Admission and Unit Information - Graduate Certificate in Science

This unit is designed to develop qualities and attributes in professionals consistent with the principles of life long learning, experiential learning and a variety of ways of thinking and acting. The primary aim of the unit is for students to learn by improving professional problematic issues of concern. A particular focus will be an introduction to system and holistic thinking and practice. Students will be supported in designing and managing two self directed praxis development learning projects that are connected to their own area of professional interest.

This unit will study the principles and practices of biotechnology by investigating in detail the stages involved in a simulated industrial fermentation process. At every stage, the biotechnology principles and the techniques involved in its application will be studies. The unit is very practically oriented and will provide hands-one experience in a number of biotechnological processes.

This unit explores the philosophy, policies and practice of sustainable development. In exploring environmental philosophy the unit provides students with an understanding of the nature and emergence of both modern and post-modern paradigms that influence the direction and nature of current development policy. The nature of environmental policy is examined by developing an understanding of how values and attitudes shape a governing ethic about environmental management. The social, political, economic and ecological elements of sustainable development are unfolded to aid students understanding of what needs to be managed. Particular attention is given to those issues confronting developing countries as they move to become industrialised nations yet have high levels of poverty. Finally, the unit introduces the practice of environmental impact assessment as one management tool used in the management process.

The unit will introduce students to the underpinning theory, practice and application of a range of advanced analytical techniques used in science and technology. These will include neutron and X ray scattering/reflectometry, vibrational spectroscopy, multidimensional NMR, confocal microscopy, GC MS, multidimensional chromatography and associated modelling methods. Students will explore the strengths and weaknesses of the various methods, and develop expertise in building complementary suites of techniques for addressing real world problems in science and technology.

This unit provides a critical insight into the theory and practice of managing safety and health at the workplace with a dual focus on risk management and safety management. Students have the opportunity to develop a safety systems approach concentrating on hazard identification, risk assessment and devising control measures incorporating safety management principles. Safety culture and its influence on OHS practice is also detailed. In addition, the unit addresses the legal underpinning of OHS requirements at the workplace. Labour market change and the role of government, unions and employer organisations are also examined. Global perspectives on OHS from various jurisdictions ranging from the USA, Hong Kong and China are also scrutinised.

This unit focuses on the practice of occupational health within national and international frameworks. It explores issues such as the physical, social and mental impact of the occupational environment on health and includes the human body's response to occupational health hazard exposure through toxicological and epidemiological principles. Strategies for the management of occupational health are examined, together with methods of monitoring and evaluating occupational health programs.

This unit emphasises the role of environmental management in attainment of ecologically sustainable development. Students will be introduced to a variety of environmental assessment methods that are applied to a range of environmental management issues at local, national and international level. A number of environmental assessment methods will be presented to students in terms of their historical background, legislative implication, national/international standards, process/techniques, supported with case studies and critical reviews. Students will be provided with a number of assessments. The assessment tasks are designed to enable student review the environmental assessment methods that are applied to environmental projects and also to undertake an environmental assessment project of their own. Through critical evaluation of others project and also conducting own project, students' knowledge and understanding about the application, technique, usefulness, and limitations of the various environmental assessment methods will be strengthened.

This is a flexible learning unit that provides professional environmental resource managers a range of opportunities to upgrade their leadership skills and competencies to develop policies and strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation at local, national and international levels. The unit aims at developing critical thinking and understanding of the students about environmental issues related to climate change. Students will use contemporary interdisciplinary tools and models that have potential application in real world decision making. Each student will undertake a project in their chosen enterprise to understand and appreciate issues concerning climate change impacts on natural and built environment.

This unit introduces a range of skills required to understand and assess issues for sustainable resource management. Students will have opportunities in learning the impacts of soils, climate, water and their interactions on rural, peri-urban and urban landscapes. Each student will undertake a project of their choice to carry out more in-depth study related to environmental factors for improved livelihood and effective land use. Experience gained from this unit will enhance their skills and competencies for evaluating and adapting appropriate resource management strategies and policy development.

This unit introduces the student to a range of skills required to assess the environment in relation to air, water and noise. Students will be introduced to the legislative framework that supports pollution control and environmental management in NSW. Methods of controlling air, water and noise pollution will be covered. The concept of indicators and their use will be introduced. Students will select either an air, water or noise issue to undertake a more in-depth study for assessment purposes.

The unit will expose students to the various methods used in measuring exposures to chemical pollutants, biological pollutants, ergonomics, noise, heat & cold and lighting in both the workplace and general indoor environment. In addition to assessing the exposures student will explore the various methods available of controlling the different types of exposures. The unit will involve measuring various types of potential hazards and comparing the results to current standards before recommending methods of controlling the hazard/s.

The unit will introduce students to the underpinning theory, practice and application of a range of advanced analytical techniques used in science and technology. These will include neutron and X ray scattering/reflectometry, vibrational spectroscopy, multidimensional NMR, confocal microscopy, GC MS, multidimensional chromatography and associated modelling methods. Students will explore the strengths and weaknesses of the various methods, and develop expertise in building complementary suites of techniques for addressing real world problems in science and technology.

This unit is designed to provide the student with the theoretical basis and practical skills to be able to assess environmental and occupational noise problems and to recommend the implementation of noise controls. To control environmental noise problem, the noise level must first be. If a problem exists, the magnitude of the problem must be determined and a solution devised. These issues are discussed starting with first principles: the nature of sound both physical and psychological. The implementation of occupational hearing conservations programs in industry are cover in depth especially in the methods of assessment and control. Other topics covered in the unit include aircraft noise, traffic noise and noise.

The unit provides a theoretical and practical introduction to a wide range of biotechnology techniques that are commonly used in medical science, industrial and food microbiology, environmental science, and research. Building on a basic understanding, the unit aims at demonstrating traditional and modern techniques commonly used in biotechnology. The laboratory component is an integral component of the unit as the students are able use a variety of techniques, methods and commercial systems that are applied in biotechnology laboratories.

This unit will study the principles and practices of biotechnology by investigating in detail the stages involved in a simulated industrial fermentation process. At every stage, the biotechnology principles and the techniques involved in its application will be studies. The unit is very practically oriented and will provide hands-one experience in a number of biotechnological processes.

The unit will provide an overview of biotechnology and an understanding of the principles involved in this multidisciplinary field. It will also demonstrate the applications of biotechnology and familiarise students with the current developments in this field and the methodology used in its applications.

This is an individual project unit that is designed for the Master of Science program. It provides the student with an in depth understanding of a specific topic relevant to their field of study. It will include information retrieval techniques as well as written and oral communication skills. In addition, it may include the acquisition of technical skills.

This unit is designed to allow high achieving students who have an interest in potentially undertaking higher degree research after graduation the opportunity to comprehensively explore a relevant topic of interest to them.