Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences

If you want an exciting careerthat stimulates you, challenges you, and rewards you, then a postgraduate degree in science sets you on the right path.

This graduate diploma provides an avenue for further study under certain circumstances, if:

• You are ineligible for entry to Honours at UWA
• You want proceed to Master's candidature
• You want an advanced qualification in a specific area of expertise

Course outline

The Graduate Diploma in Science (GradDipSc) is intended for candidates who hold a pass degree but are ineligible for entry to honours, or who wish to undertake further study for one or both of the following reasons:

• they wish to proceed to Master’s candidature;
• they wish to obtain advanced qualifications in a specific area of expertise.

Almost all programs include a research component. Entry to the course is quota-controlled. Programs are available in all subject areas of the Faculties and, unless specified otherwise, the course of study is similar to Honours. Enquiries about the content of programs should be directed to the course co-ordinator concerned. Selection of units to be studied and research topics to be undertaken is done in consultation with members of the relevant School, and the course co-ordinators in the case of interdisciplinary programs.

• Anatomy and Human Biology
• Anthropology and Sociology
• Archaeology
• Biochemistry
• Biophysics
• Chemistry
• Exercise Science
• Microbiology
• Pathology
• Physics
• Physiology
• Psychology

Anatomy and Human Biology

This course is designed for students who have already completed a pass degree and subsequently wish to extend their qualifications and research experience. It is similar to the honours program where students are required to complete an assignment, attend seminars, conduct and independent project, write a dissertation on the project and undergo an oral defence of the dissertation. Completion may lead to MSc or PhD programs.

Course enquiries

School of Anatomy and Human Biology
Telephone: +(61 8) 6488 3288 or by email

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Anthropology and Sociology

Graduate Diploma students are required to complete a thesis (approximately 15,000 words) and coursework.
For the coursework component, students are evaluated on their participation in discussions on assigned readings, and several essays. The course prepares student either to pursue postgraduate research for a higher degree or to begin work as practising anthropologists.
The coursework component of the program aims to introduce issues currently debated in world anthropology. These may include nationalism and national cultures; the social construction of culture and identity; anthropology as science or art; and applied anthropology.

Course enquiries

Anthropology and Sociology, School of Social and Cultural Studies
Telephone: +(61 8) 6488 2851or by email

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Archaeology

The Graduate Diploma in Science (Archaeology) comprises studies in archaeological research design, method and theory. It involves a coursework component and a research dissertation. Each student is allocated a supervisor for their dissertation work.

Course enquiries

Archaeology, School of Social and Cultural Studies
Telephone: +(61 8) 6488 2860 or by email

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Biochemistry

The Graduate Diploma course is designed for students who have already completed a pass degree and subsequently wish to extend their qualifications and research experience. It is also open to students from other universities who may wish to enter the MSc or PhD programs specialising in biochemistry. The Graduate Diploma program is substantially the same as the honours course, except that, where appropriate, it will include some coursework and a shortened laboratory project.

Course Structure

The discipline of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology conducts an active research program in biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology. The Graduate Diploma program is built on these research strengths and provides an introduction to the research life of a biochemist/molecular biologist. In addition to developing skills in scientific method, the program is also directed towards extending the student’s understanding of the theoretical aspects of the subject; fluency in the molecular biology/biochemical language is the aim. This course, which includes a supervised research project as the main component, should enable the student to adapt to working in any biomedical/ biological science-based laboratory.

Course enquiries

Biochemistry, School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences
Telephone: +(61 8) 6488 3324 or by email

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Biophysics

Biophysics is an exciting new field of basic research into the nature and structure of biological molecules, their interactions and the physical principles involved in the machinery of life. This program is similar to the Biophysics Honours program in the School of Physics but may be modified to enhance the student’s background for further studies in Biophysics.

Course Structure

Students are required to undertake a supervised research project and to attend a selection of appropriate courses offered within the Physics Honours program. They may also be required to attend suitable courses provided by the Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis.

Course enquiries

School of Physics
Telephone: +(61 8) 6488 2738 or by email

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Chemistry

All the graduate courses in this discipline area offer students the chance to work on the cutting edge of chemistry and to complete a research-based project, that generates or collates new knowledge. This research project is closely supervised by one or more members of staff.

The Graduate Diploma year is viewed as an opportunity to broaden and integrate knowledge gained in undergraduate years, as well as to lay the foundations for advanced research leading to higher degrees. A research project constitutes a major part of the year’s work and is accompanied by advanced coursework and the opportunity to participate in the general research activities of the discipline, such as the weekly seminar.

Coursework

Coursework topics normally offered are of an advanced nature, designed primarily to provide students with a deeper understanding of their research area as well as broaden their knowledge in relevant areas of chemistry. Students are required to undertake two items of coursework from a variety of topics offered by Chemistry staff members and prepare a literature survey and research proposal.

Research Project

This is conducted throughout the year and is finally assessed through the presentation of a written thesis and an oral examination. Research projects are normally offered in a wide variety of areas, reflecting staff interests; candidates are expected to consult broadly before a final individual program of work is drawn up.

Course enquiries

Chemistry, School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences
Telephone: +(61 8) 6488 3160 or by email

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Exercise Science

The Graduate Diploma program in Human Movement and Exercise Science is intended for students wishing to undertake specialisation in professional preparation, such as those seeking accreditation from the Australian Association of Exercise and Sports Science(AAESS).
Candidates seeking admission to the Graduate Diploma would normally be expected to have a BSc degree majoring in Human Movement and Exercise Science or its equivalent.
The Graduate Diploma comprises two core units, Research Methods in HMES and Data Analysis in HMES, plus six Human Movement and Exercise Science units chosen from the specific sub-discipline area.
The Diploma may, with permission from the Head of School and the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences, progress to the Master’s program. Prospective students are advised to consult with the Executive Assistant in the School of Human Movement and Exercise Science. For students to be eligible to continue to master’s level an average of 65 per cent is required in the Graduate Diploma.

Course enquiries

School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health
Telephone: +(61 8) 6488 2361 or by email

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Microbiology

The discipline of Microbiology and Immunology at UWA is situated at the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, in close proximity to the University’s main campus. The discipline is strongly research oriented and is highly regarded within the University, nationally and internationally. A large body of postdoctoral research personnel complements the academic staff to ensure the best possible support for students undertaking higher degrees.

Course Structure

 The course comprises:

• A selection of approved units in microbiology at third and fourth-year levels as appropriate, or a coursework component (seminars, essays) selected in consultation with the course co-ordinator, and
• A research project.

Course enquiries

Microbiology, School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences
Telephone: +(61 8) 9346 2245 or by email

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Pathology

This program is intended for science graduates who wish to pursue in depth their understanding of pathology. The course is tailored to the individual student’s needs and can accommodate students who have little understanding of pathology.

Course Structure

The Graduate Diploma in Pathology entails a course of advanced reading and supervised laboratory work in some aspect of general pathology. Candidates are expected to become familiar with some of the techniques available and apply those to a biological problem in the field of pathology.
The major component of the course involves basic research on a particular project under the supervision and with the collaboration of an academic member of staff. The results of such a project are presented in the form of a thesis which includes a survey of the relevant literature.
In addition, a high standard has to be reached in a written examination. Throughout the year students are expected to take part in weekly seminars and discussions and to present an essay on a current topic in pathobiology.

Course enquiries

School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Telephone: +(61 8) 9346 2499 or by email

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Physics

The course requirements are:

• A supervised research project, which requires candidates to produce a written report on their project as well as deliver a short seminar;
• A selection of units with formal examinations.
  Units vary from year to year, drawn from the following topics: nuclear, atomic, elementary particle, solid state and surface physics, quantum mechanics, crystallography, biophysics, relativity and gravitation, astrophysics, group theory, field theory, statistical mechanics, microwave devices, low temperature physics and other specialised topics. By arrangement, some units may be taken in another subject such as chemistry, mathematics, engineering or geophysics.
• Further requirements that are not part of the assessment, include a workshop practice, laboratory demonstrating for junior classes and attendance at seminars.

Course enquiries

School of Physics
Telephone: +(61 8) 6488 2738 opr by email

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Physiology

The Graduate Diploma program in Physiology is based very deliberately on hands-on experimental science, with less emphasis on formal coursework than in many other disciplines. The discipline believes very strongly that the experience of total immersion in an original research question is the best way for students to gain training in a wide variety of scientific, information-handling, problem-solving and communication skills. Students selected for the Graduate Diploma undergo an initial induction period in basic skills and then enter their chosen research groups, where they undertake an intensive literature appraisal and an original research project, culminating in a thesis.

Course enquiries

Physiology, School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences
Telephone: +(61 8) 6488 3313 or email

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Psychology

Students complete an approved course of advanced study to a maximum value of 48 points. It normally includes a significant research project, leading to a dissertation, but may in some cases consist largely or entirely of advanced coursework.

Course enquiries

School of Psychology
Telephone: +(61 8) 6488 3267 or email

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Admission requirements

A Bachelor of Science degree of this University in a relevant subject area or equivalent as recognised by the Faculty.

Domestic students

All UWA coursework programs: English Language Competence

International students

All UWA coursework programs: English Language Competence