Graduate Certificate in Professional Skills for Scientists

This program provides Science graduate students with specialist training in organisational management, communication and leadership, across a broad range of settings.

Students study coursework subjects which have been designed to provide the broad, transferable, and practical skills and learning outcomes that the market demands and are appropriate for enhancing employability in any business or organisation that requires the expertise of science graduates.

These subjects develop the theoretical and practical knowledge required to become a successful manager, communicator and leader, such as:

decision-making, motivating and leading people, and developing communication strategies.

Course structure

Students must choose at least one subject from each the three specialisations listed below. The final subject can be chosen from any of the specialisations:

Entry requirements

(1) In order to be considered for entry, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Completion of any undergraduate science degree
• Concurrently enrolled in, or successfully completed, a graduate degree in any scientific discipline.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

(2) In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider prior academic performance.

(3) The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

(4) Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to providingsupport to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website. http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Intended learning outcomes

After completing this course students should be able to:

• Articulate the range of purposes of communicating about science
• Identify the common features of effective communication in written and oral forms
• Understand the importance of leadership, project management skills and ethical standards within scientific working environments
• Acquire skills in the analysis of research through data, statistics or computation
• Demonstrate improved self-reflection and practical skills within a work project/placement scenario