Diploma of Science
Charles Darwin University
Type of institution: University/Higher Education Institution
Level: Pre-degree
CRICOS: 00300K
The Diploma of Science is ideal if you are curious about studying science and would like to learn more though unsure about committing to a degree, or you already have a career in the sciences and want to upskill with another qualification and skills in another discipline.You will explore a variety of science concepts, theories and principles in different fields such as general science, geographic information science, environmental science and medical science until you find the one that resonates with you. As you progress through your diploma, you will develop your knowledge in logical and critical thinking, and problem-solving from a scientific and technological perspective. After completing your diploma, you have the option to move into our Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Environmental Science courses. Whether you are in the science field or looking to move into science, or perhaps you are a teacher or engineer wanting to gain knowledge about a specific science discipline, this flexible diploma will help you find what you are looking for.
Structure
The course includes two common units, five specialist elective units and an elective unit. The common units are designed to assist Diploma students gain the academic skills required to make the successful transition to higher education. They focus on developing the practical skills required for university study. These include: assignment writing, reading and thinking critically, referencing, researching, IT skills, teamwork and communication. Specialist elective units enable students to study biology, chemistry, ecology, environmental science, earth science, computing science, physics, mathematics, geographic information science, psychology, sports science, indigenous environmental management and knowledge, statistics and biomedical science. Students without higher education experience should take 100 level units but professionals wanting to upgrade science qualifications and skills can take units at any undergraduate level as long as they structure their unit selection to meet prerequisite unit requirements.A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirementsCommon Units(2 units)20cpCommon units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below. CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability (compulsory)Plus either:CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability (new title 2016) ORCUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating TechnologySelect Common Units to find out more about individual units and advanced standing options. Core Units(0 units)0cpThere are no Core Units for this course. Specialist Elective(5 units)50cpUnits totalling 50 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below.The following streams are provided as a guide to assist students in unit selection based on previous study or career orientation. Students may complete any units from any one stream or across a number of streams.When selecting specialist electives, choose units at a suitable level. The first number in each unit code indicates the year level at which the subject is taught. Undergraduate units are coded at 100 to 300 level, therefore units coded as SBI1xx, SBI2xx and SBI3xx would be first, second and third year units respectively.Many second and third units have assumed knowledge and pre-requisite requirements.Students without any previous university level study typically take 100 level/first year units.Stream Group A (50cp)The following streams are recommended for students without a previous Bachelor degree who may in future transfer to the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Environmental ScienceGeneral Science (for transfer to BSc)SCH101 Chemical ConceptsSCH104 Introductory ChemistrySPH141 Concepts of PhysicsSMA101 Mathematics 1A or SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics10CP from the other streams below.Geographic Information Science (for transfer to BSc)SCH101 Chemical Concepts or SCH104 Introductory ChemistrySMA101 Mathematics 1A or SPH141 Concepts of Physics or SMA104 Concepts of MathematicsENV101 Earth SystemsHIT137 Software NowHIT164 Computing FundamentalsEcology (for transfer to BSc)SCH101 Chemical Concepts or SCH104 Introductory ChemistrySMA101 Mathematics 1A or SPH141 Concepts of Physics or SMA104 Concepts of MathematicsENV102 The Diversity of LifeSBI182 Microbiology and Immunology (replaces SBI173 from 2021) OR SCH102 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry OR SBI105 The Life of Cells (last offered 2017)ENV201 Introductory Ecology OR ENV204 Ecosystems, Evolution and Biodiversity (not offered 2021) OR ENV206 Environmental Physiology OR SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological StudiesBiomedical Science (for transfer to BSc)SCH101 Chemical Concepts or SCH104 Introductory ChemistrySMA101 Mathematics 1A or SPH141 Concepts of Physics or SMA104 Concepts of MathematicsSBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2SBI182 Microbiology and Immunology (replaces SBI173 from 2021)SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies OR SCH102 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry OR SBI105 The Life of Cells (last offered 2017) OR MLS110 Introduction to Diagnostic Pathology (replaces MLS100 from 2020)Wildlife And Conservation Biology (for transfer to BES - no longer available)SCH101 Chemical Concepts or SCH104 Introductory ChemistryENV101 Earth SystemsENV102 The Diversity of LifeIAS353 Indigenous Cultures and the Environment (replaces CIK240 from 2020)ENV205 Environmental Issues (previously SBI240) (replaced by ENV103 Environmental Issues from 2018)Natural And Cultural Resources Management (for transfer to BES - no longer available)ENV101 Earth SystemsENV102 The Diversity of LifeIAS353 Indigenous Cultures and the Environment (replaces CIK240 from 2020)ENV205 Environmental Issues (previously SBI240) (replaced by ENV103 Environmental Issues from 2018)ENV202 Introduction to Remote Sensing OR ENV207 Fire Ecology and Management in North Australia OR ATI160 Cultural Site Management (no longer available from 2020) OR IAS223 Representing and Recording Country (replaces CIK210 from 2020) OR IAS254 Partnership and Engagement in Indigenous Land and Sea Management (replaces CIK230 from 2020)Stream Group B (50cp)The following streams are recommended for students with a previous degree including registered teachers undertaking studies in science disciplines.BiologyENV102 The Diversity of LifeENV201 Introductory EcologyENV204 Ecosystems, Evolution and Biodiversity (not offered 2021)ENV206 Environmental PhysiologyENV301 Tropical Invaders and BiosecurityENV302 Organisms and Environmental ChangeENV303 Ecological Restoration and ConservationENV316 Ecosystem Function: Field Studies in North Australia (Study Period 2) (intensive field component) (replaces ENV304)SBI105 The Life of Cells (last offered 2017)SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2SBI182 Microbiology and Immunology (replaces SBI173 from 2021)SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological StudiesSBI322 DNA Analysis and Profiling (replaced by ENV323 Environmental Microbiology from 2017, not available 2021)Chemistry (some units available internal only)ENG142 Concepts of Chemical Engineering (final offering in 2019)SCH101 Chemical ConceptsSCH102 Organic and Inorganic ChemistryENG246 Process AnalysisENG247 Fluid and ThermodynamicsPHA212 Medicinal ChemistrySBI245 BiochemistryPHA311 Clinical BiochemistrySBI322 DNA Analysis and Profiling (replaced by ENV323 Environmental Microbiology from 2017)Environmental ScienceENV101 Earth SystemsENV102 The Diversity of LifeENV201 Introductory EcologyENV202 Introduction to Remote SensingENV203 Environmental Survey and Monitoring Skills (repeatable) (replaced by ENV209 Fauna and Flora Survey and ENV210 Water Quality Assessment from 2018)ENV204 Ecosystems, Evolution and Biodiversity (not offered 2021)ENV205 Environmental Issues (previously SBI240) (replaced by ENV103 Environmental Issues from 2018)ENV206 Environmental PhysiologyENV207 Fire Ecology and Management in North AustraliaENV208 Geographical Information Systems and Spatial Thinking (previously SES220) (new title 2018)ENV300 Wildlife ManagementENV301 Tropical Invaders and BiosecurityENV302 Organisms and Environmental ChangeENV303 Ecological Restoration and ConservationENV306 Environmental Monitoring and ModellingENV315 Desert Field Ecology (proposed unit for BES)ENV316 Ecosystem Function: Field Studies in North Australia (Study Period 2) (intensive field component) (replaces ENV304)ENV317 Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods (Proposed unit for BES) (replaces ENV402)ENV322 Molecular Environmental Health Assessment (Proposed unit for BES)SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological StudiesATI160 Cultural Site Management (no longer available 2020)IAS223 Representing and Recording Country (replaces CIK210 from 2020)IAS254 Partnership and Engagement in Indigenous Land and Sea Management (replaces CIK230 from 2020)IAS353 Indigenous Cultures and the Environment (replaces CIK240 from 2020)Maths and PhysicsHIT140 Foundations of Data Science (replaces STA101 from 2021)SMA101 Mathematics 1ASMA102 Mathematics 1BSMA209 Mathematics 2ASMA212 Data Analytics (replaces SMA211 from 2021)SPH141 Concepts of PhysicsENG151 StaticsENG154 Engineering Foundations (discontinued, last offered 2015)ENG174 Electrical EngineeringENG221 Analogue ElectronicsENG223 Electrical Circuit AnalysisENG247 Fluid and ThermodynamicsENG252 DynamicsENG267 Hydraulics And Soil MechanicsHealth and Physical EducationAOD201 Alcohol and other Drugs StudiesHSC112 Basics of EpidemiologyHSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health (new title from 2021)MLS110 Introduction to Diagnostic Pathology (replaces MLS100 from 2020)MLS101 Haematology 1MLS201 Haematology (last offered 2014)MLS202 Haematology 2MLS245 Medical BiochemistrySBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare (replaces NUR231 Challenge and Response to Body Integrity 1 from 2021)SBI242 Pharmacology for Clinical Practice(replaces NUR241 Challenge and Response to Body Integrity 2 from 2021)PHA210 Pharmacology 1 (no longer available 2021) PHA212 Medicinal ChemistryPHA213 Pharmacology 2 (no longer available 2021) PHA214 Biotechnology and PharmacogenomicsPHM301 Exploring Public HealthPSY140 Introduction to Psychology APSY141 Introduction to Psychology BPSY202 Developmental PsychologyPSY208 Biological Bases of BehaviourPSY209 Social-Cultural PsychologyPSY211 Introduction to Forensic PsychologyPSY245 Cognition and LanguagePSY247 Research Design and AnalysisSBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2SBI182 Microbiology and Immunology (replaces SBI173 from 2021)SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological StudiesSBI245 Biochemistry (no longer offered 2021)SPE261 Functional Anatomy (replaces SBI261 from 2021)SBI282 Clinical Microbiology 1MLS283 Clinical Immunology (replaces SBI283 from 2021)SBI284 Histology and HistochemistrySPE205 Biomechanics and Movement Analysis (new title from 2021)SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology (new title from 2021)SPE111 Physical Assessment, Exercise Prescription and Delivery (replaces SPE209 Exercise Physiology 1 from 2021)SPE210 Motor Control and DevelopmentSPE309 Exercise Physiology 2SPE320 Nutrition and HealthSPE330 Physical Activity in Special Population (new title from 2021)Information TechnologyBIS134 System Analysis and Design (discontinued, last offered 2015)HIT234 Database Concepts (replaces BIS234 from 2019)HIT333 Cyber Security (replaces BIS243 from 2019)HIT137 Software NowHIT164 Computing FundamentalsHIT172 Operating Systems and ApplicationsHIT174 Network Engineering Concepts (no longer available from 2020)HIT220 Algorithms And ComplexityHIT226 Mobile Web StructuresHIT235 Digital Systems And Computer ArchitectureHIT237 Building Interactive SoftwareHIT238 The Mobile ParadigmPMO201 Project Management* Students wishing to focus on Information Technology should consider the specialist Diploma of Network Engineering.General Science unitsSID300 Professional Practice in ScienceSID301 Science Research ProjectIf not already selected from Stream Groups A or B 20cp may be selected from the units listed below.CIK220 Arctic to Uluru: Comparative Studies in Indigenous Policy (not offered 2017 or 2018)(no longer available) IAS402 Intercultural Practice (replaces CIK305 from 2020)CIK341 Global Perspectives on Indigenous Land and Sea Management (no longer available 2021)ATI110 Indigenous Policymaking (no longer available 2020)ATI160 Cultural Site Management (no longer available 2020)IAS225 Cultural Resource and Site Management (replaces ATI221 from 2020)IAS354 Impact Assessment and Management of Cultural Sites (replaces ATI321 from 2020)LWA112 Environmental and Planning Law (not avail 2021 - offered in alternate years)Alternatively, with approval from the course coordinator, students may select 30cp of units from the following courses:Diploma of PsychologyDiploma of Network EngineeringDiploma of Exercise And Sport ScienceDiploma of CounsellingDiploma of Alcohol And Other DrugsDiploma of EngineeringBachelor of ScienceBachelor of Environmental ScienceStudents exiting from a Bachelor degree with this Diploma of Science can also be credited with the following units as special electives:PHA103 Fundamentals of Pharmacy Practice (no longer available 2020)SCL200 Communication for Improved Patient Care Elective(1 units)10cpSelect 1 unit totalling 10 credit points may be selected from undergraduate units offered by the University. 80cpTotal Credit Points Students who commenced in or after 2013The grade of "PC" cannot be counted towards a Diploma AQF Level 5 course award. Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information. Course Changes - 2021Please note the following course structure changes:NUR231 Challenge and Response to Body Integrity 2 has been replaced by SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare.NUR241 Challenge and Response to Body Integrity 2 has been replaced by SBI242 Pharmacology for Clinical PracticeSBI245 Biochemistry no longer offered from 2021, students who have not completed SBI245 can complete SBI150 Cellular Biology as replacement. Students who have completed SBI245 should not complete SBI150.SPE205 Biomechanics and Movement Analysis, unit title change from 2021. Unit previously titled Biomechanics 1.SPE206 Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology, unit title change from 2021. Unit previously titled Exercise and Sport Psychology 1.Course Changes - 2018ENV205 Environmental Issues is being discontinued at the end of 2017 and will be replaced by the equivalent ENV103 Environmental Issues.ENV203 Environmental Survey and Monitoring (repeatable) is being discontinued at the end of 2017 and will be replaced by ENV209 Fauna and Flora Survey and Monitoring and ENV210 Water quality Assessment. Students who have completed the fauna and flora version of ENV203 should not complete ENV209 and students who have completed the soil and water monitoring version of ENV203 should not complete ENV210.Course Changes and Transitional Arrangements - 2016Students who have completed Nursing units may count these towards specialist electives. For specific advice, please contact the Course Coordinator.Unit Title ChangesUnit CodePrevious TitleNew Title (2016)CUC100Academic LiteraciesAcademic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability
Subjects
- Science and The Environment
Standard entry requirements
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate IV level or higher.Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 135 (or a score of 145 if prior to May 2010).Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Study information
| Campus | Fees | Entry | Mid year intake | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casuarina | International: $31,000 | No |
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| CDU Online | International: $31,000 | No |
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