Diploma of Science
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The Language support services really helped my academic studies and I was able to meet new friends from different countries.
Dinushika Liyanage,
Diploma of Science

Duration
2 trimesters (8 months)3 trimesters (12 months)
Location
Mount Gravatt (Brisbane)Science overview
The Diploma of Science will provide you with a solid understanding of the natural and physical sciences, including fundamental theoretical and practical principles of chemistry, biology, genetics; and for some pathways, environmental science.
Your study is enhanced by additional interactive workshops and language development modules to build the communication skills you need for success in science industries.
You will also gain the necessary computational skills for scientific practice across observation, analysis and problem solving. The program will prepare you for further studies in a broad range of areas including biomedicine, environmental sustainability, chemistry and physical sciences, marine, wildlife and microbiology.
2021 Fees
Domestic students | International students |
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A$27,300 | A$34,000 |
FEE-HELP available > | CRICOS 092487K |
All the teachers are specialists in their area and are committed to providing you with the best learning experience.
Dr. Lucija Boskovic
Program Convenor, Diploma of Science
STUDY OPTIONS
Where could this diploma take me?
With a Diploma of Science from Griffith College you could start your journey towards one of the careers below:
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Sample program structure
Students who enter with an IELTS (or equivalent) < 6.0 will be required to undertake the free Language Development Modules as part of their program.
First trimester
This course offers students a broad introduction to the skills involved in acquiring information and in displaying knowledge to others. It includes the basic knowledge skills required to successfully participate in an undergraduate degree program and to operate effectively in a professional context. Assessment plan:
‡ Students who enter with an IELTS ≥ 7.0 (or equivalent), or whose first language is English, will be required to undertake 1020QBT Academic & Professional Skills Development for Science & Technology. |
Biological Systems is an introductory course that provides an appreciation of the main concepts of modern biology. Students will gain an understanding of the origin, function and structure of living organisms by examining life at increasing levels of biological complexity, from the molecular and cellular level to whole organisms and ecosystems. Course content will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, laboratory sessions and online material. Assessment plan:
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This course assists students to develop and/or refresh the fundamental mathematics knowledge and skills required for success in the Diploma maths or maths related course. It is a free, non-weighted, and competency based (pass/fail), which means that it does not count towards students GPA (grade point average) and consequently, students are not permitted to drop this course. However, it is compulsory and must be completed in order to graduate and it is a prerequisite for the following Diploma of Engineering and Diploma of Science courses: Mathematics 1A, Mathematics 1B, Engineering Science and Chemistry 1A and students will be given maximum two attempts to successfully complete this course. Assessment plan:
* Students who demonstrate success in the compulsory Mathematics Diagnostic Quiz prior to commencing their study may be exempt from completing Essential Mathematics and hence potentially reduce the duration of their diploma program. |
Second trimester
This Course provides an introduction to human anatomy and physiology and cell biology. It examines the structure and function of the major body systems, highlighting the interrelationship of body organ systems, homeostasis and the dependence of function upon structure. An appreciation of human body structure and regulation is gained through clinical application, namely diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Assessment plan:
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Chemistry is known as the central science, in that it is important to our understanding interactions that occur in all the other scientific disciplines through the study of matter, its properties, reactions and associated energies. This course introduces the fundamental terminology, concepts and methods of general chemistry. Students will explain chemical concepts and solve problems (quantitative and qualitative) involving stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structure, properties, thermodynamics and equilibrium. Fundamental concepts of matter underpin understanding and problem solving in biomolecular, biological, biotechnical, chemical, environmental, engineering, forensic, materials and medicinal sciences. Consequently, Chemistry 1A is a core course in the study of these fields. Skills that will be developed include academic language/reporting, scientific methodology and approaches, quantitative literacy, critical reasoning (explaining macro phenomena using chemical concepts), laboratory techniques and safe work practices. Assessment plan:
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Genetics and Evolutionary Biology is an introductory course that will provide foundational concepts in molecular genetics and evolutionary biology. Students will understand the process of inheritance and mutation, population genetics, and evolutionary theory at the molecular, organismal and population level. Students will also learn commonly used genetic analysis methods and techniques employed by scientists. Assessment plan:
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Third trimester
This course considers the molecular organisation of cells and the biochemical properties of the major classes of biological compounds which exist in, and contribute to, the cellular environment eg amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids. It covers the properties of water, pH and buffers, the structure and function of proteins, including an introduction to enzymes, the cell membrane and membrane transport. Assessment plan:
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This course aims to provide students with both an understanding of the basic concepts and practices of data analysis and inferential statistics (real data sets will be provided for the purpose of the projects) as well as the knowledge of several statistical techniques applicable to Science. The course focuses on understanding the relevant statistical tests, the underlying distributions and assumptions associated with these tests, and the use of exploratory data analysis (EDA). The course also aims to develop generic skills in redefining scientific problems in statistical terms, problem solving, statistical methodologies and writing statistical reports. Assessment plan:
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1022SCG Chemistry 1B
Chemistry is known as the central science, in that it is important to our understanding interactions that occur in all the other scientific disciplines through the study of matter; its properties, reactions and associated energies Chemistry 1B extends the knowledge gained in Chemistry 1A, introducing students to concepts, experimental methodologies and problem solving in organic systems (organic molecules, their properties and reactions), physical chemistry and inorganic chemistry. Students will explain chemical concepts and solve problems (quantitative and qualitative) within the context of these modules. Fundamental concepts of matter underpin understanding and problem solving in biomolecular, biological, biotechnical, chemical, environmental, engineering, forensic, materials and medicinal sciences. Consequently, Chemistry 1B is a core course in the study of these fields . Skills that will be developed include academic language/reporting, scientific methodology and approaches, quantitative literacy, critical reasoning (explaining macro phenomena using chemical concepts), laboratory techniques and safe work practices. Assessment plan:
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1011SCG Mathematics 1A
This course introduces basic vector algebra in two and three dimensions, matrices, complex numbers, probability and revises basic functions. It provides a foundation in the mathematical sciences for later studies in science and engineering. Assessment plan:
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Find out more: Current program structure
* Students who demonstrate success in the compulsory Mathematics Diagnostic Quiz prior to commencing their study may be exempt from completing Essential Mathematics and hence potentially reduce the duration of their diploma program.
Pathways to a Griffith University Science Degree
QTAC code | Degree code | Program | Campus | Credit granted* | Assumed knowledge |
081551 | 1031 | Bachelor of Biomedical Science | Nathan | 80 CP | English, Mathematics B and at least one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics (or equivalent) |
081541 | 1547 | Bachelor of Environmental Science Majors: Ecology and Conservation, Soil and Water Science, Urban Environments, Environmental Management | Gold Coast | 80 CP | English and Mathematics A or B (or equivalent) |
081531 | 1543 | Bachelor of Environmental Science Majors: Ecology and Conservation, Soil and Water Science, Urban Environments, Environmental Management | Nathan | 80 CP | English and Mathematics A or B (or equivalent) |
081561 | 1328 | Bachelor of Marine ScienceMinors: No minor | Gold Coast | 80 CP | English and Mathematics A or B (or equivalent) |
081511 | 1210 | Bachelor of Science Majors: Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Sciences, Geography, Microbiology, Wildlife Biology | Nathan | 80 CP | English and Mathematics A or B (or equivalent) |
081521 | 1018 | Bachelor of Science Majors: Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Marine Biology, Wildlife Biology | Gold Coast | 80 CP | English and Mathematics A or B (or equivalent) |
Credit eligibility for other programs | |||||
081561 | 1264 | Bachelor of Forensic Science Majors: Forensic Molecular Biology | Nathan | 70 CP | English and Mathematics B (or equivalent) |
081561 | 1264 | Bachelor of Forensic Science Major: Forensic Chemistry | Nathan | 60 CP | English and Mathematics B (or equivalent) |
081571 | 1328 | Bachelor of Marine Science Minors: Coastal Management, Marine Chemistry, Marine Ecology | Gold Coast | 80 CP | English and Mathematics A or B (or equivalent) |
081571 | 1328 | Bachelor of Marine Science Minors: Coastal Oceanography | Gold Coast | 60 CP | English and Mathematics A or B (or equivalent) |
081511 | 1210 | Bachelor of Science Major: Physics | Nathan | 70 CP | English and Mathematics A or B (or equivalent) |
081521 | 1018 | Bachelor of Science Major: Physics | Gold Coast | 70 CP | English and Mathematics A or B (or equivalent) |
Progression: *80 credit points is equivalent to one year of full-time study. Completion of degrees where students obtain less than 80 credit points of advanced standing in the degree, may take additional time. ^Students will progress to their bachelor degree upon completion of their Griffith College diploma with a GPA equivalent to Griffith University’s admission rank requirement for entry to the bachelor program. Contact Griffith College for GPA to rank equivalencies. Diploma students who do not meet the progression requirements for their pathway to Griffith University can apply for a place in their preferred degree via QTAC, and be considered along with other external applicants subject to QTAC admissions requirements and processes. Once you complete all eight courses in the diploma program and meet other relevant entry criteria, such as course prerequisites, you will be able to progress to your Griffith University bachelor degree. |
Degree code | Program | Campus | Credit granted* | Assumed knowledge | Min. GPA requirements | English requirements |
1031 | Bachelor of Biomedical Science | Nathan | 80 CP | English, Mathematics B and at least one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics (or equivalent) | 4.5 | IELTS 5.5 with no sub-score < 5.0 |
1547/ 1543 | Bachelor of Environmental Science Majors: Ecology and Conservation, Soil and Water Science, Urban Environments, Environmental Management | Nathan/Gold Coast | 80 CP | English and Mathematics A or B (or equivalent) | 4 | IELTS 5.5 with no sub-score < 5.0 |
1328 | Bachelor of Marine Science(No minor) | Gold Coast | 80 CP | English and Mathematics A or B (or equivalent) | 4 | IELTS 5.5 with no sub-score < 5.0 |
1210 | Bachelor of Science Majors: Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Sciences, Geography, Microbiology, Wildlife Biology | Nathan | 80 CP | English and Mathematics A or B (or equivalent) | 4 | IELTS 5.5 with no sub-score < 5.0 |
1018 | Bachelor of Science Majors: Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Marine Biology, Wildlife Biology | Gold Coast | 80 CP | English and Mathematics A or B (or equivalent) | 4 | IELTS 5.5 with no sub-score < 5.0 |
Credit eligibility for other programs | ||||||
1094 | Bachelor of Biomedical Science | Gold Coast | 60 CP | English, Mathematics B and at least one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics (or equivalent) | 4.5 | IELTS 5.5 with no sub-score < 5.0 |
1264 | Bachelor of Forensic Science Majors: Forensic Molecular Biology | Nathan | 70 CP | English and Mathematics B (or equivalent) | 4.5 | IELTS 5.5 with no sub-score < 5.0 |
1264 | Bachelor of Forensic Science Major: Forensic Chemistry | Nathan | 60 CP | English and Mathematics B (or equivalent) | 4.5 | IELTS 5.5 with no sub-score < 5.0 |
1328 | Bachelor of Marine Science Minors: Coastal Management, Marine Chemistry, Marine Ecology | Gold Coast | 70/80 CP** | English and Mathematics A or B (or equivalent) | 4 | IELTS 5.5 with no sub-score < 5.0 |
1328 | Bachelor of Marine Science Minor: Coastal Oceanography | Gold Coast | 50/60 CP** | English and Mathematics A or B (or equivalent) | 4 | IELTS 5.5 with no sub-score < 5.0 |
1210 / 1018 | Bachelor of Science Major: Physics | Nathan / Gold Coast | 70 CP | English and Mathematics A or B (or equivalent) | 4 | IELTS 5.5 with no sub-score < 5.0 |
1619 | Bachelor of Laws (Honours) | Nathan / Gold Coast | 40 CP | English | 5 | IELTS 6.5 with no sub-score < 6.0 |
*80 credit points is equivalent to one year of full-time study. Completion of degrees where students obtain less than 80 credit points of advanced standing in the degree, may take additional time. **Lower amount of credit applied if students are required to undertake language enhancement course (mainly international students unless they have an IELTS 7.0) ^International students must achieve the required minimum GPA to progress to their chosen Griffith College bachelor degree. |
Duration
2 trimesters (8 months)3 trimesters (12 months)