Graduate Diploma of Science

Information valid for students commencing in 2015.

Course code

105006

Version

4

Course type

Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8)

Division

Tropical Environments and Societies

Award Requirements

Course Structure

Candidature

Progression

Advanced Standing

Award Details

Honours

Admission Requirements

Course pre-requisites

Completion of an AQF level 7 bachelor degree in Science or equivalent.

Minimum English language proficiency requirements

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 1 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

Additional selection requirements

Nil

Special admission requirements

Nil

Post Admission requirements

Some majors require attendance at block mode subjects on either the Townsville or Cairns campus.  Students may be required to attend block mode classes at a campus other than that at which they are enrolled, at their own expense.

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

Credit points

24 credit points

Additional course rules

Nil

Additional completion requirements

Nil

Course learning outcomes

JCU graduates are committed to lifelong learning, intellectual development, and to the display of exemplary personal, professional and ethical standards. They have a sense of their place in the tropics and are charged with professional, community, and environmental responsibility. JCU graduates appreciate the need to embrace and be acquainted with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of Australia. They are committed to reconciliation, diversity and sustainability. They exhibit a willingness to lead and to contribute to the intellectual, environmental, cultural, economic and social challenges of regional, national, and international communities of the tropics.

On successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Science, graduates will be able to:

  • Integrate and apply advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in one or more science disciplines

  • Retrieve, analyse, synthesise and evaluate knowledge from a range of sources

  • Plan and conduct reliable, evidence-based laboratory and/or field experiments/practices by selecting and applying methods, techniques and tools, as appropriate to one or more science disciplines

  • Organise, analyse and interpret complex scientific data using mathematical, statistical and technological skills

  • Communicate complex scientific ideas, arguments and conclusions clearly and coherently to a variety of audiences through advanced written and oral English language skills and a variety of media

  • Identify, analyse and generate solutions to unpredictable or complex problems, especially related to tropical, rural, remote or Indigenous contexts, by applying scientific knowledge and skills with initiative and high level judgement

  • Explain and apply regulatory requirements, ethical principles and, where appropriate, cultural frameworks, to work effectively, responsibly and safely in diverse contexts

  • Reflect on current skills, knowledge and attitudes to manage their professional learning needs and performance, autonomously and in collaboration with others.

Course Structure

Options

Select a major (discipline area)

Majors

Type of major

Mandatory

Single

Credit points in major

24 credit points

Special requirements

Nil

MAJOR

AVAILABLE AT

NOTES

Aquaculture Science and Technology

Townsville

Mid-year entry is available

Environmental Earth Science

Cairns

Townsville

Mid-year entry is available

Environmental Marine Science

Townsville (Suspended 2015-2017)

 

Fisheries Biology and Management

Townsville

Mid-year entry is available

Marine Biology and Ecology

Townsville

Mid-year entry is available

Mathematics and Statistics

Townsville (Suspended July 2012 – 2015)

 

Natural Resource Management

Cairns

Townsville

Mid-year entry is available

Physics

Townsville (Suspended July 2012 – 2015)

 

Protected Area Management

Cairns

Townsville

Mid-year entry is available

Tropical Agriculture

Cairns (Suspended 2012 – 2015)

Townsville (Suspended 2012 – 2015)

 

Tropical Biology and Conservation

Townsville

Mid-year entry is available

Zoology and Ecology

Cairns

Mid-year entry is available

Campus

COURSE AVAILABLE AT

NOTES

Cairns

Mid-year entry is available

Townsville

Mid-year entry is available

Candidature

Expected time to complete

1 year full-time or equivalent part-time

Maximum time to complete

4 years

Maximum leave of absence

1 year

Progression

Course progression requisites

Nil

Course includes mandatory professional placement(s)

No

Special assessment requirements

Nil

Accreditation requirements

Nil

Maximum allowed Pass Conceded (PC) grade

Nil

Supplementary exam for final subject

Not applicable

Advanced Standing

Eligibility

Students may apply for advanced standing for previous tertiary study in accordance with the Advanced Standing and Articulation policy and associated procedures.

Maximum allowed

6 credit points, unless part of an approved articulation process

Currency

Advanced standing will be granted only for studies completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course.

Expiry

Advanced standing gained for any subject shall be cancelled 14 years after the date of the examination upon which the advanced standing is based if, by then, the student has not completed the course of study prescribed for the degree.

Other restrictions

Nil

Award Details

Award title

GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF SCIENCE

Approved abbreviation

GDipSc

Inclusion of majors on testamur

The major studied shall appear on the testamur

Exit with lesser award

Students who exit the course prior to completion, and have completed 12 credit points of study, may, depending on the subjects studied, be eligible to receive the award of Graduate Certificate of Science.

Course articulation

Students who complete the Graduate Diploma of Science are eligible for entry to the Master of Science, and may be granted advanced standing for all subjects completed under the Graduate Diploma.