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Graduate Certificate in Science

Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Science is a course designed for students who wish to expand on their undergraduate program.

Key details

Degree Type

Graduate Certificate

Duration

0.5 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Course Code

GradCertSc, 065083K

Study Mode

In person, Online

About this course

The Graduate Certificate in Science is a course designed for students who wish to expand on their undergraduate program.

Intensive study is available at graduate level with majors in biochemistry (including some aspects of microbiology and biotechnology), biodiversity science (including botany, ecology and zoology), biomedical science (which includes biochemistry, genetics and physiology with some pharmacy, neuroscience and human development), chemistry (including forensic chemistry), genetics (including immunology and bioinformatics), mathematics (including pure and applied mathematics), physical sciences (including chemistry, physics and pure mathematics), regulatory science, research methods, statistics and zoology (including ecology).

Students are required to have completed at least first year level study in the subject relevant to their chosen major.

Articulation to the Graduate Diploma in Science or the Master of Scientific Studies:

On completion of the Graduate Certificate, students are eligible to articulate to the Graduate Diploma in Science with 24 credit points of advanced standing for units completed towards the Graduate Certificate.

On completion of the Graduate Certificate, students with an overall GPA of 5 or better are eligible to articulate to the Master of Scientific Studies with 24 credit points of advanced standing for units completed towards the Graduate Certificate.

Pathways to higher degree research study:

Graduates who complete the Research Methods major may be eligible to pursue a higher degree by research in the agricultural, biological, environmental, or physical sciences.

Entry requirements

A candidate shall:

(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline;

(b) hold an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours in a relevant discipline;

(d) hold an AQF Level 10 Doctorate in a relevant discipline.

Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to:

Agriculture, Biochemistry; Biology; Botany; Chemistry; Computational Science; Ecology, Genetics; Geology; Mathematics; Medicinal Chemistry; Microbiology; Neuroscience (may include: Science, Medicine, Psychology, Nursing, Social Work, Education, Health, Counselling); Physics; Physiology; Statistics; and Zoology. A degree will be considered relevant to a nominated major if it includes study that covers the minimum assumed knowledge. Where it is not clear from their academic background, applicants may include a cover letter with their application describing how they have achieved the minimum assumed knowledge.

Minimum Assumed Knowledge for Each Major

Biochemistry: two units of biology and two units of chemistry

Biodiversity Science: two units of biology

Biomedical Science: two units of biology and two units of chemistry

Chemistry: two units of chemistry

Genetics: two units of biology and two units of chemistry

Mathematics: two units of (calculus-based) mathematics

Neuroscience: four units at second year level or above from neuroscience (see relevant disciplines)

Physical Sciences: two units of physics, two units of chemistry and two units of (calculus-based) mathematics

Regulatory Science: four science-based units with at least two units at second year level or above

Research Methods: four units from the discipline, or associated discipline, selected for completion

Statistics: two units of (calculus-based) mathematics and one unit of statistics

Zoology: two units of biology

Note: Students wishing to complete the course on a full-time basis are strongly encouraged to have greater than the minimum assumed knowledge and to begin their study in first trimester.

Study locations

Armidale

Online

What you will learn

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

demonstrate through their own study and practise, specialised scientific knowledge of science and specialised skills in a chosen discipline;
demonstrate through their own practise, specialist technical competencies in the field, laboratory and professional workplace related to science; and knowledge of theoretical concepts applicable to their chosen discipline;
conduct investigations to critically analyse and evaluate complex ideas, and apply established theories to identify solutions to complex problems relating to their discipline;
be effective communicators of science by communicating scientific knowledge and concepts to a variety of audiences using a range of written and oral communication modes; and
be responsible and accountable for their own learning and scientific work by demonstrating initiative and independent judgement in a range of functions and scientific disciplines in specialised contexts, operating with a high level of personal autonomy and responsibility for all aspects of the work or function of others, and planning and executing independent research while complying with regulatory frameworks and practising professional ethics relevant to their discipline area.

Career pathways

Career opportunities are possible in small and large businesses, industry, government, teaching and research. Examples include positions in the departments of primary industries, resource management, water and land resources, CSIRO, environmental protection authorities, forestry commissions, national parks and wildlife services and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). Industry opportunities include positions in computing, consulting, botanical gardens and museums, manufacturing, electronics, mining and oil.

University of New England (UNE)