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Overview

La Trobe’s Diploma of Science is a supported pathway into the Bachelor of Science – or the qualification you need to kickstart a career in entry-level roles in the science industry. Explore basic scientific concepts and learn how to harness collaboration in the laboratory. Consolidate your new knowledge and skills … For more content click the Read more button below. Already know where you want to steer your career? Our wide range of electives allow you to take specialist subjects right away. Depending on your campus, choose from biochemistry, zoology, physics, molecular biology, data science and more. You’ll learn alongside Bachelor’s students in the same subjects, while you map out your transition to further university study. Depending on your subject selection, after successfully completing your Diploma you can transfer directly into the second year of La Trobe’s Bachelor of Science. That’s all thanks to the one year’s worth of course credit (also called advanced standing) you could receive for the subjects you study in your Diploma. We’ll be with you every step of the way. Receive tailored advice from a dedicated Senior Support Adviser and connect with discipline-based peer mentors. We’ll help you enrol, choose your subjects and navigate university systems and requirements. You can also access La Trobe’s Careers Service to help you shape your future. You'll learn:Core scientific skillsUnderstand science fundamentals and the basic concepts of how science works.Communicating as a scientistLearn how to communicate basic scientific ideas in written and verbal formats to various audiences.Collaboration and teamworkDiscover how to collaborate and work effectively in teams to solve problems and achieve shared goals.

Portfolio

Office of the Provost

Course coordinator

Ross O'Shea

Location(s)

Melbourne (Bundoora)

CRICOS code

104807G

Course instance contact

Ross O'Shea

Course duration (full time)

1 year

Study level

Sub-degree

AQF level

Level 5 - Diploma

Available only as an exit award

No

Study options

Domestic

Completion requirements

To qualify with the Diploma of Science student must complete the following:

15 core credit points

15 core-choice credit points

90 elective credit points

Course intended learning outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:
1.
Describe aspects of scientific knowledge, how it is generated and how it can be applied.
2.
Identify social and ethical issues in science and its applications.
3.
Identify common scientific methods and skills.
4.
Communicate basic scientific ideas in different formats.
5.
Work independently and in teams.

Career outcomes

Graduates of the Diploma of Science can pursue a range of science-related career paths with further study.

Possible roles include:

  • Laboratory assistant
    • Handle specimens, perform basic analysis techniques, maintain equipment and ensure laboratory processes are followed.

  • Science communicator
    • Promote scientific achievements to a wide range of audiences, including in university, government and media settings.

  • Laboratory technician
    • Undertake sampling, testing and data entry, collect and report results, and calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment.

Other course instances

Select a related course instance to view more information.

Internal course relationships

Nested

Bachelor of Science

Additional costs

Cost description - Other