Diploma of Health Sciences

Build your career as a health professional.

Key Information

Duration

2 trimesters (8 months)
3 trimesters (12 months)

Intakes

Trimester 1, 2, 3*

Location

Southport (Gold Coast)

CRICOS 075188G

Domestic International

FEES

Domestic students

2023 Tuition Fees: A$27,750

2023 Non-Tuition Fees: Refer to Incidental Fees

More details about fees and payment options
Domestic International

FEES

International students

2023 Tuition Fees: A$35,000

2023 Non-Tuition Fees: Refer to Incidental Fees

More details about fees and payment options

Health Sciences Overview

The Health Sciences program provides a good grounding in the many disciplines that exist within the field of health science.

While the main focus is on biological and biochemical subjects, your studies will extend into chemistry, cell biology and anatomy.

You will develop strong foundations for entry into the second year of a number of Griffith University degree level programs in health sciences.

"I studied the Diploma of Health Sciences because I want to be a doctor. The teachers all are very friendly and everything is very well organised. I am excited to be studying here and I can’t wait to start my medical career."

Eunjin C.,
Diploma of Health Sciences

Pathways to a Griffith University Health Sciences Degree

QTAC codeDegree codeProgramCampusCredit granted*Quota
0882711094Bachelor of Biomedical ScienceGold Coast70/80 CP†Nil
0883711093Bachelor of Health ScienceGold Coast80 CPNil
0884711370Bachelor of Medical Laboratory ScienceGold Coast80 CP10 places‡
0814811355Bachelor of Nutrition and DieteticsGold Coast80 CP5 places‡
Credit eligibility for other programs 
0883011031Bachelor of Biomedical ScienceNathan70 CPNil
0880911171Bachelor of Exercise ScienceGold Coast60 CPNil
081461/ 0814511662Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)Gold Coast / Nathan50 CP2 places‡
0889721533Bachelor of ParamedicineGold Coast40 CP5 places‡
0888711528Bachelor of Pharmacology and ToxicologyGold Coast60 CPNil
0887711395Bachelor of PharmacyGold Coast70 CP15 places‡
088001/ 0814711589Bachelor of PhysiotherapyGold Coast / Nathan40 CP2 places per campus‡
088061/ 0880511634Bachelor of ScienceGold Coast / Nathan60–80 CP†Nil
0880411493Bachelor of Sport DevelopmentGold Coast60/40 CPNil
Progression:
Students will progress to their bachelor degree upon completion of their Griffith College diploma with a GPA equivalent to Griffith University’s admission rank requirement for entry to the bachelor program. Contact Griffith College for GPA to rank equivalencies. Diploma students who do not meet the progression requirements for their pathway to Griffith University can apply for a place in their preferred degree via QTAC, and be considered along with other external applicants subject to QTAC admissions requirements and processes.

*80 credit points is equivalent to one year of full-time study. Completion of degrees where students obtain less than 80 credit points of advanced standing in the degree, may take additional time.
†Lower amount for students NOT required to complete 5902LHS, provided required elective course has been completed at Griffith College.
‡If student numbers exceed the quota, places in each degree will be awarded on the basis of the highest GPA and the highest average mark across completed diploma courses.

Degree codeProgramCampusCredit granted*GPA requirement†Quotas Intake
1094Bachelor of Biomedical ScienceGold Coast70/80 CP‡4.5Nil
1093Bachelor of Health ScienceGold Coast80 CP4Nil
1370Bachelor of Medical Laboratory ScienceGold Coast80 CP4.5Nil
1355Bachelor of Nutrition and DieteticsGold Coast80 CP5.55 places‡
1528Bachelor of Pharmacology and ToxicologyGold Coast80 CP4.5Nil
Credit eligibility for other programs 
1031Bachelor of Biomedical ScienceNathan70 CP4.5Nil
1171Bachelor of Exercise ScienceGold Coast60 CP4Nil
1662Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)Gold Coast / Nathan50 CP5.52 places§
1533Bachelor of ParamedicineGold Coast40 CP5.55 places§
1528Bachelor of Pharmacology and ToxicologyGold Coast70 CP4.5Nil
1395Bachelor of PharmacyGold Coast70 CP5Nil
1589Bachelor of PhysiotherapyGold Coast / Nathan40 CP5.52 places§
1634Bachelor of ScienceGold Coast / Nathan60–80 CP‡4Nil
1493Bachelor of Sport DevelopmentGold Coast60/40 CP4.5Nil
*80 credit points is equivalent to one year of full-time study. Completion of degrees where students obtain less than 80 credit points of advanced standing in the degree, may take additional time.
†International students must achieve the required minimum GPA to progress to their chosen Griffith College bachelor degree.
‡Lower amount for students NOT required to complete 5902LHS, provided required elective course has been completed at Griffith College.
§If student numbers exceed the quota, places in each degree will be awarded on the basis of the highest GPA and the highest average mark across completed Diploma courses.

Where Could This Diploma Take Me?

With a Diploma of Health Sciences from Griffith College you could start your journey towards one of the careers below:

  • Pharmacist
  • Scientific advisor
  • OH&S practitioner
  • Allied health worker
  • Laboratory assistant
  • Pathology technician
  • Ambulance attendant
  • Formulation chemist
  • Environmental scientist
  • Sports organisation professional

Sample Program Structure

First trimester

The Core Maths Skills is delivered in the first trimester of study, and will assist you to develop and/or refresh the fundamental mathematics knowledge and skills required for success in the diploma maths related courses. Core Maths Skills is a free, non- weighted, and competency based (pass/fail), which means that it does not count towards students GPA (grade point average) and consequently, you are not permitted to drop this course. However, CMH100 is compulsory and must be completed in order to graduate as it is a prerequisite for the following Diploma of Health Sciences course: Chemistry of Biological Systems I (1001GRC). Please note that you will be given a maximum of two attempts to successfully complete this course. The course comprises a review of basic skills in arithmetic and algebra, an introduction to linear functions and equations, indices and logarithms.

*Students who demonstrate success in the Mathematics Ready Quiz prior to commencing their study may be exempt from completing Core Maths Skills and hence potentially reduce the duration of their diploma program.

This course describes the functions of cells and the features of the different tissues they form. In addition, how cells and tissues are regulated by cell-to-cell communication within the nervous and endocrine systems to control variables such as body temperature, blood glucose levels and blood pressure to maintain the body's internal balance (homeostasis) is investigated. The importance of microbiology and the mechanisms by which microbes can produce sicknesses, disrupting body homeostasis is also described. The material covered in this course will provide background knowledge that will assist in the understanding of topics covered in the Anatomy and Physiology courses in all trimesters.

5902LAL English Language and Communication for Health

English Language and Communication for Health is only offered to students from a non-English speaking background (NESB). Students whose first language is English are not permitted to undertake this course. The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the language, knowledge and communication skills required for study and practice in their health disciplines, and to enable them to develop and practice English language skills relevant to the academic culture of Australian universities. The course therefore involves intensive English language practice and language immersion activities, with elements applied to contextualised, discipline specific settings.

† Domestic students whose first language is not English, and International students who enter with an IELTS (or equivalent) < 7.0 must undertake the English Language & Communication for Health course..

1020QBT Academic & Professional Skills Development for Science & Technology

This course offers students a broad introduction to the skills involved in acquiring information and in displaying knowledge to others. It includes the basic knowledge skills required to successfully participate in an undergraduate degree program and to operate effectively in a professional context.

‡Students who enter with an IELTS ≥ 7.0 (or equivalent), or whose first language is English, will be required to undertake 1020QBT Academic & Professional Skills

Second Trimester

This course introduces the basic chemical principles that underlie biological systems. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of selected chemistry concepts, principles and theories, with some application to biological phenomena. The foundation provided in this course will allow students to be able to further develop their chemistry knowledge and skills relevant to health and medical sciences in later years. Students will learn about how matter is classified and measured, atomic structure, bonding, biological molecules, chemical reactions, gases, energy, pH, acids and bases, chemical equilibrium and nuclear chemistry. There will be five laboratory sessions that complement the learning in this course.duate degree program.

 

A number of major body systems will be covered within Anatomy & Physiology Systems I, integrating anatomy with physiology. This course includes lectures and laboratory experiences in the study of the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, endocrine and reproductive systems, it will provide foundational knowledge for students destined to undertake advanced studies in anatomy and physiology, and will develop analytical laboratory skills.

1005QBT Genes & Disease

In this course students will explore the biological processes on which the continuity of life is based. These include cellular reproduction, in which the information carried in cells is passed on from cell to cell and organism to organism, and basic genetics which focuses on the storage, replication and transmission of such information and how it influences variation in living organisms. Procedures used to investigate biology and genetics at this level, and the strategies used to take advantage of biological processes clinically and commercially will be investigated. The final part of the course then introduces the theme of evolution, discussing historic milestones and developments, evidence for evolution and how evolutionary processes impact populations. Students will participate in case studies and laboratory based demonstrations/simulations designed to enhance their understanding of the course material, providing a challenging opportunity to develop the practical and intellectual skills required of a scientist and/or health care worker.

§Genes and Disease is recommended for students on Health Sciences degree pathways except for 1171 Bachelor of Exercise Science degree pathway.

1011GRC Introduction to Psychology 1

This course provides a foundation for understanding the cognitive and biological bases of human behaviour, including the role of the brain and neural processes in behaviour, perception (how the senses allow you to see, hear, taste, touch and smell the world around you), conditioning and learning (how humans and other animals learn about their environment), cognition and memory (how people think, solve problems and remember). Drawing on various research traditions in experimental psychology, this course demonstrates how cognitive and biological psychology contributes to our knowledge of human well-being and performance. Students apply this knowledge through a series of practical in-class exercises.

¶Students on a pathway to the Bachelor of Exercise Science to study Introductory Cognitive and Biological Psychology.

1002GRC Introduction to Psychology 2

This course provides an introductory-level overview of several fields within psychology. It focuses on developmental and social processes and their relationships to individual differences in behaviour. It also provides a broad introduction to the areas of developmental, personality, abnormal and social psychology.

Third Trimester

Chemistry of Biological Systems II, builds on material presented in Chemistry of Biological Systems I. The course introduces organic and biological chemistry, which underpins all biochemical processes and the molecular basis of life. The knowledge obtained will provide a solid foundation for following courses in biomedical science, health science, physiotherapy & exercise science, and pharmaceutical science. The course has an emphasis on practical laboratory skills. This, with the other components of the course, will allow students to develop problem solving skills relevant to the scientific method, competency in laboratory methods, and an ability to interpret laboratory results. The course covers the following topics: introductory organic chemistry, an overview of carbohydrate, lipid, nucleic acid, amino acid and protein chemistry, the chemistry of food, exercise & medicine, metals, and fundamentals of bioenergetics.

Within Anatomy & Physiology Systems II a number of major body systems will be discussed, integrating structure (anatomy) with function (physiology). This is a companion course to Anatomy and Physiology Systems I. With the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and digestive systems, description of human anatomy will precede physiological study, drawing on experience in laboratories as well as lectorials. The functions of blood, and the anatomy and functions of the immune system will be covered. This course will provide the necessary experience and learning for students destined to undertake advanced studies in anatomy and in physiology, and will develop (knowledge of) analytical laboratory skills.

This course takes a multi-disciplinary and integrated approach to examine population health in the 21st Century. Using a socio-ecological perspective, the course will take a systems approach (i.e. from prevention through to treatment) to introduce students to the environmental, social and behavioural determinants of health and disease. The course will link these determinants with global and national priority health challenges of the 21st Century together with the implications for effective health care practice.

Current Program Structures and Course Outlines

*Trimester 3 will not be available for international students for Bachelor degrees that have only trimester 1 intake due to the progression gap