New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 6)

Program Overview

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This one-year diploma program prepares individuals for careers as laboratory technicians in fields such as manufacturing, regulation, fieldwork, and research and development. Graduates gain proficiency in advanced laboratory skills, techniques, and theoretical knowledge, enabling them to work alongside esteemed New Zealand scientists in various disciplines. The program includes a supervised work placement experience and emphasizes practical skills development through laboratory work. Graduates are prepared for a range of careers in science-based laboratories or industries, including quality control technician, research technician, and industrial laboratory technician.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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Objective:

This diploma prepares individuals to work independently as laboratory technicians in diverse science-related fields like manufacturing, regulation, fieldwork, and research and development sectors.

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Description:

Graduates gain proficiency in advanced laboratory skills, techniques, and theoretical knowledge, enabling them to work alongside esteemed New Zealand scientists in various disciplines, such as biochemistry, chemistry, immunology, microbiology, and molecular biology.

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Outline:

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Program Duration:

1 Year (41 Weeks), full-time; part-time option available

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Course Schedule:

• Class Time (lectures, tutorials): 20 hours/week
• Study Time: 18 hours/week

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Program Content

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Bioscience in Industry 2

• Focus: Safety practices, microbial degradation, sampling and identification techniques for food-borne pathogens, HACCP plans, food safety programs, and water sampling

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Quality Assurance

• Focus: Environmental quality assessment, Maori perspectives on the environment, nutrient and water chemistry sampling and analysis, Treaty of Waitangi, aquatic system interactions

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Applied Biostatistics 2

• Focus: Statistical analysis of data using software, ANOVA, regression, correlation analysis, control charting

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Cell Biology and Tissue Culture

• Focus: Specialized and general software in research, research presentations

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Work Placement:

• Supervised experience in applied science organization, covering lectures, discussions, demonstrations, group work, practical tasks
• 240 hours work experience
• 20 hours lectures/PC labs

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Individual modules with each module description:

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Bioscience in Industry 2 (15 Credits):

Learn practical laboratory and theoretical life sciences knowledge to work safely within the field, focusing on:

• Microbial degradation and bioremediation.
• Foodborne pathogen isolation and identification.
• HACCP plans and Food Safety Programmes.
• Water microbiology sampling.

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Quality Assurance (15 Credits):

Gain a process-based approach to environmental quality assessment, including:

• Bi-cultural perspectives on environmental quality issues.
• Water analysis for major components and nutrients.
• The Treaty of Waitangi and the environment.
• Nutrient-microorganism-chemistry interactions in aquatic systems.
• Aquifer structure and water quality.
• Measuring water quality in various settings.

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Biostatistics 2 (15 Credits):

Implement and manage data sampling using statistics, interpret the findings and make relevant recommendations, including:

• Utilizing professional statistics software.
• Transforming data through various statistical approaches.
• Data analysis with ANOVA.
• Data analysis through regression and correlation.
• Control charting.
• Interpreting biostatistical data.

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Pathobiology (15 Credits):

Covers fundamental and theoretical concepts in medical laboratory science, along with in vivo, in vitro and molecular biology concepts:

• Microbiological techniques for bacterial, viral, and parasite analysis.
• Immunological methods and techniques
• Molecular biology concepts and their application in disease diagnosis
• Safety guidelines in the laboratory
• Ethical and legal aspects related to medical laboratory practice
• Performing various tests and reporting the findings
5.

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Work Placement

(20 hours lectures/240 work experience): Gain supervised practical work experience in an applied science organization. This course includes:

• Lectures in classroom and PC laboratories
• Discussions with peers and experts
• Practical demonstrations
Group projects and independent study Workbooks and practical laboratory work 6.

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Laboratory Techniques and Instrumentation (30 credits) -

This course will focus on basic and advanced theoretical concepts and practical skills development for aspiring scientists.

• Laboratory safety practices and good laboratory practice (GLP) principles.
• Mastering basic and advanced laboratory techniques, including aseptic techniques
• Part 2: Laboratory Instrumental Techniques and Data analysis (10 credits)
Focuses on instrumental and analytical techniques used to analyze chemical compounds and elements Instrumental methods of analysis : Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS), and UV-Visible spectrophotometer
• Outline:
• Fundamental principles, instrumentation and applications of FAAS and UV/VIS spectrophotometer
• Sample preparation techniques for analysis through the instrumental methods
• Quantitative and Qualitative data analysis using the instrumental techniques

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Focus:

• Understanding the cellular structure, organization and functions
• Learning various cell signalling mechanisms and their roles
• Molecular basis of human genetic diseases
• Part 2 (15 credits): Human genetics and genetic diseases (Mendelian genetics, Human Genome projects, genetic disorders, Ethical and social issues related to genetics)

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Biochemistry for Medical Laboratory Science (30 Credits):

This course covers fundamental concepts of biomolecules, their structures, functions and metabolism in relation to health and diseases:

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Course outline

• Part1 (15 credits): Introduction and overview of biochemistry, carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acid structure, functions, metabolism and their importance.
• Part2: (15credits) Enzyme kinetics, vitamins and coenzymes, lipids and their importance in health and diseases.

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Assessment

• Assessment varies by course and typically consists of:
• Internal and/or external examinations
• Laboratory practical skills assessments
• Assignments
• Portfolios
• Presentations

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Criteria used for assessment:

Alignment with program learning outcomes and assessment rubrics specific to each course

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Teaching

• Teaching approaches are varied and engaging to cater to diverse learners:
• Blended delivery: combining face-to-face instruction and online learning
• Face-to-face teaching methods: Lectures and tutorials
• Faculty with experience and expertise:
• High-calibre lecturers and guest industry speakers
• Students encouraged to attend all sessions for optimal success
• Availability of elective courses depends on student enrolment
• Recognition of Prior Learning: Students can apply if they believe they have already achieved learning outcomes for a specific course

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Careers

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Job Prospects and Opportunities:

Graduates are prepared for a range of careers in various sectors, including science-based laboratories or industries such as manufacturing or research.

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Possible Career Titles:

• Quality control technician, research technician, industrial laboratory technician
• Other relevant careers in the scientific and technical fields
• Opportunities to work alongside leading New Zealand scientists in diverse scientific disciplines

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Additional Resources

https://careers.govt.nz

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• Domestic Fees:
• $8,223.00
• Additional Fees
Compulsory course costs may apply. The fee shown is for one year of study.