News & Stories

Associate degree offers new career opportunities

Aaron has used the Associate Degree in Applied Science to build on his experience as a lab technician.

With a passion to study science for many years, Burnie’s Aaron Eley jumped at the chance when the University College’s Associate Degree in Applied Science created the opportunity.

With a passion to study science for many years, Burnie’s Aaron Eley jumped at the chance when the University College’s Associate Degree in Applied Science created the opportunity.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed his job at the Lion cheese factory as a lab technician for the past five years, but he wanted more career advancement opportunities.

Starting at the University College is one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time. It’s fun, engaging and you get to meet heaps of new people as well as learn about the industry.

“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 in Applied Science Specialising in Fermentation Science and Separation Processes came up it was the perfect way to study in the field I wanted to and maintain my lifestyle.

“Cheese is a fermented food so it’s a good way for me learn more about the product we make.”

The Fermentation Science and Separation Processes specialisation course 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.

The course will provide students 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 including applied maths, quality management, sustainability and technology and innovation.

Aaron credits the University College’s workload design as a realistic and easy way to maintain a healthy balance between work, study and life.

It’s all going really well. I’m feeling positive studying at the University College, the content is relevant and well delivered and focuses on more hands-on, industry relevant learning, which I find much more engaging.

“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.”

Aaron’s advice to potential students?

“If it’s what you really want to do with your life, then make it happen no matter what it takes,” he said.

Interested in studying applied science at University College? Learn more.