Course Curriculum

The Diploma of Health Science is a two-stage program designed to prepare students for further study in health-related fields and provide a pathway into undergraduate degrees at Edith Cowan University. Registered under CRICOS Code 103337G, the course offers students a strong academic foundation with a focus on developing key skills in science, communication, and critical thinking relevant to health disciplines.Stage 1, or Year 1 of the program, includes eight units and can be completed over two or three trimesters. This stage focuses on building core academic and employability skills. Students complete five core units: Communication Skills, Introductory Computing, Introductory Mathematics, Workplace Communication – Employability, and Project Management. These units are designed to strengthen general academic readiness while introducing students to key concepts used in health and science-related studies. Students also choose three electives from a list of approved subjects to help shape their study direction toward specific areas of interest in the health field.Stage 2, or Year 2 of the diploma, consists of another eight units, typically delivered over two semesters. In the first semester, students complete Anatomy and Physiology 1, Chemistry for the Life Sciences, Introductory Statistics, and Human Genetics. These units introduce the scientific knowledge necessary to understand how the human body functions and how genetic and chemical processes play a role in health.In the second semester, students study Anatomy and Physiology 2, Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Cultural Studies, and Introduction to Pathophysiology. These units further develop students’ understanding of biological systems, disease processes, and the social and cultural factors influencing health.Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible for advanced standing in relevant undergraduate degrees at ECU. The program is ideal for students looking for a supportive entry into university-level health science education with a strong mix of academic theory and applied learning.