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Postgraduate

Graduate Certificate of Science (Biology)

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Graduate Certificate of Science (Biology) (GCSC)
Entry requirements
View full details
Study mode
  • On-campus
  • External
Campus
  • Toowoomba
Duration
  • 1 year part-time
Start
  • Feb, Jul
Note: This specialisation is only available through part-time study.

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Overview

  • UniSQ’s Graduate Certificate of Science (Biology) gives you the opportunity to further your knowledge in the field of biology, gaining a strong grounding for a range of science-related careers or for specialised postgraduate study.
  • Have the option to study genetics, food security in the 21st century, cell and molecular biology, biodiversity and conservation, or the principal groups of micro-organisms which interact with plants.
  • Some of the courses have highly recommended residential school components where you utilise our on-campus facilities, experience hands-on practical activities, and prepare for assessments.

Further study

This qualification is also ideal for those wishing to move into further study. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Science (Biology), students have the ability to move into the Graduate Diploma of Science.

Thinking of studying in 2024? UniSQ will be delivering flexible new ways of teaching, with different calendar offerings, making the balance of study and life easier. Read more in our new academic calendar FAQs.

Career outcomes

  • As a graduate your career opportunities include; research or extension officer (universities, defence, CSIRO, DPI, industry, government, and health), technical officer (labs), agricultural scientist, technical/sales representative in pharmaceutical, medical and biotechnological industries, molecular biologists, microbiologists, geneticists.
  • After further study you would be able to become a biotechnologist, dietician, research scientist, secondary science teacher, or medical specialist. Employment opportunities also exist in laboratory work in agricultural, food, health, medical, veterinary, educational and industrial settings, plant breeding, science journalism.

Entry requirements 

  • 3-year Bachelor degree from an Australian university or equivalent. 
    • or
  • equivalent professional work experience, as determined through the Credit and Exemption procedure.

English language requirements

You are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

Recognition of prior learning or work experience

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Pathways

UniSQ offers a number of bachelor degrees for you to study to help you meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Degree structure

To complete this degree students must complete 4 units. Most courses (similar to ‘subjects’) are valued at 1 unit.  

Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 2
Specialisation courses 2
Total 4

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

Residential schools

If you are enrolled in the External study mode in this degree, you will have the opportunity to come on-campus for residential schools, where you will attend face-to-face lectures and tutorials, use the facilities and meet staff and other students.

Other specialisations

Fees and scholarships

Your actual fees may vary depending on the courses you select. We review our fees annually so these may be subject to change.

Approximate annual costs1 for your study (4 units) in this degree are:

Study Mode Cost
Commonwealth supported

The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your course and you need to pay a student contribution.

AUD 4148
Domestic full fee paying

You are responsible for the full cost of your course and are charged a tuition fee.

AUD 15320

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2023. 

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Residential school costs

This degree includes an on-campus residential school component that involves travel, accommodation and meal expenses.

Loan to help you pay your fees

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP allows you to defer your fees until your income reaches a certain level. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Centrelink.

Scholarships

At UniSQ, we offer a range of scholarships to support your success at university. Find a scholarship that works for you.

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Apply direct to UniSQ

The closing dates for applying directly to UniSQ are:

  • Semester 1, 2023 - applications close on 20 February and the Semester 1 study period commences on Monday 20 February, 2023.
  • Semester 2, 2023 - applications close on 10 July and the Semester 2 study period commences on Monday 10 July, 2023.

More information on applying key dates is available.

Further information

Discover further information on applying to study at UniSQ that is relevant to you.

Got questions?

 

Begin your study journey today with the university rated five out of five stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide, 2023

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