ObjectivesThe program comprises an articulated program of units at the graduate certificate and graduate diploma level. Occupational hygiene is concerned with the recognition, evaluation and control of environmental factors associated with the workplace that may cause illness, impaired health and wellbeing, or significant discomfort and inefficiency amongst workers or members of the public. Environmental factors can be chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic and psychosocial in nature. Evaluating of the influence of these environmental factors on human beings involves measurement of exposure and dose, use of environmental and biological monitoring techniques and assessment of the physiological response to the dose, reference to exposure standards and use of toxicological principles. Suitable control methods are then selected to reduce exposure to any adverse environmental factors. An occupational hygienist usually holds a degree in chemistry, physics, engineering, biology (with some chemistry) or related physical and biological sciences and through special studies can recognise occupational factors that cause illness or inefficiency and understand their effect on human beings; evaluate the magnitude of these factors and of the response of an exposed population's response to them; and prescribe methods to eliminate, control or reduce the influence of the adverse factors.
Entry requirementsAdmission to the Graduate Diploma program is open to candidates with a degree in a physical or biological science or engineering from an approved educational institution. Applicants are normally required to demonstrate that their present or previous employment provides practical experience in occupational health and safety, or environmental analysis.
Academic titleGraduate Diploma of Occupational Hygiene
Course descriptionFees and charges
Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)
EFTSL is the standard annual full time load. Eight credit points is the standard full time load for one year of study.
This is a fee-paying course. Domestic students may be eligible for FEE-HELP assistance in paying these tuition fees. For more information about FEE-HELP go to http://www.deakin.edu.au/future-students/fees/
Fee paying place - Domestic (DFP)
A Fee paying place is one for which the university does not receive any government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute the full cost of their course.
Fee paying places are available to domestic students. Domestic students are those who are Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or holders of a permanent visa.
* The 'indicative annual course fee' cited has been provided as a guide only. It has been calculated on the basis of a typical enrolment of a student undertaking the course in 2009, and reflects the cost involved in undertaking a full-time quota of units within the specified discipline.
The actual fees charged by Deakin University will depend upon the discipline from which each individual unit is chosen, and may vary from the indicative course fee cited, particularly if units are chosen from a number of disciplines. The cost of each unit offered in 2009 can be viewed at http://www.deakin.edu.au/current-students/handbooks2009/search.php.
Please note that the fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and service.
Deakin assumes no responsibility for persons relying on 'indicative course fees' to calculate the total future cost of their course.
Course rules
Students must complete 8 credit points, including four coursework units, project units and a practice unit. The practice units cover areas of advanced occupational hygiene practice, and commences with a two-week period of attendance at the Geelong campus for practical work and project-planning workshops. The project consists of two units (SBH733 and SBH734) of 1 credit point each comprising a single project in an approved area of occupational hygiene. If possible, the project should be carried out at the student's place of employment.
Course structure
Year 1
Trimester 1
SBH711 Chemical Hazards
SBH712 Toxicology and Biohazards
Trimester 2
SBH723 Physical Hazards
SBH724 Human Factors
Year 2
Trimester 1
SBH731 Occupational Hygiene Practice
SBH733 Occupational Hygiene Project A
Trimester 2
SBH715 Risk Assessment and Control
SBH734 Occupational Hygiene Project B
Admission requirements - general
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicant's previous academic record.
For more information on the Deakin Admissions Policy visit The Guide
Admission requirements - specific
Admission to the Graduate Diploma program is open to candidates with a degree in a physical or biological science or engineering from an approved educational institution. Applicants are normally required to demonstrate that their present or previous employment provides practical experience in occupational health and safety, or environmental analysis.
Advanced standing - general
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Advanced Standing System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
How to apply
Applications must be made directly to the university through the Applicant Portal referring to closing dates for applications as dates for particular courses may vary.
Your faculty may require further information from you when submitting your application. Please refer to the faculty information website for further details.