Diploma in Science

Understand the impacts of climate change and devise strategies to improve sustainability, manage ecosystems and preserve global biodiversity.

Learn how to describe, monitor and predict environmental processes and the effects of human activity on physical and biological environments.

Gain the scientific knowledge and practical experience in ecology, conservation, environmental toxicology, natural resources and decision science necessary to understand and manage our changing planet.

You'll combine your scientific skills with knowledge of legal, political and social aspects of environmental management.;

Undertake extensive, practical field-based experiences in diverse subtropical and tropical ecosystems, including World Heritage rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and outback Australia.

Upon graduating as a qualified environmental scientist, you'll find employment opportunities throughout industry, government and other sectors, and enjoy the personal and professional satisfaction of safeguarding our environment.

See the Environmental Science minor

Gain the scientific knowledge, practical skills and industry insights to lead the shift toward more resilient and sustainable food systems.

Benefit from both urban and rural perspectives on agriculture, learn from world-leading experts, and gain hands-on experience in the diverse environments of South East Queensland.

Examine how agricultural systems, environmental resources and rural communities adapt to climate change, and develop skills to optimise approaches that balance productivity, social equity and sustainability.

This minor stands out for its focus on systems thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and alignment with industry sustainability goals.

You’ll graduate with foundational knowledge to support sustainability initiatives in policy, education and community roles.

See the Sustainable Agriculture minor

Use the language of mathematics and numerical simulation to describe reality, find optimal strategies and make predictions.

Build your foundational knowledge in core topics such as applied mathematical analysis, mathematical modelling, and numerical methods used in computational science.

Expand your critical thinking skills and explore advanced mathematical techniques for approaching problems in a logical, analytical and creative manner.

Learn to model optimal planning scenarios in natural resources, biological science, environmental conservation and engineering.

Gain practical experience through industry placements and work-integrated learning opportunities.

Graduate ready for a diverse range of career opportunities in sectors such as financial services, engineering, technology and sciences.

See the Applied Mathematics minor

Discover the key developments in human evolution, civilisation and our relationship with the world around us.

Gain experience in surveying, excavation and scientific analysis through a combination of theory-based and practical learning, including lab and field-based research projects.

Examine how humans have interacted and survived in changing environments and apply the latest scientific approaches to study globally significant issues.

Study with leaders who are setting the national benchmarks for archaeology education in Australia.

Combine core archaeology courses with electives and expand your knowledge of geography, earth sciences, biology or chemistry.

See the Archaeological Science minor

Deepen your understanding of the universe and our place in it.

Led by internationally recognised researchers, you’ll explore theories behind the creation of the universe to understand the origin and evolution of galaxies, stars and planets.

Examine the fundamental laws of physics behind how particles and radiation were created, how galaxies and planetary systems form, and how environments for life develop.

You’ll study the physical processes behind the structure of the Milky Way, star formation, stellar atmospheres, gravitational waves, the creation of matter and the cosmic microwave background.

Learn to build computer simulations of the universe to investigate some of the big questions in modern astrophysics and cosmology, including:

• What are dark energy and dark matter?
• How did the Universe begin and how did it end?
• Where did the contents of the Universe come from?
• How and when do galaxies form?

You’ll have access to state-of-the-art computing facilities as well as specialised tools and instruments used in Astrophysics research.

Studying physics courses can lead to working as a data scientist, banking or financial analyst, management consultant, or careers in the space industry, medical physics, mining or the environment sectors.

See the Astrophysics minor

Examine the chemical basis of life and how cells are built up from biological molecules.

Study the molecules, systems and chemical processes of all living organisms.

Investigate the fundamental causes of life-threatening diseases and discover what drives current research into vaccines and medicines.

Visualise the future in synthetic biology, biotechnology, proteomics, genomics, bioinformatics, genetic engineering and drug design.

Explore the latest applications in eco-friendly industrial processes and sustainable food production.

Gain extensive practical hands-on laboratory experience and access specialised seminars from award-winning lecturers.

See the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology minor

Be at the forefront of new biological knowledge that revolutionises the way we cure disease, develop new technologies or create new renewable energy sources.

Biophysics sits at the crossroads of biology, physics and chemistry. You’ll apply core principles from physics and chemistry to deepen your understanding of how complex biological systems work.

Study computer modelling techniques and key methods of mathematical analysis to examine the relationships between the physical properties and how molecules, cells and core systems within the human body function.

Deepen your understanding of how nerve cells communicate and use scientific techniques to examine the structures of proteins, viruses, and other complex molecules.

Biophysics gives you interdisciplinary training, meaning you can adapt to a variety of working environments in universities, industry and government.

See the Biophysics minor

Help transform the way we detect disease, develop new treatments, or sustainably feed a growing world population.

Deepen your knowledge of how cellular, genetic and evolutionary processes affect everyday life.

Understand how disease changes the normal function of cells and how it affects the development of new treatments.

Examine key concepts and techniques to explore genetic information, and investigate cellular processes and cell development in a range of organisms.

You’ll apply microscopic techniques to observe how cells function in healthy and diseased states.

The growing availability of biological data is allowing unprecedented discoveries in areas as diverse as human medicine, agriculture, conservation biology and biotechnology.

You'll learn from leading scientists who have contributed to breakthroughs across biotechnology, and animal, plant and medical sciences.

See the Cell Biology minor

Biological chemistry as a minor develops specialist knowledge at the interface of chemistry and biology.

Gain chemical knowledge about cellular processes and biomolecular interactions and explore the chemical, computational and imaging techniques used to analyse them.

You'll apply the principles of inorganic and organic chemistry to investigate the nature of chemical reactions in biological systems at the molecular level.

Studying chemical biology will complement courses in biochemistry and molecular biology, genetics, biological and biomedical sciences.

See the Chemical Biology minor

Chemistry is an enabling science, essential to understanding the world and finding ways to make it better.

Learn the fundamentals of general, physical, organic, inorganic and computational chemistry, from experts in these fields.

Choose to specialise in:

• synthetic chemistry, where you explore the synthesis of complex molecules used in drugs, explosives, paints and cosmetics
• computational chemistry, involving the use of advanced theoretical calculations and high-power supercomputers to understand and predict the structures and reactivities of molecules and short-lived intermediate species
• nanoscience, to discover the processes of self-assembly enabling the controlled arrangement of atoms and molecules and the chemistry at interfaces
• medicinal chemistry, to investigate molecular design and the modification of compound properties to enhance pharmaceutical applications as evaluated through bioassays.

All of these areas involve access to advanced instrumental techniques and will help you develop skills that employers value.

See the Chemistry minor

Examine the intricate relationship between climate, coastal systems and marine environments to solve complex challenges facing our oceans.

Dive into the scientific study of coastal processes, oceanography, ecology, marine geology and marine conservation.

Develop laboratory skills, analyse big data, and use remote sensing spatial data from satellites and drones.

You’ll learn to apply a wide range of evidence-based environmental and conservation strategies to protect vital coastal habitats and marine ecosystems across the globe.

Guided by Australia’s leading marine researchers, you’ll gain extensive fieldwork experience at UQ’s Heron Island Research Station on the southern Great Barrier Reef and UQ’s Moreton Bay Research Station on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).

Enhance your employability by studying a complementary field, including ecology and conversation biology, earth science, genetics, microbiology, science communication, zoology or computational science.

See the Coastal and Ocean Science minor

Apply your technical skills and mathematical knowledge to translate complex data into meaningful insights that help shape our future.

Recent advances in technology give scientists the ability to collect and process more data than ever before.

Computational science combines fundamental principles from computer science, mathematics and statistics to solve scientific problems across any specialist field.

Develop your skills in computational thinking and apply computational problem-solving strategies to design algorithms for collecting, processing and analysing vast amounts of data from various sources.

Apply your programming skills to construct large-scale mathematical models and simulations to analyse and interpret real world data and generate meaningful insights.

You’ll learn to create a range of data visualisations and graphics to communicate your findings to scientific and non-scientific audiences.

Skills in computational science are essential for all scientific disciplines and any career where computational techniques are required for problem-solving, forecasting, data analysis or data visualisation.

See the Computational Science minor

Shape a better future with computer-based systems.

Computer science encompasses everything from the design of hardware to the development of algorithms and programming languages.

Learn the fundamental theoretical and engineering principles required to program and store information on computers.

Gain technical skills in programming to create or optimise programs, systems or applications that are used across multiple devices.

Programming skills are essential for information management, data analysis, predictive modelling, cyber security, artificial intelligence, gaming, e-commerce and communications.

These transferable skills apply to many industries, including health, science, technology, business and government.

You’ll be equipped for roles such as a web, gaming or app developer, software engineer, information security specialist, data analyst or computer systems expert.

See the Computer Science minor

Be at the forefront of advances in modern medicine. Study developmental biology and learn how organisms are formed from a single cell.

Understanding human and animal development is fundamental to medicine and biomedicine.

State-of-the-art medical therapeutic strategies are built on innovative discoveries from developmental biology, including stem cells, cell engineering, artificial organs, 3D printing and tissue regeneration.

Developmental biology is key to understanding health and disease. It consolidates knowledge from anatomy, physiology, genetics, molecular biology and pharmacology to provide students with an integrated understanding of human development.

Learn from leading researchers and apply your theoretical knowledge in the laboratories where medical breakthroughs are taking place.

In-depth knowledge of Developmental Biology is beneficial for a range of career opportunities within health, science, or academia. 

Studying courses in Developmental Biology can also help you prepare for sitting the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical Schools Admission Test).

See the Developmental Biology minor

Study scientific techniques to sustainably manage the Earth’s natural resources and ecosystems.

Discover how life on Earth developed and how plate tectonics, biology and chemistry interact to control our planet's surface environment.

Examine the impact of physical and biological processes on Earth’s surface environment and what makes Earth different to other planets in the Solar System.

Explore topics such as mineral and rock analysis, mining geology, marine geoscience, environmental geology or geochemistry.

Learn to analyse geological processes and monitor changes in the Earth’s environment.

Develop and apply your knowledge through practical laboratory experience, fieldwork and specialised seminars.

Graduate with skills to reduce the effects of environmental change, natural hazards and manage resources sustainably.

See the Earth Science minor

Broaden your understanding of how organisms interact with each other and their environments, and be part of the solution for protecting our natural world.

Ecology and conservation biology are vital for solving the environmental challenges our society is facing today.

You’ll be taught by internationally renowned conservation experts and can choose to specialise in conservation biology, marine ecology or evolutionary ecology.

Gain real-world experience in solving ecological problems by conducting fieldwork in a range of rainforest, outback and marine environments.

You’ll be equipped to tackle global issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, diminishing natural resources and the environmental impacts of human activity.

Employment demand has risen strongly over the past 5 years with roles available in government departments and agencies, private industry or environmental organisations.

See the Ecology and Conservation Biology minor

Help protect our natural world to enhance the quality of life for humans, animals and plants.

Insects have an enormous impact on the environment, human health and world economies. They play a significant role in spreading disease, reducing global food shortages and are vital indicators of environmental change.

Examine how insects interact with and adapt to their environments, and understand their vital role within ecosystems. You’ll combine theory and practice to explore topics relating to pest management, insect physiology, insect identification and taxonomy.

Learn from leading researchers who are actively involved with a wide variety of projects. Apply your knowledge to understand the impacts of climate change, inform conservation strategies, or apply eco-friendly pest management strategies to protect crops and livestock.

Alternatively, kick-start your career in research by progressing into a research-based honours degree.

See the Entomology minor

Understand the impacts of climate change and devise strategies to improve sustainability, manage ecosystems and preserve global biodiversity.

Learn how to describe, monitor and predict environmental processes and the effects of human activity on physical and biological environments.

Gain the scientific knowledge and practical experience in ecology, conservation, environmental toxicology, natural resources and decision science necessary to understand and manage our changing planet.

You'll combine your scientific skills with knowledge of legal, political and social aspects of environmental management.;

Undertake extensive, practical field-based experiences in diverse subtropical and tropical ecosystems, including World Heritage rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and outback Australia.

Upon graduating as a qualified environmental scientist, you'll find employment opportunities throughout industry, government and other sectors, and enjoy the personal and professional satisfaction of safeguarding our environment.

See the Environmental Science minor

Genetics is changing the way we investigate diseases, develop medical treatments, protect endangered species and create food security.

Study the genetic basis of traits and complex interactions between genes.

Discover how genetics transforms modern biology through sequenced genomes, computational analysis and molecular analytic tools.

You’ll learn to translate genetic information into meaningful insights that may lead to new discoveries and products to improve lives.

Gain skills to aid the public understanding of the nature of genetic disease.

Evaluate strategies to provide security for agriculture and food production.

Learn to develop breeding programs and conservation strategies to prevent the extinction of endangered species.

Analyse complex biological data using the latest genetic technologies and expand your critical thinking.

See the Genetics minor

Explore the study of spatial patterns of physical and human phenomena at local, national and global scales.

Blending theory with real-world experience, you’ll learn to apply geographical information science (GIS) software and remote-sensing technologies for data analysis, data modelling and developing map visualisations.

We broaden your critical-thinking and teach you how to apply GIS to solve key environmental, societal or planning issues faced in today’s modern world.

You’ll be equipped to pursue a broad range of career opportunities, including roles in natural resource management, national parks and wildlife conservation.

See the Geographical Information Science minor

Demystify the complexities of the human body and contribute to enhancing human health.

Having a holistic understanding of how the human body works is fundamental for detecting disease and developing new or improved treatments.

Study a minor in human anatomy to acquire in-depth knowledge of cell, tissue, and organ systems within the human body.

You’ll gain practical skills in dissection and examine prosected cadavers to deepen your knowledge of gross human anatomy.

Apply your anatomical data-analysis skills to investigate how systems contribute to human growth and development, as well as how they are linked to diseases and disorders.

Strengthen your knowledge of the complex relationship between the body, mind, and disease by combining your minor with related courses in human physiology, neuroscience, or pharmacology.

Knowledge in human anatomy underpins a wide range of career opportunities in the health sector, including those with a biomedical science focus.

Studying courses in human anatomy can also help you prepare for sitting the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical Schools Admission Test).

See the Human Anatomy minor

Deepen your understanding of the human body to lead positive change in human health.

Undertake a minor in human physiology to examine how cell, tissue and organ systems function within the human body.

Learn the vital roles played by our brain, nerves and hormones in controlling cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive and metabolic processes important to our survival. 

Apply scientific methods to investigate how the failure of these systems can result in disease or disorders.

Study physiological functions at a molecular and cellular level to examine how the body’s core processes are altered in diseased states.

Develop a holistic understanding of the complex links between the body, mind and disease by combining your minor with related courses in human anatomy, neuroscience, pharmacology or food science and nutrition.

In-depth knowledge of human physiology is essential if you are considering further study in the field of medicine, biomedical science or allied health. Studying courses in human physiology can also help you prepare for sitting the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical Schools Admission Test).

See the Human Physiology minor

Dive deep into the complexities of the human immune system to transform the way we treat and prevent disease.

Study immunology to gain a comprehensive understanding of the human immune system and how it can be used to prevent, treat and cure diseases such as cancer.

You’ll investigate the role of microorganisms in disease, the molecular basis of immune recognition and the regulation of immune response in a range of infectious diseases.

Learn immunological techniques for developing vaccines and immunotherapies as well as practical applications in biotechnology, microbiology, genetics and cell and molecular biology.

You’ll be taught by leading researchers who are working in the laboratories where current medical breakthroughs are taking place.

You’ll be equipped for a range of opportunities in hospitals, research institutions, biotechnology firms, pharmaceutical companies or universities.

See the Immunology minor

Apply key principles from ecology, zoology, botany and genetics to examine marine life and investigate their biological relationship to their natural environments.

Guided by Australia’s leading marine researchers, you’ll be exposed to a variety of marine habitats and environmental conditions.

You'll gain extensive fieldwork experience at UQ’s Heron Island Research Station on the southern Great Barrier Reef and UQ’s Moreton Bay Research Station on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).

We'll show you how to apply a wide range of evidence-based ecological and environmental strategies to protect and sustainably manage vital marine organisms and ecosystems across the globe.

You'll be prepared for a broad range of career opportunities within research and education, aquaculture, wildlife conservation and ecotourism.

See the Marine Biology minor

Challenge and expand your problem-solving, logical thinking and conceptual ability.

Gain quantitative and analytical skills, along with a foundation of calculus, linear algebra, probability, discrete mathematics, mathematical analysis and modelling.

Develop and apply your knowledge through practical experience, structured tutorials and specialised lectures.

Our comprehensive mathematical training equips you for a broad range of opportunities in banking, finance, insurance, business, engineering, science, information technology and risk management.

You'll graduate ready to create innovations that will shape the future.

Studying mathematics also gives you a strong foundation to continue into a higher degree by research and excel in research positions within universities, government agencies and private companies.

See the Mathematics minor

Microbiology is at the forefront of protection against infectious diseases.

You’ll study microorganisms, the immune system, microbial virulence, disease states and response to infection.

Discover how vaccines protect animals and humans from infectious diseases. You'll be taught the latest advances in vaccine development from lecturers who are globally recognised experts.

Learn about bacterial, fungal and viral infections, and focus on:

• immunology
• virology
• parasitology
• environmental microbiology
• microbial biotechnology
• microbial genomics.

Apply your knowledge in weekly laboratory practicals to enhance your technical, analytical, research and reporting abilities.

You'll gain experience in specialist biomedical and molecular techniques used to diagnose and characterise infectious microbes and in the development of new diagnostics.

See the Microbiology minor

Reimagine how we develop new treatments and drive technological advances that shape our world’s future.

Study neuroscience to deepen your understanding of how the human brain and nervous system function.

Examine the complexities of the brain and nervous system to explore how neural systems develop, process sensory information, control our movement, form memories, react to stress, respond to disease and store vital information about the world around us.

Combine your minor in neuroscience with courses across anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, molecular biology and cellular biology to prepare yourself for further study in the field of medicine.

Studying neuroscience will equip you for employment opportunities in fields as diverse as business, biotechnology, health, science or the pharmaceutical industry.

See the Neuroscience minor

Revolutionise the way we use existing drugs and develop new medicines to help prevent and combat disease.

Study pharmacology to learn the science behind how drugs work to treat and cure diseases.

Build comprehensive knowledge on how drugs work in the human body at the molecular, cellular and whole-body level, and discover why many drugs do not work in every patient.

Learn how active chemical agents in medicines affect our cells, tissue or organs to examine their benefits, side effects and interactions on human health.

Discover the latest techniques to test drug effects, and how to evaluate their benefits and risks in treating human diseases.

Gain vital research experience while you study by contributing to projects that could lead to new medical breakthroughs.

See the Pharmacology minor

Deepen your understanding of how and why things work.

Study the laws of physics and explore how these principles are applied in our everyday life – from understanding the nature of time and the relationships between matter and energy, to developing new technologies.

Combine your scientific and mathematical knowledge with skills in computer programming and statistics to understand theories relating to quantum mechanics, biophotonics, astronomy or astrophysics.

Your high-level technical, analytical and problem-solving skills will lead you to a wide range of rewarding opportunities in sectors such as education, finance, engineering, computing and management.

Alternatively, continue into a higher degree by research to uncover new scientific knowledge or apply your findings to develop advanced materials, electronic and optical devices, products or processes.

See the Physics minor

Help to solve some of the biggest problems facing humans today: food security, global warming and our dependency on fossil fuels.

Study traditional and new breeding techniques, plant ecology and sustainability, plant physiology and pathology, and plant biotechnology and molecular plant science.

Investigate the production of healthier food products or new high-yielding, disease- and drought-resistant crops.

Learn the techniques to limit carbon emissions with biofuels and biomaterials.

Examine methods of restoration ecology and carbon sequestration in biomass and soils.

Explore the potential to use plant-based sources for industrial products, biopharmaceuticals, energy and anticancer drugs.

See the Plant Science minor

Study how people behave, think and feel.

Psychology prepares you for a diverse range of exciting careers that require advanced problem-solving, critical thinking and a deep understanding of human behaviour.

Explore topics like brain function, memory, conscious experience, lifespan development and social behaviour, together with the full spectrum of functional and dysfunctional behaviours.

Study neuroscience, learning and cognition, developmental psychology and social psychology, and apply scientific methods and statistical techniques used in research.

Learn to investigate and assess different methods of treatment and counselling.

Develop analytical skills and learn to administer and interpret diagnostic tests and formulate plans for treatment.

See the Psychology minor

Apply the tools of modern statistics to inform data-driven decision-making and solve real-world problems.

Discover how statistics are used to:

• predict stock market fluctuations and insurance claims
• model the flow of diseases, internet traffic and mobile phone calls
• improve medical treatments
• assess drought conditions in local communities
• analyse population models for endangered species.

Learn to analyse and interpret complex data and transform it into meaningful insights.

Design statistical experiments and apply advanced data exploration and visualisation techniques.

Combine theory with practical experience to expand your critical thinking, enhance your analytical capabilities and grow your technical skills.

Summer vacation research projects provide practical experience and develop industry connections.

With experience, apply for accreditation as a graduate statistician from the Statistical Society of Australia.

See the Statistics minor

Gain the scientific knowledge, practical skills and industry insights to lead the shift toward more resilient and sustainable food systems.

Benefit from both urban and rural perspectives on agriculture, learn from world-leading experts, and gain hands-on experience in the diverse environments of South East Queensland.

Examine how agricultural systems, environmental resources and rural communities adapt to climate change, and develop skills to optimise approaches that balance productivity, social equity and sustainability.

This minor stands out for its focus on systems thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and alignment with industry sustainability goals.

You’ll graduate with foundational knowledge to support sustainability initiatives in policy, education and community roles.

See the Sustainable Agriculture minor

Learn how animals relate and interact with their physical and biological environments.

You’ll investigate animal morphology, development and genetics, behaviour, ecology, physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology.

Expand your knowledge of:

• climate change biology
• wildlife and conservation biology
• entomology
• environmental physiology
• marine biology
• fisheries biology and aquaculture
• terrestrial ecology
• molecular ecology
• mathematical applications in biology.

Combine your study of animals with biostatistics, ecology, evolution, genetics and insect science, and gain practical experience through field courses offered in the Australian outback, rainforests, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and the Great Barrier Reef.

Zoology offers a large number of career options, ranging from field-based conservation work to biomedical research with medical laboratories and education institutions.

Alternatively, kickstart your career in research by progressing into a higher degree by research.

See the Zoology minor