Advanced Diploma in Science

This course is an Exit Award only.

It is for candidates who have completed 72 credit points towards an approved Bachelor degree.

Course Aims

This course aims to provide students with an understanding that: (i) Science encompasses both a body of knowledge and a reliable process of discovery. IIt is founded upon the recognition of fundamental laws that make nature systematic and reproducible.(ii) Scientists observe, measure, classify and perform experiments upon the natural world. They employ scientific methods to test hypotheses and use empirical evidence to support or refute their hypotheses. The natural variability or uncertainty, inherent in the natural world means that scientific conclusions are reliable but contestable: they may be revised or modified as new evidence emerges. Scientists are curious about the natural world and are creative in formulating hypotheses and in designing approaches to problem solving.(iii) Mathematics is used in science to model real-world systems and scientific data are often analysed using statistical methods.(iv) Science operates within a paradigm of peer review and replication that provides a collective responsibility for the reliability of scientific knowledge. Scientists have a responsibility to communicate the outcomes of their work accurately and without bias to their peers and to society.(v) Science is embedded within a context that reflects both the history of scientific endeavor and the culture of present society. Scientists generate and build knowledge, develop technologies, investigate and solve problems.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate specialised and integrated technical and theoretical knowledge of science, including the creative endeavour involved in acquiring knowledge, and general understanding of the contestable and testable nature of scientific knowledge; use and apply recognised methods of science, select appropriate practical techniques and tools for processes of discovery and inquiry, and document the results in an appropriate format; demonstrate personal and social responsibility through an awareness of the ethical frameworks, by working safely and responsibly in individual and team environments; and use scientific literacy to demonstrate understanding of, response to complex problems, and explain scientific ideas to others, communicate scientific results, information or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes and using a variety of modes.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Graduates will understand ways of scientific thinking and the nature of science as a broad discipline, being able to articulate aspects of the place and importance of science in the local and global community. They will also have specialised knowledge in at least one sub-disciplinary area of science and will understand and be able to articulate aspects of the place and importance of science in the local and global community. Communication Skills Graduates will be able to communicate scientific results, information or arguments to a range of audiences and for a range of purposes. Problem Solving Graduates will be able to investigate and solve problems by using recognised methods of science and appropriate practical techniques and tools. Also collecting valid and reliable data and incorporating quantitative evidence into arguments, by formulating hypotheses. Information Literacy Graduates will be able to communicate scientific results, information or arguments to a range of audiences and for a range of purposes. They will also be able to synthesise and evaluate information from a range of sources, using a range of technologies. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Graduates will be able to take social responsibility by recognising the relevant ethical frameworks within which science is practised and show a capacity for working responsibly and safely in both individual and team environments. Lifelong Learning Graduates will be able to take personal responsibility for lifelong learning by demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning. Independence and Collaboration Graduates will have an awareness of the need to function effectively as individuals as well as members or leaders of scientific or multidisciplinary teams.