Graduate Certificate in Science

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Science at UNE?

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.

Career Opportunities

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.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

0.5 Years Full-time
Up to 2 years Part-time

FEES

CSP (quotas apply)
Full Fee
International

2018 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale

Trimester 1, Online
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Online
Trimester 2, On Campus

Official Abbreviation GradCertSc
Course Type Postgraduate
CRICOS Code 065083K
Commencing
Location Admission Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Online
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 2 Online
Armidale Trimester 2 On Campus
Course Duration
  • 0.5 Years Full-time
  • Up to 2 years Part-time
Fees CSP (quotas apply) / Full Fee / International
Total Credit Points 24
Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall:

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

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

(c) hold an AQF Level 9 Master in a relevant discipline; or

(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; 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

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.

Additional Requirements

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

Advanced Standing

Advanced standing is not granted for units taken to meet course admission.

The maximum advanced standing shall be for units counting 6 credit points which are deemed to be equivalent to units offered by the University and approved for the course comprising:

(a) 6 credit points for units completed at the University; or

(b) 6 credit points for units completed from another institution; or

(c) 6 credit points on the basis of considerable professional experience in a relevant field of interest.

Academic Colours

Straw (BCC 51)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Graduate Certificate in Science in 2018.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall:
(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline; or
(b) hold an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor of Honours in a relevant discipline; or
(c) hold an AQF Level 9 Master in a relevant discipline; or
(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; Physics; Physiology; Statistics; and Zoology. A discipline 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 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
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 disciplines, 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.

Additional Requirements

Inherent Requirements

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

Advanced Standing

Advanced standing is not granted for units taken to meet course admission.

The maximum advanced standing shall be for units counting 6 credit points which are deemed to be equivalent to units offered by the University and approved for the course comprising:
(a) 6 credit points for units completed at the University; or
(b) 6 credit points for units completed from another institution; or
(c) 6 credit points on the basis of considerable professional experience in a relevant field of interest.

Period of Candidature

The period of candidature shall be:
(a) 0.5 years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to two years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above, from one of the approved majors.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study comprising:

Course Structure Credit Points
One Major 24 cps
Total 24 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Approved Majors

Biochemistry
Biodiversity Science
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Genetics
Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Research Methods
Regulatory Science
Statistics
Zoology

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Science.

Appeals

Candidates are referred to the Academic Assessment Appeals Policy and the Academic Assessment Appeals Procedures.

Course Progression

Candidates are referred to the Course Progression Rule and the Course Progression Procedures.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Rule and the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Procedures.

Course Aims

This is a postgraduate award designed to broaden a graduate's knowledge as required in their workplace.

Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  1. demonstrate through their own study and practise, specialised scientific knowledge of science and specialised skills in a chosen discipline;
  2. 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;
  3. conduct investigations to critically analyse and evaluate complex ideas, and apply established theories to identify solutions to complex problems relating to their discipline;
  4. 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
  5. 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.
Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates will understand scientific practice and have advanced knowledge in a discipline of science. They will be able to articulate aspects of the place and importance of science in the local and wider community.

Communication Skills

Graduates will be able to communicate scientific results, information or arguments to a range of audiences and for a range of purposes.

Problem Solving

Graduates will be able to investigate and solve problems by using recognised methods of science and appropriate practical techniques and tools.

Information Literacy

Graduates will be able to communicate scientific results, information or arguments to a range of audiences and for a range of purposes.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates will be able to take social responsibility by recognising the relevant ethical frameworks within which science is practised and show a capacity for working responsibly and safely in both individual and team environments. They will also be able to demonstrate a capacity for self-directed learning.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates will be able to take personal responsibility for lifelong learning by demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will have the ability to function effectively as members of teams or individually.

How to Apply

Domestic Students

All domestic students apply through the link below

For more information, click here

International Students

International students apply direct to UNE through UNE International

For more information, click here

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