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Science course
Undergraduate

Diploma of Science

Key details

Duration

1 year/s full-time
2 year/s part-time
1 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer Semester
On campus - Semester 1, Semester 2
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Casuarina campus

Credit points required

80

Course code

YSCI02
SATAC codes
MyNextCourse

Overview

The Diploma of Science is ideal if you are curious about studying science and would like to learn more though unsure about committing to a degree, or you already have a career in the sciences and want to upskill with another qualification and skills in another discipline.

You will explore a variety of science concepts, theories and principles in different fields such as general science, geographic information science and environmental science until you find the one that resonates with you.

As you progress through your diploma, you will develop your knowledge in logical and critical thinking, and problem-solving from a scientific and technological perspective.;

After completing your diploma, you have the option to move into our Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Environmental Science courses.

Whether you are in the science field or looking to move into science, or perhaps you are a teacher or engineer wanting to gain knowledge about a specific science discipline, this flexible diploma will help you find what you are looking for.



Credit transfers and advanced standing

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Fees

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:

(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or

(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.

Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

International tuition fees

The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2024 is AUD $33,168.00. This equates to $ $4,146.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.

You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.

CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.

Stephanie Oberbrieler smiling

Why study Science, Environmental Science and Management at CDU?

If you're interested in finding solutions to our planet's environmental issues, there's never been a better time to study science, environmental science and management at CDU. You'll be prepared to apply the academic theories and principles you learn in class to real-world problems in a diverse range of careers. 

  • #3 in Australia for agriculture and environmental studies starting salary (GUG 2024)
  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Medical Laboratory Science student Hajrah in the lab at Casuarina campus

Why study science, environmental science & management at CDU?

If you're interested in finding solutions to our planet's environmental issues, there's never been a better time to study science, environmental science and management at CDU. You'll be prepared to apply the academic theories and principles you learn in class to real-world problems in a diverse range of careers.

  • Five-star Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • #3 in Australia for agriculture and environmental studies starting salary (GUG 2024)
Stephanie Oberbrieler smiling

Why study Science, Environmental Science and Management at CDU?

If you're interested in finding solutions to our planet's environmental issues, there's never been a better time to study science, environmental science and management at CDU. You'll be prepared to apply the academic theories and principles you learn in class to real-world problems in a diverse range of careers. 

  • #3 in Australia for agriculture and environmental studies starting salary (GUG 2024)
  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Medical Laboratory Science student Hajrah in the lab at Casuarina campus

Why study science, environmental science & management at CDU?

If you're interested in finding solutions to our planet's environmental issues, there's never been a better time to study science, environmental science and management at CDU. You'll be prepared to apply the academic theories and principles you learn in class to real-world problems in a diverse range of careers.

  • Five-star Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • #3 in Australia for agriculture and environmental studies starting salary (GUG 2024)

What will I study?

A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.

Course structure


Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Common Units 
(1 unit)
10cp

One of: 

LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100 from 2024) 
OR 
CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology 
OR 
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107 from 2024) 

Select Common Units to find out more about individual units and advanced standing options.

Core Units 
(0 units)
0cpThere are no Core Units for this course. 
 
Specialist Elective 
(5 units)
50cp

Units totalling 50 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below: 

The following streams are provided as a guide for selecting units that align with your future study or career orientation. Students may choose all their specialist electives from a single discipline area or take a mix of specialist electives across a number of science discipline areas.

When selecting specialist electives, choose units at a suitable level. The first number in each unit code indicates the year level at which the subject is taught. Undergraduate units are coded at 100 to 300 level, therefore units coded as SBI1xx, SBI2xx and SBI3xx would be first, second and third year units respectively. Many second and third units have assumed knowledge and pre-requisite requirements.

Students without any previous university level study typically take 100 level/first year units matching one of the streams in Group A.

Group A Units (50cp)

The following Group A streams are recommended for students without a previous Bachelor degree who may in future transfer to the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Environmental Science.

For transfer to Bachelor of Science (General Science) (50cp) 
SCH101 Chemical Concepts (intensive) OR SCH104 Introductory Chemistry 
SPH141 Concepts of Physics OR SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics OR SMA101 Mathematics 1A 
ENV101 Earth Systems 
ENV102 Diversity of Life 
SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies

For transfer to Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) (50cp) 
SCH101 Chemical Concepts (intensive) 
SPH141 Concepts of Physics OR SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics OR SMA101 Mathematics 1A 
SCH102 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry 
ENV101 Earth Systems 
SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies

For transfer to Bachelor of Science (Ecology) (50cp) 
SCH101 Chemical Concepts ORSCH104 Introductory Chemistry 
SPH141 Concepts of Physics OR SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics OR SMA101 Mathematics 1A 
ENV101 Earth Systems 
ENV102 The Diversity of Life 
ENV204 Ecosystems, Evolution and Biodiversity

For transfer to Bachelor of Science (Geographic Information Science) (50cp) 
SCH101 Chemical Concepts (intensive) ORSCH104 Introductory Chemistry 
SPH141 Concepts of Physics OR SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics OR SMA101 Mathematics 1A 
HIT137 Software Now 
ENV101 Earth Systems 
ENV102 The Diversity of Life

For transfer to Bachelor of Science (Landscape Restoration) (70cp) 
SCH101 Chemical Concepts ORSCH104 Introductory Chemistry 
SMA101 Mathematics 1A 
ENG151 Statics 
ENV101 Earth Systems 
ENV102 The Diversity of Life 
ENV206 Environmental Physiology 
IAS144 Indigenous Land and Resources

For transfer to Bachelor of Environmental Science 
[Take two common units in total: CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability (IAS201 Cultural Capabilities) PLUS EITHER: 
CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability (no longer available) 
OR 
CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology] 
Plus the following specialist electives (60cp)
ENV101 Earth Systems 
ENV102 The Diversity of Life 
ENV103 Environmental Issues 
IAS144 Indigenous Land and Resources 
ENV208 Geographical Information Systems and Spatial Thinking 
SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies 
[If transferring into the Bachelor of Environmental Science, no other electives are available in the Diploma of Science]

Group B Units (50cp)

The following units in Group B are recommended for students with a previous degree undertaking studies in science disciplines. Units have been grouped in discipline areas to guide unit selection.

Biology 
ENV101 Earth Systems 
ENV102 The Diversity of Life 
ENV103 Environmental Issues 
ENV201 Introductory Ecology 
ENV204 Ecosystems, Evolution and Biodiversity 
ENV206 Environmental Physiology 
ENV207 Fire Ecology and Management in North Australia 
ENV209 Flora and Fauna Survey and Monitoring 
ENV210 Aquatic Ecosystems Chemistry (unit title change 2022) 
ENV300 Wildlife Management 
ENV301 Tropical Invaders and Biosecurity 
ENV302 Organisms and Environmental Change 
ENV303 Ecological Restoration and Conservation 
ENV315 Desert Field Ecology (intensive) 
ENV316 Exploring Ecosystem Dynamics: Field Studies in Northern Australia (intensive) 
ENV317 Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods (not offered in 2024) 
ENV323 Environmental Microbiology (intensive) 
MLS245 Medical Biochemistry 
SID300 Professional Practice in Science 
SBI150 Cellular Biology 
SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 
SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 
SBI182 Microbiology and Immunology 
SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies 
SBI282 Clinical Microbiology 1 
SBI284 Histology and Histochemistry 
SBI302 Clinical Microbiology 2 

Chemistry 
SCH104 Introductory Chemistry (if no chemistry background in senior high school) 
SCH101 Chemical Concepts (intensive) 
SCH102 Organic and Inorganic Chemistry (intensive) 
ENV210 Aquatic Ecosystems Chemistry (unit title change 2022) 
MLS245 Medical Biochemistry 
PHA311 Clinical Biochemistry 
SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies 
SCH305 Advanced Chemical Concepts 
SID300 Professional Practice 
ENV323 Environmental Microbiology (intensive)

Environmental and Earth Science Units 
ENV101 Earth Systems 
ENV102 The Diversity of Life 
ENV103 Environmental Issues 
ENV201 Introductory Ecology 
ENV202 Introductory Remote Sensing 
ENV204 Ecosystems, Evolution and Biodiversity 
ENV206 Environmental Physiology 
ENV207 Fire Ecology and Management in North Australia 
ENV208 Geographical Information Systems and Spatial Thinking 
ENV209 Flora and Fauna Survey and Monitoring 
ENV210 Aquatic Ecosystems Chemistry (unit title change 2022) 
ENV300 Wildlife Management 
ENV301 Tropical Invaders and Biosecurity 
ENV302 Organisms and Environmental Change 
ENV303 Ecological Restoration and Conservation 
ENV306 Environmental Monitoring and Modelling 
ENV313 Hydrology and Catchment Processes 
ENV315 Desert Field Ecology (intensive) 
ENV316 Exploring Ecosystem Dynamics: Field Studies in Northern Australia (intensive) 
ENV317 Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods (not offered 2024) 
ENV318 Analysing and Synthesising Spatial Data 
ENV323 Environmental Microbiology (intensive) 
IAS225 Cultural Resource and Site Management 
IAS353 Indigenous Cultures and the Environment 
SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies

Physics and Mathematics Units 
SMA101 Mathematics 1A 
SMA102 Mathematics 1B 
SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics 
SMA209 Mathematics 2A 
SMA212 Data Analytics 
SPH141 Concepts of Physics 
ENG151 Statics 
ENG175 Internet of Things (replaces ENG174) 
ENG221 Analogue Electronics 
ENG223 Electrical Circuit Analysis 
ENG247 Fluid and Thermodynamics 
ENG252 Dynamics 
ENG267 Hydraulics and Soil Mechanics 
SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies

General Science units 
IAS325 Cognition and Philosophy of Science 
SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies 
SID300 Professional Practice in Science

Elective 
(2 units)
20cpSelect 2 units totalling 20 credit points which may be of the above units or any other units offered by the University.  
If transferring into the Bachelor of Environmental Science, no electives are available in the Diploma of Science.
 80cpTotal Credit Points

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)

Study plan


Students commencing in Semester 1

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

Legend:CU = Common UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective

Students who have not completed a university degree and who are not following a study pathway into the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Environmental Science should follow the below plan.

Students who are interested in continuing to second year entry into the Bachelor of Science (Landscape Restoration OR Ecology OR Geographic Information Science OR Chemistry OR General Science) should follow the plan listed in the Bachelor of Science for Year 1 of that major. Where options are available, students need to complete one common unit and at least five specialist elective units.

Students who are interested in continuing to second year entry into the Bachelor of Environmental Science should follow the plan listed in the Bachelor of Science for Year 1. Where options are available, students need to complete one common unit and at least five specialist elective units.

Students who have completed another degree may take units at any year level, need to complete one common unit (unless credit for prior study has been approved) and at least five specialist elective units. 
 

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100) OR
CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology OR
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107)
CUSpecialist electiveSE
Specialist electiveSESpecialist elective SE
Specialist electiveSESpecialist elective SE
Specialist elective or elective unitSE/ESpecialist elective or elective unit                                             SE/E

 

Students commencing in Semester 2

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

Legend:CU = Common UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective

Students who have not completed a university degree and who are not following a study pathway into the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Environmental Science should follow the below plan.

Students who are interested in continuing to second year entry into the Bachelor of Science (Landscape Restoration OR Ecology OR Geographic Information Science OR Chemistry OR General Science) should follow the plan listed in the Bachelor of Science for Year 1 of that major. Where options are available, students need to complete one common unit and at least five specialist elective units.

Students who are interested in continuing to second year entry into the Bachelor of Environmental Science should follow the plan listed in the Bachelor of Science for Year 1. Where options are available, students need to complete one common unit and at least five specialist elective units.

Students who have completed another degree may take units at any year level, need to complete one common unit (unless credit for prior study has been approved) and at least five specialist elective units. 

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100) OR
CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology OR
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107)
CU
  Specialist electiveSE
  Specialist electiveSE
  Specialist elective or elective unitSE/E
Year 2
Specialist electiveCU  
Specialist electiveSE  
Specialist electiveSE  
Specialist elective or elective unit                                                          SE/E  

 

Students Commencing in Summer Semester

Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Year 1
    LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100) OR
CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology OR
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107)
CU
    Specialist elective
(suggested SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology ORSMA104 Concepts of Mathematics)
SE
      
      
Year 2
Specialist electiveSESpecialist electiveSE  
Specialist electiveSESpecialist electiveSE  
Specialist elective or elective unitSE/ESpecialist elective or elective unitSE/E  
      

 

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Admission requirements are met by one of the following:

  • Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
  • Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
  • Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
  • Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
  • Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
  • Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
  • Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
  • Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
    • Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
    • Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
    • Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
  • Current School Leaver Pathways:
    • Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
    • School recommendation program

* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.

Essential requirements

English language requirements

To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.

DOMESTIC STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - International students   
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.

CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30)Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3
IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake)A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of B2.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21.

* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.

Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
 

ATAR profile

The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2023

ATAR based offers onlyATAR
(excluding adjustment factors)
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Lowest rank to receive an offer<5<5
Median rank to receive an offer<5<5
Highest rank to receive an offer<5<5

Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.

I chose CDU because it has an excellent science course, with lots of opportunities for practical experience in the field. I love the small classes, community feel and the interaction with lecturers that you don't get at larger universities.

Brittany

CDU student

CDU Student Brittnay

I am very proud that I am now an environmental expert who can work anywhere on this planet. There is nothing that can be done on the development of any projects without environmental experts. So, it is a very promising career.

Cassian

CDU student

Cassian Lushinge

I chose CDU because it has an excellent science course, with lots of opportunities for practical experience in the field. I love the small classes, community feel and the interaction with lecturers that you don't get at larger universities.

Brittany

CDU student

CDU Student Brittnay

I am very proud that I am now an environmental expert who can work anywhere on this planet. There is nothing that can be done on the development of any projects without environmental experts. So, it is a very promising career.

Cassian

CDU student

Cassian Lushinge

Course details

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Inherent Requirements

There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.

Australian qualification framework

This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 5.

Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2023.

Applicant background (Semester one intake 2023)No. of Students% of all Students
A. Higher education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)
6 .0
B. Vocational education and training (VET) study 5 .0
C. Work and life experience
(Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
<5N/P
D. Recent secondary education
  • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR

(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)

<5N/P
  • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered

(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR)

<5N/P
  • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor

(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)

<5N/P
International students<5N/P
All students 11 .0

Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Diploma of Science
Faculty/College
Faculty of Science and Technology
Sector
HE
Area of study
Science, Environmental Science and Management

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

Learn more about environmental management

Vamshidhar is from India and studied a Master of Environmental Management at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

Learn more about environmental management

Vamshidhar is from India and studied a Master of Environmental Management at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

How to apply

There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.

Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.

SATAC

SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.

MyNextCourse

Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.

International applications

Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.

You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.

Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.

International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.

If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
116361
Online (CSP)
116361
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
Casuarina campus
107546K

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