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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

125511 v.4 Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

GradCertOccHlthSfty(Curtin)

This course is not available to International Onshore Students on Student Visas



Course Overview

Graduate certificates prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.


This multidisciplinary course provides specialised advanced training for graduates or occupational health and safety practitioners with an emphasis on risk and safety management, accident prevention and safety technology. It allows for a degree of additional specialisation according to individual needs and upon completion provides entry into the Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.


Career Opportunities

Employment prospects are excellent, with graduates often earning above average salaries. Graduates gain employment in a variety of industries including mining, oil, gas, manufacturing and construction. There is also demand for graduates in corporate, government, health and academic sectors. With the stringent legislative requirements for health and safety in the workplace and the increase in resources and commodity prices expected to continue, future demand for tertiary qualified occupational health and safety professionals is expected to be high.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Applicants generally require a bachelor degree or equivalent credit gained for recognised learning.


Specifically, applicants require a Bachelor degree, preferably with a health, science or management related background, from a recognised tertiary institution.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to some graduate diplomas and master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Graduate certificates contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences.


This course consists of two core units and two optional units. The core units, which should be undertaken first, teach fundamental occupational health and safety concepts, including risk management, accident prevention and occupational health and safety legislation. Students select two optional units that can reflect their interests and future career needs.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply and integrate the knowledge and principles of occupational health and safety and practical skills required for the prevention of injury and occupational disease in the workplace environment

2. apply logical and rational processes to critically analyse issues relevant to OHS and think creatively in the generation of solutions to problems

3. access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information and evidence from a range of resources available in the field of OHS and use appropriate information and communication technology practices

4. communicate effectively with a range of people including community groups, workers, employers, statutory authorities and their representatives and other professionals.

5. use scientific and technological methods with an understanding of their advantages and limitations

6. demonstrate ability for self-directed and lifelong learning through the pursuit of professional development opportunities in occupational health and safety

7. recognise and apply international standards and perspectives within OHS

8. demonstrate an appreciation of cultural diversity including the impact of cultural and social factors of OHS practices

9. demonstrate professionalism and capacity for leadership and be able to work independently, collaboratively and ethically


Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is one semester full-time study or equivalent part-time study and conducted on a fully online basis.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1         Y
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2         Y

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.



Course Organisation Note

Although fully online, assessments for some units may require sitting a final exam at a nominated venue approved by the University.



Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
310577 v.1   Risk Management and Safety Technology 582 5.0 25.0
310578 v.1   Accident Prevention and Safety Management 581 5.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
310582 v.1   Health and Safety Economics and Management 582 5.0 25.0
310585 v.1 *   Ergonomics 594 5.0 25.0
11519 v.4 *   Occupational Hygiene and Chemical Safety 596 5.0 25.0
11516 v.5   Compensation and Injury Management 593 5.0 25.0
308421 v.3   Health, Safety and Environmental Law 682 4.0 25.0

*    Singapore students to select these optional units




Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Health Sciences on telephone (08) 9266 1000, email futurestudents@health.curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.