Program Overview

Our Diploma is equivalent to the 1st year of a La Trobe University degree – only with tailored learning and more support.

Diploma in Bioscience
The Diploma of Bioscience provides an introduction to molecular biology, ecology, epidemiology and chemical reactions and analysis. Students will also learn the statistical modelling and research skills required to succeed in a scientific career.

The diploma will help students understand the structure, functions and interactions of living organisms from the molecular level upwards and begin to discuss some big issues such as climate change, pandemic regulation, the protection of endangered animals and disease treatment.

Students who successfully complete this diploma can progress their studies in biotechnology fields at La Trobe University leading to careers in biological scientist, biochemist, environmental scientist, geneticist, research specialist and much more.

Gain direct entry into 2nd year of:

Bachelor of Science
More than ever, employers are searching for professionals with advanced STEM skills.* With job growth expected in this area* – including in areas that don’t even exist yet – there’s no better time to build the scientific skills you need to create a successful, interesting and satisfying career.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Science offers you foundational skills in science and the freedom to delve into your passions. Whether it's protecting endangered animals, developing new ways to treat disease or fighting climate change, you'll be ready to pursue your dream journey in science by tailoring your degree with a mix of majors and minors.

As you learn from leading academics and researchers, you'll take a deep dive into science – not only scientific concepts, but also how scientists think, work and share their findings.

Build skills in problem-solving, communication and collaboration – all highly sought after by employers – then use these skills to come up with innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Personalise your learning so you can spend time focusing on the areas that really interest you. Choose from majors in a range of fields, including botany, statistics, microbiology, genetics, data science and more, and learn from academics who are leaders in their fields.

You'll have opportunities to put theory into practice through work placements with our industry partners. Previous students have undertaken placements with CSIRO, Bayer Crop Science and various State and Federal Government departments.

You'll learn:

• Professional scientific thinking - Learn how science contributes new knowledge and finds solutions to problems in our society.
• Communicating as a professional scientist - Gain experience communicating to a range of audiences, both in written and verbal formats.
• Lab and fieldwork skills - Learn how to collect data and use specialist technical skills to develop new findings in the laboratory and in the field.
• Problem-solving and facing new challenges - Learn to develop solutions to complex scientific problems.
• Collaboration and working in teams - Collaborate and work effectively in teams to solve problems and achieve shared goals.
• Professional conduct and professional identity - Learn about ethical conduct when working as a scientific professional and how to promote and communicate your professional identity to potential employers and peers.

Major: Botany
Explore the intersection between plants and society. You’ll learn about plant ecology, physiology, reproduction and biotechnology while building skills in project design, data collection and analysis. Botany is vital to dealing with environmental issues, the sustainable food supply and the management of our natural resources.