Applied Science - Higher Certificate

Program Overview

The Higher Certificate in Applied Science program provides students with a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. It develops practical laboratory skills, fosters scientific interests, and equips students with transferable skills for future careers. The program offers a ladder system for progression to higher-level degrees and prepares graduates for roles in QA/QC, analytical science, process technology, and more.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Higher Certificate in Applied Science programme offers an opportunity to explore the core areas of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Students gain practical experience in the laboratory and develop their scientific interests and key transferable skills.

Objectives:

• To provide students with a strong foundation in the core sciences.
• To develop students' practical skills in the laboratory.
• To foster students' scientific interests and critical thinking abilities.
• To equip students with transferable skills for future careers.
• To prepare students for progression to higher-level degree programs.

Outline:

Year 1

• Semester 1:
• Biology (Year Long) - Credits: 10
• Mathematics for Scientists (Year Long) - Credits: 10
• Chemistry (Year Long) - Credits: 10
• Physics for Chemical and Life Sciences (Year Long) - Credits: 10
• Laboratory Practice: Safety Science & Laboratory Competencies - Credits: 5
• Transferable Skills - Credits: 5
• Semester 2:
• Biology (Year Long) - Credits: 10
• Mathematics for Scientists (Year Long) - Credits: 10
• Chemistry (Year Long) - Credits: 10
• Physics for Chemical and Life Sciences (Year Long) - Credits: 10
• Current Scientific Issues through Team Based Learning - Credits: 5

Year 2

• Semester 1:
• Mathematics and Statistics for Life and Physical Sciences 2.1 - Credits: 5
• Analytical Techniques 1 - Credits: 5
• Organic Chemistry - Credits: 5
• Electives (Pharmaceutical Science stream):
• Physical Pharmaceutics - Credits: 5
• Pharmaceutical Microbiology - Credits: 5
• Biochemistry for Pharmaceutical Sciences - Credits: 5
• Electives (Biotechnology stream):
• Gene Technology 2.1 - Credits: 5
• Microbiology 2.1 - Credits: 5
• Biochemistry 2.1 - Credits: 5
• Semester 2:
• Mathematics and Statistics for Life and Physical Sciences 2.2 - Credits: 5
• Analytical Techniques 2 - Credits: 5
• Electives (Pharmaceutical Science stream):
• Inorganic Chemistry - Credits: 5
• Proteins and Nucleic Acids: Chemistry, Utility and Analysis - Credits: 5
• Dosage Form Design - Credits: 5
• Synthetic Organic Chemistry - Credits: 5
• Electives (Biotechnology stream):
• Cell Biology - Credits: 5
• Gene Technology 2.2 - Credits: 5
• Microbial Genetics - Credits: 5
• Biochemistry 2.2 - Credits: 5

Careers:

• QA/QC technicians
• Analytical science technicians
• Process technicians
• Manufacturing technologists
• Biochemistry and microbiology analysts

Other:

• The program facilitates recognition of prior learning (RPL), up-skilling, re-skilling, diverse and mature student access to higher education.
• The program provides a 'ladder system' of progression from a Level 6 to a Level 9 (Taught/Research Masters) or Level 10 qualification.
• The program provides a number of intra- and inter-institute progression and transfer routes.
• The program produces graduates with the skills and knowledge identified in skills-shortage reports, opening up a variety of career opportunities.