Associate Degree in Applied Science

The main objective of the Program is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to enhance your employability in the Biotechnology & Biomedical industries which are undergoing rapid technological advancements worldwide.

On completion of the Program, you will be qualified for employment at a technical or paraprofessional level in a range of public and private organisations.It will also provide you with an alternative and practical pathway into a range of undergraduate degree programs with advanced standing.

This is in response to the Federal Government's initiative to increase the proportion of the Australian adult population with undergraduate degrees by providing improved access and also provides an alternative pathway for International students from Foundation Studies programs.In the final year, you will undertake a capstone experience in the course ONPS2432 Professional Practice in Applied Science in which you will participate in workshops that will prepare you for your 10-20 days work placement in a relevant organisation.

RMIT will organise this work placement for you.This will enable you to apply the broad range of technical and employability skills that you have acquired during the course of your studies in an actual workplace.The program is delivered on campus at the RMIT City campus.

It requires attendance at classes and is delivered in face-to-face mode, supported by a number of blended learning activities.

Year One of Program

Semester One - Complete all of the following Four (4) Courses:

Semester Two - Complete all of the following Four (4) Courses:

AND

Year Two of Program

Semester One - Complete the following Four (4) Courses:

Semester Two - Complete the following Three (3) Courses:

Select and Complete One (1) of the following Course:

Program entry requirements

Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent.

For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to Australian academic entry requirements, see the following website: https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/international-students/apply-to-rmit-international-students/entry-requirements/country-equivalency

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) prerequisite units 3 and 4 — a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in any other English; and a study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any).

English language requirements

A minimum IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.0, with no band below 5.5; or equivalent.

For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the following website https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/international-students/apply-to-rmit-international-students/entry-requirements/english-requirements/english-language-proficiency-tests

Over the duration of the program you will develop the following skills and capabilities:

1. Knowledge Capability This is the understanding of appropriate and relevant fundamental and applied scientific knowledge with the ability to use and apply that knowledge in a wide range of situations, including new situations within the professional discipline. The vocational emphasis of this program ensures that the knowledge acquired has practical applications that will be experienced in the simulated workplace setting of the laboratory. The Professional Practice course will allow you to apply and test your knowledge in a new situation where you can receive appropriate feedback from an industry supervisor.

2. Technical Capability This is the awareness, selection and use of appropriate laboratory and other materials and equipment and the ability to employ them in a safe and responsible manner to achieve the desired outcome. This will include the ability to follow standard operating procedures. You will gain extensive practical experience to allow you to acquire this capability and your technical skills will be assessed in all critical techniques.

3. Problem Solving The ability to apply scientific principles and methods to identify and solve problems associated with a particular area of professional expertise. You will employ and apply appropriate critical and analytical thought in a scientific manner using available IT, literature and other resources. This capability will be acquired during your analysis of tasks performed in the laboratory and your development of research skills required to prepare reports and presentations.

4. Communication Capability This capability is being able to communicate by means of oral, written, symbolic and pictorial presentations to a wide range of audience types as well as an understanding of the systems of communication in science. During your program you will be required to prepare reports and presentations for peers and teachers using appropriate scientific formats and be able to respond to questions. You will also have an opportunity to develop your communication skills with patients and /or clients through a range of simulated workplace environments. You will develop the ability to communicate and advance arguments, both orally and written, within the scientific community.

5. Teamwork Capability Laboratory work, by its very nature, involves the ability to work well as part of a team. You will learn to contribute in a constructive manner to group and team activities and decision making processes. There will be ample opportunities to develop these skills during laboratory classes, when you will routinely work in a team of 2 - 4 students to reach the relevant outcomes. This will involve shared decision making, planning and delegation of tasks. There will also be assessment of some group project work to further enhance your skills.

6. Professional work practices This includes the ability to be self motivated and responsible for personal actions and learning. It will be built on an understanding of the legal and ethical framework that underpins your professional area of work.