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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
    Online 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

Interested in science but not sure which discipline is for you? This course will prepare you with a solid grounding in scientific knowledge and skills. It also enables you to explore the many opportunities that science provides, from the marvels of mathematics, the innovation of engineering, the wonders of the natural environment and more.

You'll learn the language and nature of science and mathematics, and will be able to follow your interests in specific areas of science.

The course includes specialisations in the following disciplines:  Earth and Environmental Systems, Forest Systems, Marine Systems, Regenerative Agriculture or Engineering and a pathway to linked degrees in these areas should you wish to pursue further study.

Graduates may also find work in para-professional roles, including positions as field assistants, laboratory assistants and environmental monitoring officers.

This course is offered through SCU College, where we recognise our students may have different approaches to learning. We connect you to peers and nurture your success with additional workshops to develop your academic and study skills.

Course Learning Outcome

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

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

Apply ethical and sustainable values and practices within defined scientific contexts

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

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

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

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

All students select a specialisation in one of the following areas:  

  • Earth and Environmental Systems
  • Forest Systems
  • Marine Systems
  • Regenerative Agriculture
  • Engineering.

Please note: Some units may require on-campus attendance. 

The Diploma of Science will assist your progression to a preferred area of study, should you decide to articulate into Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Science – with a specialisation in Earth and Environmental Systems, Forestry Systems, Marine Systems or Regenerative Agriculture – or to the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with a specialisation in Civil, Coastal Systems or Mechanical Engineering. 

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

To be eligible to receive the Diploma of Science, students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:

  • 8 core units (96 credit points) from one of the following specialisations: Marine Systems, Earth and Environmental Systems, Forest Systems, Regenerative Agriculture, and Engineering.

 

Exclusion
The Chair of the College Board may exclude a student for a maximum of one (1) study period where a student has received Absent Fail Grades for all units attempted in a session of study.

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 Notes
Students much complete the two College units first, as noted in the progressions. These are EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline and SCIN1001 -  Nature of Science

Year 1, Session 1

EDUC1001 Language and Learning in your Discipline
Session1,2,3
Study Period2
Location Domestic International
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Gold Coast
Session1,3
Session1,3
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Session2,3
Session2,3
Lismore
Study Period2
Study Period2
Melbourne N/A
Session1,2,3
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Online
Session1,2,3
Study Period2
Session1,2,3
Study Period2
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port Moresby N/A
Session1
Perth N/A
Session1,2,3
Sydney N/A
Session1,2,3
Sydney - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
SCIN1001 Nature of Science
Session1
Note 1
Location Domestic International
Online
Session1
Session1
Anti-requisites Cannot be taken if already completed or enrolling in HLTH1001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions.
ENVR1001 Science and Global Challenges
Session1
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session1
Session1
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Enrolment information There will be a one day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore campus. Please refer to http://scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables.
SCIN1005 Organisms and Environments
Session1
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session1
Session1
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1

Year 1, Session 2

STAT1002 Scientific Data Management and Analysis
Session2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session2
Session2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
BIOL1005 Cells and Molecules
Session2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session2
Session2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
N/A
Enrolment information There will be a 3-day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore campus. Please refer to https://www.scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables. This unit is offered at Lismore and NMSC for on-campus undergraduate students. Practical classes are run specifically for Head Start (High School) students at Gold Coast. This location is not available to undergraduate students.
CHEM1001 Chemistry
Session2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session2
Session2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Enrolment information There will be a THREE day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore campus. Please refer to http://scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables. You may need to register your preference for either a Week 7 or Week 8 residential, instructions on how to achieve this registration will be found on the teaching Blackboard software site of MySCU.
MRNE2010 Oceanography
Session2
Location Domestic International
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes
Students much complete the two College units first, as noted in the progressions. These are EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline and SCIN1001 -  Nature of Science
Year 1, Session 1
EDUC1001 Language and Learning in your Discipline
Session1,2,3
Study Period2
Location Domestic International
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Gold Coast
Session1,3
Session1,3
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Session2,3
Session2,3
Lismore
Study Period2
Study Period2
Melbourne N/A
Session1,2,3
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Online
Session1,2,3
Study Period2
Session1,2,3
Study Period2
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port Moresby N/A
Session1
Perth N/A
Session1,2,3
Sydney N/A
Session1,2,3
Sydney - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
SCIN1001 Nature of Science
Session1
Note 1
Location Domestic International
Online
Session1
Session1
Anti-requisites Cannot be taken if already completed or enrolling in HLTH1001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions.
SCIN1004 Earth Systems
Session1
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session1
Session1
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
N/A
ENVR1001 Science and Global Challenges
Session1
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session1
Session1
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Enrolment information There will be a one day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore campus. Please refer to http://scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables.
Year 1, Session 2
ERTH2002 Ecosystem Regeneration
Session2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
N/A
Enrolment information Students require a good understanding of soil and its constituents including soil physical properties, soil organic matter and biology, clay mineralogy and chemistry and are familiar with soil classification and scientific report writing.
CHEM1001 Chemistry
Session2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session2
Session2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Enrolment information There will be a THREE day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore campus. Please refer to http://scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables. You may need to register your preference for either a Week 7 or Week 8 residential, instructions on how to achieve this registration will be found on the teaching Blackboard software site of MySCU.
STAT1002 Scientific Data Management and Analysis
Session2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session2
Session2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
BIOL1005 Cells and Molecules
Session2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session2
Session2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
N/A
Enrolment information There will be a 3-day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore campus. Please refer to https://www.scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables. This unit is offered at Lismore and NMSC for on-campus undergraduate students. Practical classes are run specifically for Head Start (High School) students at Gold Coast. This location is not available to undergraduate students.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes
Students much complete the two College units first, as noted in the progressions. These are EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline and SCIN1001 -  Nature of Science

Year 1, Session 1

EDUC1001 Language and Learning in your Discipline
Session1,2,3
Study Period2
Location Domestic International
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Gold Coast
Session1,3
Session1,3
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Session2,3
Session2,3
Lismore
Study Period2
Study Period2
Melbourne N/A
Session1,2,3
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Online
Session1,2,3
Study Period2
Session1,2,3
Study Period2
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port Moresby N/A
Session1
Perth N/A
Session1,2,3
Sydney N/A
Session1,2,3
Sydney - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
SCIN1001 Nature of Science
Session1
Note 1
Location Domestic International
Online
Session1
Session1
Anti-requisites Cannot be taken if already completed or enrolling in HLTH1001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions.
SCIN1005 Organisms and Environments
Session1
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session1
Session1
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
ENVR1001 Science and Global Challenges
Session1
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session1
Session1
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Enrolment information There will be a one day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore campus. Please refer to http://scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables.

Year 1, Session 2

FORS1001 Introduction to Forest Science and Management
Session2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
N/A
BIOL1005 Cells and Molecules
Session2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session2
Session2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
N/A
Enrolment information There will be a 3-day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore campus. Please refer to https://www.scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables. This unit is offered at Lismore and NMSC for on-campus undergraduate students. Practical classes are run specifically for Head Start (High School) students at Gold Coast. This location is not available to undergraduate students.
CHEM1001 Chemistry
Session2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session2
Session2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Enrolment information There will be a THREE day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore campus. Please refer to http://scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables. You may need to register your preference for either a Week 7 or Week 8 residential, instructions on how to achieve this registration will be found on the teaching Blackboard software site of MySCU.
STAT1002 Scientific Data Management and Analysis
Session2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session2
Session2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes
Students much complete the two College units first, as noted in the progressions. These are EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline and SCIN1001 -  Nature of Science

Year 1, Session 1

EDUC1001 Language and Learning in your Discipline
Session1,2,3
Study Period2
Location Domestic International
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Gold Coast
Session1,3
Session1,3
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Session2,3
Session2,3
Lismore
Study Period2
Study Period2
Melbourne N/A
Session1,2,3
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Online
Session1,2,3
Study Period2
Session1,2,3
Study Period2
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port Moresby N/A
Session1
Perth N/A
Session1,2,3
Sydney N/A
Session1,2,3
Sydney - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
SCIN1001 Nature of Science
Session1
Note 1
Location Domestic International
Online
Session1
Session1
Anti-requisites Cannot be taken if already completed or enrolling in HLTH1001 - Introduction to Science for Health Professions.
AGRC1003 Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture
Session1
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
N/A
Enrolment information There will be a compulsory Industry Tour for all students. Please refer to http://scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables.
ENVR1001 Science and Global Challenges
Session1
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session1
Session1
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Enrolment information There will be a one day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore campus. Please refer to http://scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables.
Year 1, Session 2
ERTH2002 Ecosystem Regeneration
Session2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
N/A
Enrolment information Students require a good understanding of soil and its constituents including soil physical properties, soil organic matter and biology, clay mineralogy and chemistry and are familiar with soil classification and scientific report writing.
BIOL1005 Cells and Molecules
Session2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session2
Session2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
N/A
Enrolment information There will be a 3-day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore campus. Please refer to https://www.scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables. This unit is offered at Lismore and NMSC for on-campus undergraduate students. Practical classes are run specifically for Head Start (High School) students at Gold Coast. This location is not available to undergraduate students.
STAT1002 Scientific Data Management and Analysis
Session2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session2
Session2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
CHEM1001 Chemistry
Session2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session2
Session2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Enrolment information There will be a THREE day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore campus. Please refer to http://scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables. You may need to register your preference for either a Week 7 or Week 8 residential, instructions on how to achieve this registration will be found on the teaching Blackboard software site of MySCU.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes
Students much complete the two College units first, as noted in the progressions. These are EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline and MATH1001 -  Foundation Mathematics
Year 1, Session 1
EDUC1001 Language and Learning in your Discipline
Session1,2,3
Study Period2
Location Domestic International
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Gold Coast
Session1,3
Session1,3
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Session2,3
Session2,3
Lismore
Study Period2
Study Period2
Melbourne N/A
Session1,2,3
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Online
Session1,2,3
Study Period2
Session1,2,3
Study Period2
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port Moresby N/A
Session1
Perth N/A
Session1,2,3
Sydney N/A
Session1,2,3
Sydney - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
MATH1001 Foundation Mathematics
Session1
Study Period3,5
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Study Period3,5
Session1
Anti-requisites Cannot be taken if already completed or enrolling in MATH1003 - Quantitative Methods with Economics
ENVR1001 Science and Global Challenges
Session1
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session1
Session1
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1
Enrolment information There will be a one day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore campus. Please refer to http://scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables.

Year 1, Study Period 2

CIVL1003 Processes and Philosophy of Engineering
Study Period2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Study Period2
N/A
Online
Study Period2
N/A

Year 1, Session 2

CIVL1001 Applied Mechanics
Study Period4
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Study Period4
Study Period4
Online
Study Period4
N/A
STAT1002 Scientific Data Management and Analysis
Session2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session2
Session2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
CHEM1001 Chemistry
Session2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Session2
Session2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Online
Session2
Session2
Enrolment information There will be a THREE day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore campus. Please refer to http://scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables. You may need to register your preference for either a Week 7 or Week 8 residential, instructions on how to achieve this registration will be found on the teaching Blackboard software site of MySCU.

Year 1, Study Period 5

CIVL1002 Humanitarian Projects
Study Period5
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Study Period5
Study Period5
Online
Study Period5
Study Period5

Note 1:

This unit is only available Online.

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
Students should select one (1) Specialisation from the following:

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
EDUC1001 Language and Learning in your Discipline
SCIN1001 Nature of Science Note 1
ENVR1001 Science and Global Challenges
SCIN1005 Organisms and Environments
STAT1002 Scientific Data Management and Analysis
BIOL1005 Cells and Molecules
CHEM1001 Chemistry
MRNE2010 Oceanography

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
EDUC1001 Language and Learning in your Discipline
SCIN1001 Nature of Science Note 1
SCIN1004 Earth Systems
ENVR1001 Science and Global Challenges
ERTH2002 Ecosystem Regeneration
CHEM1001 Chemistry
STAT1002 Scientific Data Management and Analysis
BIOL1005 Cells and Molecules

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
EDUC1001 Language and Learning in your Discipline
SCIN1001 Nature of Science Note 1
SCIN1005 Organisms and Environments
ENVR1001 Science and Global Challenges
FORS1001 Introduction to Forest Science and Management
BIOL1005 Cells and Molecules
CHEM1001 Chemistry
STAT1002 Scientific Data Management and Analysis

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
EDUC1001 Language and Learning in your Discipline
SCIN1001 Nature of Science Note 1
AGRC1003 Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture
ENVR1001 Science and Global Challenges
ERTH2002 Ecosystem Regeneration
BIOL1005 Cells and Molecules
STAT1002 Scientific Data Management and Analysis
CHEM1001 Chemistry

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
EDUC1001 Language and Learning in your Discipline
MATH1001 Foundation Mathematics
ENVR1001 Science and Global Challenges
CIVL1003 Processes and Philosophy of Engineering
CIVL1001 Applied Mechanics
STAT1002 Scientific Data Management and Analysis
CHEM1001 Chemistry
CIVL1002 Humanitarian Projects