Diploma of Science

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.

Course Learning Outcome

1. Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined scientific settings.
2. Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined scientific contexts.
3. Apply ethical and sustainable values and practices within defined scientific contexts.
4. Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined scientific settings.
5. Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined scientific contexts.
6. Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work within defined scientific settings.
7. Apply academic knowledge and skills to communicate information, concepts, and solutions, individually and/or in a team within defined scientific settings.
8. Demonstrate an awareness of diverse cultural perspectives within defined scientific contexts.

The Diploma of Science is a pathway to Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Science, with specialisations in Earth and Environmental Systems, Forestry Systems or Marine Systems. 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.

Secondary education

ATAR: 45 or equivalent

English Proficiency Requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

Overall - 5.5

Listening - minimum 5.0

Reading - minimum 5.5

Speaking - minimum 5.0

Writing - minimum 5.0

On campus requirements

Online students will be required to attend compulsory residential workshops at our National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour and/or our Lismore campus over the duration of the course. For more information on these residential workshops, please refer to the course page on the Southern Cross University website.

Applicants or students that can provide supporting documents to verify they already know, understand and can perform the learning outcomes for one or more units within a Southern Cross course, are eligible to have their prior learning assessed for credit by submitting an application for Advanced Standing.

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, 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.

The course includes specialisations in the following disciplines: Earth and Environmental Systems, Forestry Systems or Marine Systems. Successful completion of the Diploma will guarantee you entry and up to eight units of credit towards linked specialisations in the Southern Cross Bachelor of Science.

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.

Recommended Study Pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Nature of Science
• Chemistry
• Cells and Molecules
• Scientific Data Management and Analysis

Plus there’s a selection of specialisations to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you

Award Requirements

To be eligible to receive the Diploma of Science, students must complete 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:

• 1 specialisation Marine Systems, Earth and Environmental Systems or Forestry Systems (96 credit points).

Choose your subjects

Majors

The course includes specialisations in the following disciplines:

• Earth and Environmental Systems,
• Forestry Systems, or
• Marine Systems.