Program Overview

If you don’t yet meet the entry requirements for the UC course you’re aiming for, UC College’s diplomas –  also known as higher education diplomas – will provide you with an introduction to your chosen study area. They act as an alternative entry pathway for admission to UC undergraduate courses and prepare you for university study.

Diploma of Science
Our Diploma of Science is an inspiring introduction to all areas of science. You will develop knowledge and skills that equip you with confidence in the laboratory and prepare you for further science study. 

Study a Diploma of Science at UC and you will:

• Gain a broad understanding of all areas of science
• Learn the practical skills and knowledge needed for laboratory careers
• Develop independent study skills
• Build your communication skills, and
• Cover biology, chemistry, physical science, mathematics and English communication. 

On successful completion of the Diploma of Science, you’ll gain 12 credit points/four units (half a year) of advanced standing into the second semester of the first year of one of the following Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) at the University of Canberra.

Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science)
Gain an understanding of the human body and the various cellular and molecular principles that underpin human health. Our Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) is a flexible, cross-disciplinary degree that gives you the freedom to follow your interests. With 8 open elective units, you can choose to explore areas like environmental science, human nutrition, pharmacy, sports science or data analysis. Enhance your employment prospects by diversifying your knowledge and broadening your skills, while getting the opportunity to study what interests you the most. 

You’ll develop a strong, foundational knowledge of core science principles in chemistry, biology and professional practice, while establishing critical thinking, scientific reasoning, data analysis, and communication skills specific to biomedical science. 

The Specialist Major in Biomedical Science will introduce you to the structures and functions of the human body, and how humans interact and respond to their environment. You’ll progress from the isolated genetic, cellular and molecular principles underlying human function, to understanding the major body systems and how these are regulated to maintain human health. Students can tailor their studies to match their interest, through a selection of advanced units in biochemistry, physiology, infectious disease or genetics and genomics.

Study a Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) at UC and you will

• Gain a wide-range of scientific knowledge and technical skills, with a deep understanding of biomedical science.
• Select and apply tools to conduct scientific investigations relevant to a range of disciplines, with a particular focus on biomedical science.
• Collect scientific data individually or collaboratively, within legal, ethical and social frameworks, using key laboratory and clinical competencies.
• Develop critical thinking and data analysis skills to solve a range of local and global real-world problems.
• Evaluate current and emerging ethical and cultural issues that arise in contemporary science and exhibit cross-cultural competence and social responsibility.
• Critically analyse, synthesise and integrate scientific knowledge, literature, data, or arguments for effective communication to a range of audiences.

Work-integrated learning
Step out of the classroom and into the real-world. Professional practice units are embedded into this degree, which allows you to conduct real-life experiments. Work with the latest technologies and clinical practices in a range of laboratories in industry or government settings, or explore our own labs by undertaking research projects with support from UC researchers.