Diploma in Science

This course is designed to provide students with basic skills and knowledge in a range of disciplines in science through a coherent program of study.

Graduates will have a broad scientific background to assist with future employment or to pursue further study.

Course Aims

To have an understanding that· Science encompasses both a body of knowledge and a reliable process of discovery. It is founded upon the recognition of fundamental laws that make nature systematic and reproducible. · 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. · Mathematics is used in science to model real-world systems and scientific data are often analysed using statistical methods. · 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. · 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 current, technical and theoretical knowledge of science, including the creative endeavour involved in acquiring knowledge, and the contestable and testable nature of scientific knowledge; use and apply recognised methods of science, appropriate practical techniques and tools for processes of discovery and inquiry; use scientific literacy to demonstrate understanding of, and to explain scientific issues to, peers, scientific non-experts and the general community; demonstrate personal and social responsibility through an awareness of the ethical frameworks, by working safely and responsibly in individual and team environments; and transfer knowledge and specialised skills to others and demonstrate understanding of knowledge.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Graduates will understand ways of scientific thinking and the nature of science as a broad discipline. They will also have specialised knowledge in at least one sub-disciplinary area of science. 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, by formulating hypotheses, collecting valid and reliable data, and incorporating quantitative evidence into arguments. 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 Elements of each unit in the program of study require students to work independently. The units in this program, with a practical component, may require students to work collaboratively as part of a team.