Diploma of Bioscience

Program Overview

This program provides a comprehensive foundation in the life sciences, covering topics such as cell biology, statistics, human biology, chemistry, ecology, and infectious diseases. It prepares students for careers in biological sciences, biotechnology, environmental science, and research. The program emphasizes the application of scientific knowledge and skills to real-world problems, including sustainability and public health.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Molecules, Genes and Cells (SBIO1MGC): Explores the organization of molecules into cells, focusing on their structure, functions, and interactions.
Covers the capture of light energy, breakdown and release of energy, synthesis of new molecules, communication with other cells, and storage and transmission of instructions for these functions.
• Statistics for Life Sciences (SSTA1LS): Introduces applied statistics and strengthens numeracy skills.
Covers descriptive statistics, probability, statistical inference, and the use of statistical computing software. Explores the strengths and limitations of statistical models for informed thinking about sustainability.
• Human Biosciences A (HHBS1HBA): Introduces anatomical organization and basic cell structure and function.
Explores the nervous and endocrine systems in the context of physiological control. Examines the respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, digestive, reproductive systems, and metabolism, emphasizing homeostasis and organ system integration.
• Applications of Chemistry (SCHE1APL): Provides further foundational concepts and knowledge in chemistry.
Prepares students for second-year chemistry studies or application of chemistry knowledge and skills within their chosen discipline. Covers applications of chemistry in manufacturing synthetic materials, identifying and alleviating chemical pollution, and the chemistry of living organisms.
• Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity (SBIO1EEB): Explores the evolution of life on earth through the interaction between organisms and the environment.
Discusses population genetics and evolutionary changes of adaptation over time. Explains ecological forces that determine the distribution of life forms, the flow of energy through ecosystems, and the dynamics of natural populations.
• Infections, Pandemics and Epidemics (SMIC1IPE): Examines infectious diseases, both new and ancient, and their potential to cause localized, epidemic, or pandemic outbreaks.
Describes selected microorganisms, their natural habitats, routes of infection, and strategies for prevention and treatment at individual, community, and global levels.
• Academic Integrity Module (LTM1AIM): Introduces the principles of academic integrity in the context of La Trobe University's values and policy.
Covers students' responsibilities in maintaining ethical standards in all aspects of academic work and potential ramifications for academic misconduct.

Careers:

Popular Career Paths:

• Biological scientist
• Biotechnologist
• Biochemist
• Environmental scientist
• Government and private industry research specialist
• Geneticist
• Scientific and medical research specialist
• Scientific patent consultant