CRICOS Code 103337G
Stage 1 of this course consists of 8 units of study and can be completed over 2 or 3 trimesters. It provides opportunities for scaffolded learning and the development of core academic and employability skills.
This course has been Accredited by TEQSA as an AQF Level 5 – Diploma course.
Suited to students who aspire to be employed as a community or corporate nutritionist, or in roles which include undertaking nutritional assessment and offering general nutrition advice.
This diploma provides students with an understanding of the known nutrients and the non-nutrient substances in food, the assessment of nutritional status, nutritional needs during the lifecycle, community nutrition issues, the psychology and sociology of food habits, and current controversies in nutrition, biochemistry and human physiology. Upon completion of the Nutrition Bioscience Major at ECU, students are eligible to apply for entry into postgraduate Nutrition and Dietetics.
Year 1: 8 units (8-12 months)
Year 2: 8 units (12 months)
Year 1: February, June, October
Year 2: February, July
ECU Joondalup Campus West
Year 1: A$26,000
Year 2: A$35,000
Year 1: A$16,400
Year 2: A$17,600
Your Diploma of Health Science can lead into ECU second year of this degree:
On successful completion of the Diploma of Health Science (Nutrition Bioscience), students will receive 8 units of credit towards the Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition Bioscience) at Edith Cowan University.
Domestic students must enrol minimum 2 units (30 credit points) per study period.
Career Opportunities
Community Nutritionist, Corporate Nutritionist, Research Nutritionist, Sports Nutritionist, Child Health Nutritionist, Health Promotion Nutritionist, Health Lifestyle Nutritionist, Aged Care Nutritionist
Stage 1 of this course consists of 8 units of study and can be completed over 2 or 3 trimesters. It provides opportunities for scaffolded learning and the development of core academic and employability skills.
This unit introduces the foundations of academic writing – from library research using databases, selection of approved academic resources, to writing paragraphs and essays, using the APA referencing system and delivering oral presentations using multi-media. The unit also includes essential study skills to assist with time management, note-taking and the use of memory aids for study purposes.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class
Credits: 15
This unit develops knowledge and skills in computing systems – software, hardware, digital security, communication networks, internet, information and data management. Students will develop their digital literacy and gain practical skills in specific computing applications from the Microsoft Office Suite. Students will also be introduced to some basic hands-on skills in program design using Pseudocode.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class
Credits: 15
This unit is designed for students who require a general mathematics background suitable for studies in business, health sciences and computing/IT courses. Students will learn to use a scientific calculator and develop critical thinking skills to identify, analyse, synthesize and solve mathematical calculations in arithmetic, statistics, algebra, functions and their graphs, optimisation, sequences, series, growth and decay, trigonometry, geometric sequences, series, set theory and interest.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class
Credits: 15
Students will identify, analyse and apply communication, social and intercultural skills for effective interpersonal and workplace relationships. This unit develops written skills, oral presentation skills and research skills, to prepare students for academic or professional environments. Students will make connections between learning and future employability through topics such as effective workplace relationships, negotiation, managing conflict, and skills for teamwork and leadership.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class
Credits: 15
This unit introduces concepts and skills used by managers to propose, plan, secure resources, budget and lead project teams to successful project completion. Students will examine and apply fundamental principles, strategies and approaches for project management in a variety of contexts that are universally applicable across organisations and project types.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class
Credits: 15
ICS100 Intercultural Studies
The unit introduces students to intercultural interaction in the contemporary world, focusing on multiple and diverse audiences, modalities, globalisation, cultural symbols and values, language, and interpretations of intercultural sites. Accounting for the international students’ experiences, they are given a practical introduction to relevant processes leading to expanding their cultural knowledge. Global citizenship, including intercultural communication skills, is introduced and enhanced, focusing on cultural diversity and contemporary implications for professional practice. Students will explore, report and present on their intercultural communication journey, and its’ relevance to their discipline / professional interests.
SCN110 Foundation Science
This integrated Science unit enables students to investigate science issues in the context of the world around them. It incorporates aspects of biology, chemistry, and physics, and is suited to students wishing to pursue a range of future career and study options. Integrated Science encourages students to be questioning, reflective and critical thinkers about scientific issues. Students develop a range of practical skills and techniques through investigations and fieldwork in context, and use scientific evidence to make informed decisions about scientific issues.
CHE100 – Introductory Chemistry
This Chemistry unit is designed for students who wish to study engineering, physical sciences or health sciences at a tertiary level. It covers the study of matter and its interactions (chemical quantities, atoms, states, chemical bonding, chemical calculations, electronic and molecular structures, organic and inorganic chemistry). Students will develop skills in organising, analysing and interpreting information and use simulated activities to prepare for future laboratory work.
BUS129 – Introductory Marketing
This unit explains theoretical principles/practices for marketing in changing environments. It introduces fundamental marketing concepts across many institutions (government, manufacturing, services and not-for-profit sectors) and how marketing concepts are applied in the real world. Students identify, analyse and combine key marketing tools to develop a marketing mix for specific markets and market segments; identify, collect and evaluate data for different marketing requirements and apply them in simulated contexts. Students will also investigate social media and develop communication skills as part of a marketing campaign pitch.
Stage 2 of this course consists of 8 units of study and can be completed over 2 semesters.
Semester 1 units
In this unit students are introduced to the population approach to illness and disease prevention. Known also as public health, this approach focuses on improving the health of populations and is multidisciplinary in nature. The history and examples of population health strategies are introduced. The health status of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians is discussed. The various population health professional disciplines and career pathways are identified. Concepts and skills relating to academic integrity, citation of references and English language written communication are also addressed.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Class
Credits: 15
This unit sets the nutrient foundation for the study of food and its effects on human health. Each of the known nutrients and their biological pathways in digestion, absorption and metabolism is examined. Food energy and energy expenditure form a basis for the study of individual dietary patterns and the application of a nutrient analysis software package. Group intakes of nutrients are analysed in relation to national dietary recommendations.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 2hr Lecture and Weekly 2hr Laboratory
Credits: 15
This unit examines the anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems within the body. The systems will be investigated both with respect to their individual structure and function, as well as their roles as part of an integrated whole. Students undertake basic research and submit a written report on a clinical case scenario that requires anatomical and physiological knowledge. Students will be assessed on their ability to analyse relationships in order to solve problems, communicate ideas through written discussion, use scientific terminology correctly and demonstrate academic integrity.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Laboratory
Credits: 15
This broadly based unit will introduce the student to important chemical concepts and principles. The unit will provide the essential chemistry background required for courses in the biological, environmental and health sciences.
This unit introduces students to the foundations of chemistry. The unit uses technology enhanced learning, such as chemical simulations, videos, podcasts and online tutorial support with a mix of lectures and laboratory sessions. The laboratory sessions support the theory covered in lectures and provide students with skills in dealing with chemicals, laboratory safety, data collection and analysis. Student participation in laboratory classes is compulsory.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Laboratory
Credits: 15
Semester 2 units
This unit provides an introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry. It covers the structure and reactions of important classes of organic compounds and biomolecules including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids. Various important applications will be described, including polymers, medicinals, soaps and detergents.
Pre-Requisite Units: SCC1123D.
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Laboratory
Credits: 15
This units deals with the methods and skills or organising, summarising and presenting numerical data. The concepts of estimation and hypothesis testing are studied, with the emphasis on analysing real data. Students will learn to use statistical software packages and be expected to work through the tutorial worksheets.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Laboratory
Credits: 15
This unit examines the relationship between nutrition and population health. Students gain an understanding of public health nutrition in Australia and are introduced to the scope of nutrition-related morbidity and mortality. Students learn about the links between diet and health status, and explore data sources that are used to identify the nutrition status of a population. The methods used to promote healthy eating are introduced, including social media and advocacy methods and priority populations for public health nutrition interventions within Australian are explored. Sustainable Development Goals and local, state and national health guidelines and directives are introduced, and the principles of food and nutrition intervention designs are examined.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 2hr Tutorial
Credits: 15
Epidemiology examines the patterns and causes of disease in human populations. This unit introduces key concepts on how public health research and surveillance is undertaken, evaluated, and used in industry. Students will learn how to source, review, interpret and apply epidemiological literature to support their practice.
Pre-Requisite Units: None
Tuition Pattern: Weekly 3hr Tutorial
Credits: 15
*This unit is service taught on the ECU Joondalup campus.
^Mid-year starters will take this unit in the semester 2
+Mid-year starters will take this unit in the semester 1