School Leavers and Non-School Leavers can apply direct for this degree.
For more information about studying the Diploma in Science
Program handbook
Description
The Diploma in Science prepares students for a range of career options in the sciences; and provides them with a foundation for further studies associated with a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Biotechnology, Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition or a Bachelor of Psychological Science. Please see the Credit and Enrolment Guide for information about which courses to study in the Diploma to maximise your credit into your intended Bachelor program.
The Diploma in Science is a one year full-time (or equivalent part-time) program which offers a broad range of core and directed course options in the chosen area of study.
The program has a practical orientation allowing students to develop their skills for further tertiary studies through real world projects and laboratories.
The courses offered by the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre within the diploma are distinguished from similar bachelor level courses through the following key features:
- Embedded support from the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre
- Smaller class sizes in foundation courses
- A focus on transition to university studies
- Delivery of academic skills training
This is combined with classes taken alongside fellow degree students, and study as you would in an undergraduate degree program.
Program learning outcomes
On successful completion of the program students will have:
- technical and theoretical knowledge and concepts, with depth in some areas within a field of work and learning
- demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills with initiative and judgement to organise the work of self and others and plan, coordinate and evaluate the work of teams within broad but generally well-defined parameters
- demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills with personal responsibility and autonomy in performing complex technical operations with responsibility for own outputs in relation to broad parameters for quantity and quality
- demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills to transfer and apply theoretical concepts and/or technical and/or creative skills in a range of situations
- demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills with depth in some areas of specialisation, in known or changing contexts
- communication skills to transfer knowledge and specialised skills to others and demonstrate understanding of knowledge
- specialist technical and creative skills to express ideas and perspectives
- cognitive, technical and communication skills to analyse, plan, design and evaluate approaches to unpredictable problems and/or management requirements
- technical and theoretical knowledge and concepts, with depth in some areas within a field of work and learning
Details
| Information correct as at | Apr 27, 2024 2:01 pm | ||||||||
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| Program code | 40318 | ||||||||
| AQF level | Level 5 Diploma | ||||||||
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| Selection Rank |
This program is new for 2022, there is currently no commencing student profile available. | ||||||||
| Term type | Semesters | ||||||||
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| Relevant University rules and policies |
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Admission information
Admission requirements
Admission is available to domestic applicants.
The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, vocational/professional experience, and completed enabling programs.
To be considered for admission, applicants must have an unadjusted ATAR (or equivalent) of 50 or above.
English Language Requirements
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
- IELTS Overall Minimum: 6
- IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 6
Credit transfer
If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.
Academic requirements for program completion
Total units required
80 units
Program duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent up to 4 years maximum.
Program requirements
The Diploma in Science requires the completion of 80 units (made up of 8 courses worth 10 units each).
The program is comprised of:
- 30 units of core courses
- 10 units of courses chosen from Course List A
- 10 units of courses chosen from Course List B
- 10 units of courses chosen from Course List C
- 20 units of Discipline courses (aligned with Bachelor of Science Majors, Bachelor of Biotechnology, Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition or Bachelor of Psychological Science)
Program planner
Current students program planner
Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.
Prospective student degree planner
If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.
Additional documents
Program structure
Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.
Advanced course filters
Courses that are currently unavailable are hidden by default. You can show them by adjusting the advanced course filters above, or clicking the 'show all' links below each section.
Core
Complete the following core courses | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| FNLT1008 | Research in Action | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| FNSC1003 | Academic Survival Skills for STEM | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| STAT1070 | Statistics for the Sciences |
| 10 units |
Discipline Course List
Complete 20 units from the following courses that align to the future degree of your choice
| Biodiversity and Conservation | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| ENVS1001 | Environmental Science Concepts and Methods |
| 10 units |
| ENVS1003 | Environmental Values and Ethics |
| 10 units |
| Biological Sciences | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| BIOL1001 | Molecules, Cells and Organisms |
| 10 units |
| BIOL1002 | Organisms to Ecosystems |
| 10 units |
| Biotechnology | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| BIOL1001 | Molecules, Cells and Organisms |
| 10 units |
| BIOL1002 | Organisms to Ecosystems |
| 10 units |
| BIOL1003 | Professional Skills for Biological Sciences 1 |
| 10 units |
| BTEC1000 | Introduction to the Biotechnology Sector |
| 10 units |
| Chemistry | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| CHEM1010 | Introductory Chemistry I |
| 10 units |
| CHEM1020 | Introductory Chemistry II |
| 10 units |
| CHEM1120 | Chemistry for the Life Sciences II |
| 10 units |
| Food Science | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| CHEM1010 | Introductory Chemistry I |
| 10 units |
| CHEM1020 | Introductory Chemistry II |
| 10 units |
| FSHN1010 | Introduction to Food Science and Technology |
| 10 units |
| Geography | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| GEOG1020 | Introduction to Human Geography |
| 10 units |
| GEOS1040 | Earth: Our Dynamic Planet |
| 10 units |
| Earth Science | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| GEOS1040 | Earth: Our Dynamic Planet |
| 10 units |
| GEOS1050 | Earth: Natural Hazards |
| 10 units |
| Psychology Major | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| PSYC1010 | Psychology Introduction 1 |
| 10 units |
| PSYC1020 | Psychology Introduction 2 |
| 10 units |
Course List A
Complete 10 units from the following course list | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| BTEC1000 | Introduction to the Biotechnology Sector |
| 10 units |
| HUBS1401 | Human Bioscience |
| 10 units |
| SCIE1001 | Professional Scientific Thinking |
| 10 units |
Course List B
Complete 10 units from the following course list | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| FSHN1020 | Introduction to Nutrition Science and Applications |
| 10 units |
| PHYS1200 | Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences |
| 10 units |
| SCIE1002 | Multidisciplinary Laboratories |
| 10 units |
Course List C
Complete 10 units from the following course list | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| MATH1001 | Preparatory Studies in Mathematics |
| 10 units |
| MATH1002 | Foundational Studies in Mathematics |
| 10 units |
Additional information
Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.
Additional support
AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.
Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.
Diploma in Science
UAC Code , Program Code 40318
CRICOS Code , Program Code 40318
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UAC Code
Program Code 40318
This criteria is based on a full-time domestic student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.
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CRICOS Code
Program Code 40318
This criteria is based on a full-time international student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.
Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. However, changes to courses and programs may occur. The University accepts no responsibility for any information supplied on this web site or any actions taken on the basis of the information. Users are advised to seek confirmation of the information from the relevant area of the University.
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