Evaluation and Management of Student Diversity: A New Model for Tertiary Science Education.

Abstract

With the goal of increasing University accessibility and success to a wider demographic of students, managing student diversity in the tertiary sector calls for new approaches to tertiary science education. Since adopting a modified admissions policy in 2010, we found that students who entered our science-related degrees with an ATAR/UAI of less than 70 or with no ATAR performed poorly compared to students with higher a ATAR/UAI. We have established a Diploma of Science pathway, UC-SUCCEED, aimed to cater our diverse student cohort more effectively. The one-year Diploma of Science program is designed to articulate directly into our 1st year Bachelor Science courses, providing the foundation knowledge to better prepare students for successful university studies in the Sciences and a transformative educational experience.