Diploma in Science

The Diploma in Science aims to graduate students to have an understanding that:

Science encompasses both a body of knowledge and a reliable process of discovery. It is founded upon the recognition of fundamental laws that make nature systematic and reproducible.

1. Scientists observe, measure, classify and perform experiments upon the natural world. They employ scientific methods to test hypotheses and use empirical evidence to support or refute their hypotheses. The natural variability or uncertainty, inherent in the natural world means that scientific conclusions are reliable but contestable: they may be revised or modified as new evidence emerges. Scientists are curious about the natural world and are creative in formulating hypotheses and in designing approaches to problem-solving.
2. Mathematics is used in science to model real-world systems and scientific data are often analysed using statistical methods.
3. Science operates within a paradigm of peer review and replication that provides a collective responsibility for the reliability of scientific knowledge. Scientists have a responsibility to communicate the outcomes of their work accurately and without bias to their peers and to society.
4. Science is embedded within a context that reflects both the history of scientific endeavour and the culture of present society. Scientists generate and build knowledge, develop technologies, investigate and solve problems.

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

1. demonstrate current, technical and theoretical knowledge of science, including the creative endeavour involved in acquiring knowledge, and the contestable and testable nature of scientific knowledge;
2. use and apply recognised methods of science, appropriate practical techniques and tools for processes of discovery and inquiry;
3. use scientific literacy to demonstrate an understanding of, and to explain scientific issues to, peers, scientific non-experts and the general community;
4. demonstrate personal and social responsibility through an awareness of the ethical frameworks, by working safely and responsibly in individual and team environments; and
5. transfer knowledge and specialised skills to others and demonstrate an understanding of knowledge.

This degree is designed to provide students with basic skills and knowledge in a range of disciplines in science through a coherent program of study. Graduates will have a broad scientific background to assist with future employment or to pursue further study.

Recommended study pattern

Complete the following four Core subjects:

• PHYS100 - Introductory Physics
• SCI100 - Science in Practice
• CHEM100 -Introductory Chemistry
• MTHS100 - Introduction to Quantitative Skills

Complete four Elective subjects.

To access the course rules and plans go to the UNE Course Handbook.

Award requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass subjects to the value of 48 credit points (8 subjects) from the OUA Program.

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Core Subjects

• Elective Subjects Level 100

• Elective Subjects Level 200 and 300

Students must contact UNE with their intent to graduate.

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Students must complete the following four Open Access (core) subjects in order to gain admission into the Diploma in Science and continue with elective subjects: 

• PHYS100 - Introductory Physics
• SCI100 - Science in Practice
• CHEM100 -Introductory Chemistry
• MTHS100 - Introduction to Quantitative Skills

At least one of the following criteria must be met:

1. English is the applicant's first language; or
2. Satisfactory completion, within five years of the date of application for admission to UNE, of at least one year of full-time or equivalent full-time study at senior secondary, post-secondary or tertiary level in a country in which English is the primary official language or co-official language and in which English was the sole medium of instruction and assessment for the particular period of study claimed, resulting in an AQF award or an award recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR); or
3. A pass grade or better in an English language subject at Australian Year 12 level or overseas equivalent; or
4. An IELTS (Academic) overall score of at least 6.0 with no sub-band less than 5.5; or equivalent TOEFL score of at least 213 in the computer-based test; or at least 79 in the internet-based test with no less than 22 in the written component; or a PTE Academic minimum overall score of 57 with no skill less than 50; or
5. Satisfactory completion of the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program:
   1. at the University of New England English Language Centre; or
   2. an equivalent EAP program at an Australian university NEAS-accredited English Language Centre (subject to certification from the university concerned that satisfactory completion of that university's EAP program would entitle the applicant to be accepted into a comparable award-bearing program at that university); or
   3. at a non-university NEAS-accredited English Language Provider that has a formal agreement with UNE under which it provides an equivalent EAP Program; or
   4. a NEAS-accredited TAFE NSW EAP Program.

More detailed information regarding these requirements can be viewed at: English Language Requirements

Students admitted to the degree with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this degree may be eligible for advanced standing. For more information on Advanced Standing or Recognition of Prior Learning, please visit: Advanced Standing

Inherent Requirements: Students must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this degree.

Non-Mandatory intensive schools are offered in some subjects.