The purpose of the Graduate Diploma (Research) is to provide specialised knowledge and research training in disciplines within the Faculty of Science. It can be used as a higher degree qualifying program (for students who do not meet criteria for direct entry to Honours or MSc/PhD programs), to upgrade existing qualifications or to develop expertise in a different but related disciplinary area from that of the first degree. Students who qualify to enrol in the Honours program would generally be expected to do so rather than enrol in this Graduate Diploma (Research) program. As part of the program students are expected to complete disciplinary coursework of 18-24 UOC and a significant independent research project of 24-30 UOC. As the Faculty has a diverse range of disciplines the exact proportion of research-based work and coursework may differ by School. Students should refer to the plan pages in this Handbook entry for details of the requirement for their chosen discipline. In addition to conducting research and coursework students will also be expected to undertake Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) training, attend and present seminars, write a literature review, and write a thesis. Program Structure Students must complete 48 UOC as a standalone program. The Graduate Diploma (Research) is comprised of 48 units of credit. It typically includes 18-24 UOC of coursework and 24-30 UOC of an independent research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor culminating in a written thesis. Research projects are available in all areas of the School of Physics at UNSW: astrophysics, biophysics, condensed matter physics, music acoustics, and theoretical physics. Full-time and part-time projects are available, subject to the discretion of the supervisor. A Graduate Diploma (Research) in Physics may be completed full-time or part-time. Students may commence their enrolment in semester 1 or semester 2. Learning Outcomes Demonstrate a broad understanding of a systematic and coherent body of knowledge and theoretical concepts with advanced understanding in some areas; Demonstrate cognitive skills that review, analyse, consolidate, and synthesize knowledge; Demonstrate critical thinking and judgement in developing new understanding and applying knowledge and skills in diverse contexts; Demonstrate initiative and judgement in scholarship with an ability to identify and formulate solutions to problems with intellectual independence; Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters; Demonstrate communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences in a variety of formats; Demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methods and technical skills in research and design;