Overview 2021
Location
Commonwealth Supported places available
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the International Online Course Guide (PDF 809KB) for courses that are offered to international students
"I’ve wanted to study science for a long time but have had very limited options due to the fact I was working full time and living in Burnie. When the Associate Degree came up it was the perfect way to study in the field I wanted to and maintain my lifestyle. Ideally, I’d like to move up into a quality management type role at work or maybe a research and development role, as I really enjoy all the science behind what we do."
This course will introduce you to the nature and role of science in society. You’ll examine what science is, the importance of science for sustainable development, and learn about the role of ethical conduct in scientific endeavour.
You’ll explore keys topics in biology, such as metabolism, growth and production, sensing and response, and adaption and evolution, and have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in practical laboratory experiences. You will also learn how to collect and analyse scientific data and statistics, and be introduced to data management software where you’ll learn how to present and communicate statistical information effectively.
This course has been developed in consultation with industry experts, such as Fementasmania and the aquaculture industry, and incorporates learning through practice by giving you authentic learning experiences. This means you’ll be developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to respond to industry demands, placing you in good stead for a future career in science-based growth industries, such as fermentation or salmon aquaculture. If you complete the Undergraduate Certificate in Science and wish to continue further study, you can enter into Associate Degree in Applied Science.
Please visit our Certificates page for answers to frequently asked questions about the Job Ready Certificates.
Learning outcomes
- Interpret and apply scientific principles and knowledge to science-based industries
- Apply problem-solving and sustainable approaches to identify and communicate solutions or innovations in science-based industries
- Communicate and reflect on knowledge, skills, behaviours and attributes required to develop and enhance career opportunities in science
Practical experience
Practice-based, experiential learning and portfolio development is a key component of the Undergraduate Certificate in Science. In order to develop key transferable practitioner skills, you will be exposed to authentic and engaging learning experiences designed to develop your understanding of work and the workplace. The work-based components will be tailored to your individual circumstances.
If you are currently employed in the industry, you will be encouraged to apply and complete relevant assessments within your work environment. You will also have access to a relevant work environment will be provided with authentic simulated experiences.
Students are introduced to:
- Different methods of and approaches to practice;
- How issues such as values, ethics, empathy and leadership are reflected in the workplace and;
- The role of reflection and deliberative thinking in developing workplace-based knowledge, skills, attitudes and aspirations.
Career outcomes
The Undergraduate Certificate in Science will give you the opportunity to learn in a practical environmental by offering you authentic learning experiences, such as virtual or face-to-face laboratory sessions, to practice your new skills and knowledge. As a result, you will be developing skills, knowledge and behaviours that employers are looking for in the workforce. Careers in science are also upwards trending, with projections showing that employment is set to grow in a variety of roles by 2024, including Environmental Scientists (12.5% increase), Professional, scientific and technical service roles (14.7%), and Market research statistical service roles (16.5%)*.
By completing the Undergraduate Certificate in Science you can transition into further study, with credit towards an Associate Degree in Applied Science, where you will have the option to choose between two specialised streams depending on your interest area. You can learn how to use science to build a career in the food and beverage industry with our Fermentation and Separation stream. Or, if you’d love to work in Tasmania’s booming aquaculture industry, our hands-on Sustainable Aquaculture stream is for you.
*Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, National Skills Commission trend data to May 2019 and projections to 2024.
Course structure
Completion of the Undergraduate Certificate in Science requires 50 credit points including:
- Core (37.5 credit points)
- Elective (12.5 credit points)
Core
In this unit, you will be introduced to mathematical and statistical methods for analysing scientific, business or technical data to inform and support decision-making. You will explore why data is needed and how it is used to make decisions, including…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit provides a multidisciplinary introduction to the nature of science and scientific knowledge, the methods of science, and the communication of science. You will encounter perspectives on the nature and role of science in society and examine what science…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
In this unit, you will be introduced to the theory and practice of biology. Key topics include the cell, metabolism, heritable information, growth and reproduction, sensing and response, and adaptation and evolution. You will learn practical laboratory techniques, and use…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
Electives
In this unit, you will learn how computer networks are constructed, how they work, and how modern applications use the services provided by modern computer networks. The concept of protocol layering will be explored to learn how computer networks operate,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit introduces the concepts of software design and development in the context of computer programming. You will learn how to design, manage, and evaluate projects that solve real-world applied technology problems through industry best practice and design methodologies. You…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
In this unit you will be introduced to a range of foundational workplace knowledge, skills and attributes to help prepare you for work in contemporary contexts. You will complete various practical activities that will equip you with the tools expected…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Need help choosing your first year units? Try the Unit Selection Guide.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
This Undergraduate Certificate is open to applicants from a broad range of backgrounds.
DOMESTIC APPLICANTS
Domestic Applicants who have recently completed secondary education
Completed the TCE (or equivalent)
Domestic Applicants with higher education study
Completed at least one undergraduate unit (equivalent to 12.5 UTAS credit points).
Domestic Applicants with VET / TAFE study
A completed VET Certificate III or higher,
Domestic Applicants with work and life experience
If you have not successfully completed senior secondary, tertiary or TAFE/VET study, but have relevant work and life experience you can complete a personal competency statement. You may be eligible for an offer if you have work and life experiences that demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.
Prerequisites
Nil
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.
We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
This course is not currently available to international students
Credit transfer
Passes in units in other incomplete courses in this University or another approved tertiary institution may be credited towards the undergraduate certificate and a course plan developed to detail the units required by the student to qualify for the undergraduate certificate. The maximum credit granted will be in accordance with the limits stated in the Student Participation and Attainment Ordinance.
Articulation to
Students completing the Undergraduate Certificate in Science will receive advanced standing for four 12.5 credit point units of the Associate Degree in Applied Science.
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
International students
International students should refer to the International Students course fees page to get an indicative course cost.
Scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries