The Diploma of Science is a 1-year undergraduate course comprising 8 units.
Course Structure
The Diploma of Science (DipSc) comprises 8 units of study (or subjects). Each unit represents 3 credit points. To fulfil the requirements of the DipSc award, you will need to complete a minimum of 24 credit points.
Common Core units (5 units)
As a Sheridan DipSc student, you will take core units common to all DipSc students:
- Core Science units - a core unit on academic skills for the sciences, a foundation unit in mathematics and a foundation unit in chemistry.
- A core Research unit - a unit on academic and professional communication skills. This unit is taken by students from all undergraduate courses at Sheridan.
- A core Christian Studies unit - a unit introducting the Christian faith. Like the research unit, this unit is taken by students from all undergraduate courses at Sheridan.
Elective units (3 units)
You will also choose elective units from a wide range of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, geography, and information technology.
Mode of Study
Face-to-face through lectures, tutorials and seminars, and is supported by Canvas, Sheridan's server-based learning management system.
All teaching takes place at the Perth CBD campus (Suite 18, 7 Aberdeen St Perth).
Sheridan does not currently provide online study options for remote students.
Course Workload
A standard Diploma of Science unit represents 168 hours of study over a semester, including class contact hours and private study.
The 168 hours typically consists of seminars for 36 hours (3 hours/week over 12 teaching weeks) and private study for 132 hours (9 hours/week over 12 teaching weeks plus 12 hours/week over 2 non-teaching weeks).
If you are a full-time student, you should plan to set aside a minimum of 12 hours/week for your formal classes and a total of 36 hours/week for your private study.
Course Learning Outcomes
Diplomas qualify individuals who apply integrated technical and theoretical concepts in a broad range of contexts to undertake advanced skilled or paraprofessional work, and provide a pathway for further learning.
Upon completion of the Diploma of Science, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical knowledge of the scientific consensus in specialised learning areas within mathematics, physical sciences and life sciences.
- Exercise cognitive skills successfully to search for, identify, and carefully analyse scientific and mathematical evidence.
- Plan, propose and evaluate potential solutions to problems relating to specialised learning areas within mathematics, physical sciences and life sciences.
- Communicate understanding of knowledge and skills relating to specialised learning areas within mathematics, physical sciences and life sciences to others in various learning contexts.
- Apply technical and creative tools from one or more specialised learning areas within mathematics, physical sciences and life sciences to interpret and resolve unpredictable problems in a range of scenarios.
- Demonstrate the capacity to seek scientific and mathematical knowledge and truth with persistence, independence, rigour, and integrity.
- Evaluate the relevance of Christian faith and practice to the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
- Model self-discipline, servant leadership and respect for the dignity of individuals and groups in various settings.
Each unit taken in the Diploma of Science program will contribute towards the fulfilment of these broader learning outcomes
Course Specific Requirements
A minimum ATAR score of 70 or its equivalent
For other acceptable entry requirements, please view the relevant sections:
Domestic students
International students
Pathways to a Bachelor degree
See Alternative Degree Pathways for pathways from the Diploma of Science to degrees at other institutions.