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 L.,
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.
Fees
Domestic students | International students | |
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2023 | A$28,250 | A$35,750 |
FEE-HELP available > | CRICOS 092487K | |
More details about fees and payment options > |
STUDY OPTIONS
Pathways to a Griffith University Science Degree
QTAC code | Degree code | Program | Campus | Credit granted* |
081551 | 1031 | Bachelor of Biomedical Science | Nathan | 80 CP |
081541/ 081531 | 1547 | Bachelor of Environmental Science Majors: Ecology and Conservation / Soil and Water Science / Urban Environments / Environmental Management | Gold Coast / Nathan | 80 CP |
081571 | 1328 | Bachelor of Marine Science No minor | Gold Coast | 80 CP |
081571 | 1328 | Bachelor of Marine Science Minor: Coastal Management | Gold Coast | 70/80 CP† |
081521/ 081511 | 1634 | Bachelor of Science Majors: Applied Mathematics / Biochemistry and Molecular Biology / Chemistry / Clinical Sciences‡ / Geography / Marine Biology§ / Microbiology† / Wildlife Biology | Gold Coast / Nathan | 80 CP |
N/A | 1601 | Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Data Science Majors: Applied Mathematics / Biochemistry and Molecular Biology / Chemistry / Data Science / Geography / Marine Biology / Wildlife Biology | Gold Coast / Nathan | 80 CP |
Credit eligibility for other programs | ||||
N/A | 1094 | Bachelor of Biomedical Science | Gold Coast | 60 CP |
081561 | 1264 | Bachelor of Forensic Science Majors: Forensic Molecular Biology | Nathan | 70 CP |
081561 | 1264 | Bachelor of Forensic Science Major: Forensic Chemistry | Nathan | 60 CP |
081571 | 1328 | Bachelor of Marine Science Minors: Coastal Oceanography | Gold Coast | 40 CP |
081571 | 1328 | Bachelor of Marine Science Minors: Marine Chemistry | Gold Coast | 60/70 CP† |
081571 | 1328 | Bachelor of Marine Science Minors: Marine Ecology | Gold Coast | 60 CP |
081521/ 081511 | 1634 | Bachelor of Science Majors: Physics | Gold Coast / Nathan | 70 CP |
N/A | 1592 | Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts Majors: Physics | Gold Coast / Nathan | 70 CP |
N/A | 1601 | Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Data Science Majors: Physics | Gold Coast / Nathan | 50 CP |
N/A | 1619 | Bachelor of Laws (Honours) | Gold Coast / Nathan | 40 CP |
Progression: 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. *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 ‡Nathan campus only. §Gold Coast campus only. |
Degree code | Program | Campus | Credit granted* | Min. GPA requirements† |
1031 | Bachelor of Biomedical Science | Nathan | 80 CP | 4.5 |
1547 | Bachelor of Environmental Science Majors: Ecology and Conservation / Soil and Water Science / Urban Environments / Environmental Management | Gold Coast / Nathan | 80 CP | 4 |
1328 | Bachelor of Marine Science No minor | Gold Coast | 80 CP | 4 |
1328 | Bachelor of Marine Science Minors: Coastal Management | Gold Coast | 70/80 CP‡ | 4 |
1634 | Bachelor of Science Majors: Applied Mathematics / Biochemistry and Molecular Biology / Chemistry / Data Science / Geography / Marine Biology / Wildlife Biology | Gold Coast / Nathan | 80 CP | 4 |
1634 | Bachelor of Science Majors: Clinical Sciences / Microbiology | Nathan | 80 CP | 4 |
1601 | Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Data Science Majors: Applied Mathematics / Biochemistry and Molecular Biology / Chemistry / Data Science / Geography / Marine Biology / Wildlife Biology | Gold Coast / Nathan | 80 CP | 4 |
Credit eligibility for other programs | ||||
1094 | Bachelor of Biomedical Science | Gold Coast | 40 CP | 4.5 |
1264 | Bachelor of Forensic Science Majors: Forensic Molecular Biology | Nathan | 70 CP | 4.5 |
1264 | Bachelor of Forensic Science Major: Forensic Chemistry | Nathan | 60 CP | 4.5 |
1328 | Bachelor of Marine Science Minors: Coastal Oceanography | Gold Coast | 40 CP | 4 |
1328 | Bachelor of Marine Science Minors: Marine Chemistry | Gold Coast | 60/70 CP‡ | 4 |
1328 | Bachelor of Marine Science Minors: Marine Ecology | Gold Coast | 60 CP | 4 |
1210 / 1018 | Bachelor of Science Majors: Physics | Nathan / Gold Coast | 70 CP | 4 |
1592 | Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts Majors: Physics | Gold Coast / Nathan | 60/70 CP‡ | 4 |
1601 | Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Data Science Majors: Physics | Gold Coast / Nathan | 50 CP | 4 |
1619 | Bachelor of Laws (Honours) | Nathan / Gold Coast | 40 CP | 5 |
*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. †International students must achieve the required minimum GPA to progress to their chosen Griffith College bachelor degree. ‡Lower amount of credit applied if students are required to undertake language enhancement course (unless students have an IELTS 7.0). §Nathan campus only. ¶Gold Coast campus only. |
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. |
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. |
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 Science courses: Mathematics 1A and Chemistry 1A and students will be given maximum two attempts to successfully complete this course. * Students who demonstrate success in the Mathematics Ready Quiz prior to commencing their study may be exempt from completing Core Maths Skills 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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Duration
2 trimesters (8 months)3 trimesters (12 months)