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The specialisations available under this course are:

• Fermentation Science and Separation Processes
• Aquaculture

The Fermentation Science and Separation Processes specialisation has been developed for people interested in working in innovative biotechnology industries such as brewing, winemaking, fermented food and drink production and plant-based cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This specialisation will provide students with the opportunity to learn about Tasmania’s innovative industries within the food and beverage (beer, cider, wine, whiskey, gin, cheese and other fermented foods) and premium bio-industries (essential oils, seaweed based fertilisers, poppies, pyrethrum and biodiesel). Specialisation subjects such as applied microbiology, applied chemistry and applied biology are integrated with core subjects such as applied maths, quality management, sustainability and technology & innovation. In the second year, students may choose elective subjects depending on their areas of interest.

The Aquaculture specialisation is aimed at people who wish to work in the aquaculture industry in Tasmania and mainland Australia. The course was developed in response to industry demand as the aquaculture industry is currently in a high growth phase. Aquaculture subjects are integrated with core subjects in applied science such as applied maths, quality management, sustainability and technology & innovation. In the second year, students may choose elective subjects depending on their areas of interest.  Aquaculture is the fastest growing primary industry in Tasmania and the Associate Degree is relevant to all aspects of the Tasmanian industry, including salmon, trout, oysters, mussels and abalone. The Tasmanian aquaculture industry is a world leader in quality, innovation and technology. Currently, an estimated 2,595 Full Time Equivalent staff are employed in the Tasmanian aquaculture sector (inclusive of salmonid processing) (*Seafood Industry Workforce Profile, May 2017.  Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council).

A key feature of the course is the focus on hands-on learning, where students develop knowledge and skills through work integrated learning opportunities such as industry placements, fieldwork, case studies and applied research. This aims to enhance students’ problem solving, communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills by allowing them to ‘learn through practice’. It has been designed to make university study a little less daunting—and a lot more practical.

Industry experts have helped to develop the course and are actively involved in the delivery through teaching, site visits, case studies and work placements. As a result, graduates will be considered ‘workplace ready’ after two years of (full time) study.

The program is available for full-time and part-time study across all campuses in Tasmania and is delivered through a combination of online study, face-to-face classes, practical workshops and tutorials.

At the end of the second year, students will have the opportunity to:

- Commence employment or enhance their current employment as skilled para-professionals (diploma -associate degree);

- and/or continue study in preparation for future employment which subsequently prepares individuals to transition into leadership and management roles as highly skilled professionals (bachelor – bachelor honours top up degree).

Graduates of the Associate Degree in Applied Science will have:

• a pathway to a great career in aquaculture or applied biotechnology
• opportunities to progress within their chosen field
• practical skills to take straight into the workplace
• the opportunity to undertake further study at the University of Tasmania.

Core study areas include:

• Biology of Aquaculture animals and plants (Aquaculture)
• Aquatic chemistry (Aquaculture)
• Fermentation principles and processes (Fermentation & Separation)
• Separation principles and processes (Fermentation & Separation)
• Understanding science
• Applied maths
• Regulatory challenges
• Quality management
• Sustainability
• Technology & innovation
• Project Management