Course summary
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. This course is a pathway to linked Bachelor degrees in science, environmental science, marine science and management, forest science and management or engineering. Depending on the units you completed in the Diploma of Science, you can gain up to eight units of credit in a Bachelor degree in one of these disciplines.
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.
Domestic snapshot
| Duration | Location | Session |
|---|---|---|
1F/2P | Lismore | 1 |
| Online | 1 |
International snapshot
| Duration | Location | Session |
|---|---|---|
1F/2P | Lismore | 1 |
The course includes core units in science and electives in the following study areas:
- Environmental science
- Physical sciences and mathematics
- Engineering.
Please note: Not all units/study areas may be available to study online.
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, Bachelor of Environmental Science, Bachelor of Marine Science and Management, Bachelor of Forest Science and Management, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.
| Graduate Attribute | Course 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 |
Assessment tasks vary from unit to unit and can include essays, reports, audio or video presentations, class participation, individual and group work, online quizzes, case analyses, and examinations. Assessment items are in accordance with learning outcomes and designed to ensure that all the graduate attributes are assessed throughout the course. The performance criteria, grading standards and due dates for assessment tasks are included in each Unit Information Guide. Students receive timely feedback on their assessment submissions.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches which can including lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory classes, field trips, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit. Students receive a regular schedule of face-to-face and/or online contact with academic staff.
Online students experience a highly interactive study mode that strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
Please note: Some units contain compulsory residential workshops at the Lismore campus that may include lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes and field trips.
The Diploma of Science is a pathway to Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Environmental Science, Bachelor of Marine Science and Management, Bachelor of Forest Science and Management, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours). As a graduate of the Diploma, you are guaranteed entry and receive up to eight units of credit towards one of these Bachelor degrees.
Graduates of the Diploma of Science may find work in para-professional work in a range of settings, including positions as field assistants, laboratory assistants, revegetation officers and environmental monitoring officers.
Graduates who proceed to one of the pathway Bachelor degrees will have a range of career opportunities available in their chosen fields in government agencies and in the private sector.