitarian Engineering Project Introductory

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Students must enrol in the core units from the College in their first session of study: EDU10010 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline and SCI10001 -  Nature of Science and MAT10001 -  Foundation Mathematics
Students are advised to select units from the same specialisation group to enable completion of a major if they wish to progress to a Bachelor Degree.
Year 1, Session 1
EDU10010 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline Introductory
MAT10001 -  Foundation Mathematics Introductory
SCI10001 -  Nature of Science Introductory
BIO00201 -  Biology Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
CHE00201 -  Chemistry Introductory
EDU10011 -  Learning for Future Careers Intermediate
2 units from: Human Science

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
This stream is only available at the Lismore campus.
Students must enrol in the core units from the College in their first session of study: EDU10010 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline and SCI10001 -  Nature of Science and MAT10001 -  Foundation Mathematics
Year 1, Session 1
EDU10010 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline Introductory
MAT10001 -  Foundation Mathematics Introductory
PHY10760 -  Physics and Materials Introductory
SCI10001 -  Nature of Science Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
MAT10719 -  Calculus Intermediate
EDU10011 -  Learning for Future Careers Intermediate
CHE00201 -  Chemistry Introductory
MAT10720 -  Linear Algebra Intermediate

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Students must enrol in the core units from the College in their first session of study: EDU10010 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline and SCI10001 -  Nature of Science and MAT10001 -  Foundation Mathematics
Students are advised to select units from the same specialisation group to enable completion of a major if they wish to progress to a Bachelor Degree.
Year 1, Session 1
EDU10010 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline Introductory
MAT10001 -  Foundation Mathematics Introductory
SCI10001 -  Nature of Science Introductory
BIO00201 -  Biology Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
CHE00201 -  Chemistry Introductory
EDU10011 -  Learning for Future Careers Intermediate
2 units from Physical Sciences and Mathematics or Environmental Science or Human Science

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Part A
SCI10001 Nature of Science Introductory
MAT10001 Foundation Mathematics Introductory
EDU10010 Language and Learning in your Discipline Introductory
EDU10011 Learning for Future Careers Intermediate

Part B

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
BIO00201 Biology Introductory
CHE00201 Chemistry Introductory
GLY00201 Earth Systems I: The Lithosphere Introductory
SCI10002 Science in Society Introductory

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
BIO01302 Human Anatomy Introductory
BIO10662 Systemic Anatomy Introductory
BIO00307 Human Physiology Introductory
BIO00207 Mechanics for Movement Introductory
HMS00202 Principles and Practices of Sport and Exercise Science Introductory
CHE00002 Biochemistry Intermediate
SCI10703 Food Science Introductory
BHS11001 Introduction to Psychology I Introductory
BHS11002 Introduction to Psychology II Introductory
BHS30003 Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
NUT00214 Food and Nutrition in Health Introductory

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
BIO10187 Global Environmental Issues Introductory
AGR00214 Soil Processes Intermediate
AGR00215 Water and Catchment Management Advanced
BIO00105 Fisheries Biology Advanced
BIO00212 Wildlife Conservation Intermediate
BIO00213 Plant Identification and Conservation Intermediate
BIO00232 Coastal Marine Ecosystems Intermediate
BIO01204 Wetland Ecosystems Intermediate
BIO00202 Ecology Introductory
CHE00073 Environmental Chemistry Intermediate
ENS00203 Earth Systems II: The Hydrosphere Introductory
ENV10655 Coastlines - Diversity, Dynamics and Risks Intermediate
FOR00102 Measuring Trees and Forests Intermediate
MAT00211 Environmental Information Analysis Introductory

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
PHY10760 Physics and Materials Introductory
MAT10718 Mathematical Ideas Introductory
MAT10719 Calculus Intermediate
MAT10720 Linear Algebra Intermediate
MAT10251 Statistical Analysis Intermediate
ENG10757 Applied Mechanics Introductory
ENG10759 Processes and Philosophy of Engineering Introductory
ENG10758 Humanitarian Engineering Project Introductory