Associate Degree in Applied Science

2 years full-time or 4 years part-time

Learning and teaching

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work. These are primarily in English.

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

Program structure

Year 1

This will provide you with underpinning technical skills and knowledge in a broad range of applied sciences. You'll also gain scientific reading, writing and research skills. By the end of the first year you'll be able to perform confidently in a biological, chemical or food laboratory.

Year 2

In second year you'll begin to specialise in your chosen stream.

Food science students will manufacture, evaluate and test a variety of food products for quality and safety, and study human nutrition.

Biomedical stream students will isolate, purify, amplify and characterise DNA and perform techniques like chromatography and electrophoresis. You'll become competent at tissue and cell culture as it is applied in biotechnology and medical laboratories.

The following program structure(s) is an example of what students are currently studying in this program.

In the final year, you will undertake professional practice where you address an issue or problem in the workplace. You'll be allocated a place in a laboratory where you'll spend approximately 80 hours performing tasks as part of the project.

You'll need to research the workplace to understand its structure and functions. You will use problem-solving skills and report on work-based projects or activities.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Depending on the stream you select, the Associate Degree offers you a qualification in either food science or biomedical science.

The food science stream will equip you with the practical skills needed to work in the food industry, in particular food handling and processing.

The biosciences stream is a broad-based training program for students who want a technical career in diagnostics, medical research, veterinary, biological research or biotechnology laboratories.

Professional recognition and accreditation

Membership of professional bodies depends on the stream you select.

Food science students are eligible for student membership of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology. Upon graduation, you become eligible for associate membership.

Biomedical science students are eligible for student membership of the Australian Society for Microbiology and the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists. Upon graduation, you become eligible for associate membership.

You must meet the University entry requirements for this type of program.

Program entry requirements

Prerequisites

Current Year 12 prerequisite units 3 and 4—Mathematics (any) and a study score of at least 25 in English (ESL) or at least 20 in any other English.

Selection tasks

Form: Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online.

1. Check program entry requirements and confirm you're eligible.

2. Check and complete the selection tasks (if applicable) by the relevant closing date - these tasks are listed in the program entry requirements.

3. Check the table below for how to apply.

4. Apply using the appropriate method by the closing date.

Application method

Equity access

If circumstances have interrupted or disadvantaged your access to education, RMIT offers equity access schemes that allow selection officers to give applicants extra consideration, which may improve your prospects of studying at RMIT.

Tuition fees vary according to program and are adjusted annually.

In a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) your tuition fee is shared between you and the Commonwealth Government - if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Fee assistance

As a Commonwealth supported student, you may be able to either:

• pay all or part of your student contribution up front and receive a 10% discount, or
• defer your tuition fees through the HECS-HELP loan scheme.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds. Learn more about RMIT Scholarships.

Other fees

In addition to tuition fees you will also pay the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF). You may be able to defer the fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme.

There may be other additional expenses and administrative fees associated with your studies.

Depending on the stream chosen, graduates with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or more are guaranteed entry into the second year (equivalent to 120 credit points) of these degrees:

• Bachelor of Biomedical Science
• Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine)
• Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Pharmaceutical Sciences).

Graduates with a GPA of less than 2.0 can still apply, and may be eligible for exemptions if they gain a place.

Learn more about pathways or if you are eligible for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.

Life & Physical Sciences

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