Diploma of Science

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.

Biological Systems is an introductory course that provides an appreciation of the main concepts of modern biology. Students will gain an understanding of the origin, function and structure of living organisms by examining life at increasing levels of biological complexity, from the molecular and cellular level to whole organisms and ecosystems. Course content will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, laboratory sessions and online material.

This Course provides an introduction to human anatomy and physiology and cell biology. It examines the structure and function of the major body systems, highlighting the interrelationship of body organ systems, homeostasis and the dependence of function upon structure. An appreciation of human body structure and regulation is gained through clinical application, namely diagnosis and treatment of human disease.

Chemistry is known as the central science, in that it is important to our understanding interactions that occur in all the other scientific disciplines through the study of matter, its properties, reactions and associated energies. This course introduces the fundamental terminology, concepts and methods of general chemistry. Students will explain chemical concepts and solve problems (quantitative and qualitative) involving stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structure, properties, thermodynamics and equilibrium. Fundamental concepts of matter underpin understanding and problem solving in biomolecular, biological, biotechnical, chemical, environmental, engineering, forensic, materials and medicinal sciences. Consequently, Chemistry 1A is a core course in the study of these fields. Skills that will be developed include academic language/reporting, scientific methodology and approaches, quantitative literacy, critical reasoning (explaining macro phenomena using chemical concepts), laboratory techniques and safe work practices.

This course considers the molecular organisation of cells and the biochemical properties of the major classes of biological compounds which exist in, and contribute to, the cellular environment eg amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids. It covers the properties of water, pH and buffers, the structure and function of proteins, including an introduction to enzymes, the cell membrane and membrane transport.

This course aims to provide students with both an understanding of the basic concepts and practices of data analysis and inferential statistics (real data sets will be provided for the purpose of the projects) as well as the knowledge of several statistical techniques applicable to Science. The course focuses on understanding the relevant statistical tests, the underlying distributions and assumptions associated with these tests, and the use of exploratory data analysis (EDA). The course also aims to develop generic skills in redefining scientific problems in statistical terms, problem solving, statistical methodologies and writing statistical reports.