Graduate Diploma in Science

The Graduate Diploma in Science provides an opportunity for graduates to upgrade or extend their qualifications in a field of study not covered in depth in their undergraduate studies.

Study programs are designed to meet the candidate's interests and academic background and involve a combination of course work selected from a chosen field of study.

Available fields of study are:

applied statistics, biochemistry, biodiversity science, biomedical science, chemistry, computational data science, genetics, health, mathematics, medicinal chemistry, physical sciences, quantitative ecology, regulatory science and zoology.

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 through their own study and practise, advanced knowledge of science in their chosen discipline; demonstrate through their own practise, specialist technical competencies in the field, laboratory and professional workplace related to science; and advanced knowledge of theoretical concepts applicable to their chosen discipline; conduct investigations to critically analyse and evaluate complex ideas, and apply established theories to identify solutions to complex problems relating to their discipline; be effective communicators of science by communicating scientific knowledge and concepts, and transferring complex knowledge and scientific ideas to a variety of audiences using a range of written and oral communication modes; and be responsible and accountable for their own learning and scientific work by demonstrating initiative and high level independent judgement in a range of functions in their scientific discipline, operating with a high level of personal autonomy and responsibility for all aspects of the work or function of others, and planning and executing independent research while complying with regulatory frameworks and practising professional ethics relevant to their discipline area.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Graduates will understand scientific practice and have advanced knowledge in a discipline of science. They will be able to articulate aspects of the place and importance of science in the local and global community. Communication Skills Students demonstrate communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of theoretical concepts; and transfer complex knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences, including, where applicable, the possession of these skills in languages other than English. Problem Solving Graduates will be able to investigate and solve problems by using recognised methods of science and appropriate practical techniques and tools. Information Literacy Students demonstrate the capacity to critically evaluate the sources, values and validity of information; and think critically and to generate and evaluate complex ideas. Specialised technical skills to initiate, plan, implement and evaluate broad functions within varied specialised technical and/or creative contexts. 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 the ability to function effectively as members of teams or individually.