Explore Vocational Applied Science

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Speaker 1: Hello. My name is Dinah Van Ruyven, and I'm the Associate Dean for Vocational Health and Science Programs here at RMIT University. Today, I'm going to tell you a bit about the Associate Degree in Applied Science Program at RMIT. These programs are world-renowned and allow students to work across a variety of disciplines to replicate the real-world experience they will need once they start their careers. 

Before I start, I'd like to acknowledge the people of Woiwurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the Eastern Kulin nations. It is on their unceded lands that we learn and teach as they have done for millennia. RMIT respectfully acknowledges their ancestors and elders past, present, and emerging. And while we conduct our work remotely, I want to pay my respect to the wider unceded lands of this nation. 

Biomedicine is a rapidly changing and exciting industry, and this program will give you the hands-on skills to work in a range of different laboratories, such as health, diagnostic, research, or even vaccine production. This program can lead you straight to work in a laboratory or to a wide range of RMIT bachelor programs. 

Clearly in ATAR for 2020 was 41.7. The prerequisites Year 12, including units three and four with a study score of at least 25 in English EAL, or at least 20 in English other than EAL, and units three and four with a study score of at least 20 in any mathematics. A study score of 20 in one, but no more than three of biology, chemistry, maths, or physics equals one aggregate point per study, overall with a maximum of three points. 

In first year, you will learn fundamental laboratory skills in chemistry, microbiology, and biochemistry. You will also gain skills in scientific research, biochemistry, and genetics. Second-year subjects build on the knowledge and laboratory skills you gained in first year. These include tissue culture, molecular biology, and applied microbiology, and biochemistry. Your final semester includes a 10 to 20 day placement in an industry laboratory where you will apply all the skills you gained in a real workplace. RMIT will assist you to find a professional practice placement. You will also have the choice of one or two electives, depending on your interests. 

You will spend at least 50% of your class time in our industry-standard laboratories, learning how to carry out tests and procedures confidently and independently. 

This is Hamdi Jama. Hamdi came to Australia as a refugee. She started at RMIT studying a certificate three in science, and then moved to the associate degree in applied science. She found her niche in studying science and excelled and used this program as a stepping stone to the bachelor of biomedical science. In 2017, she completed First Class Honors at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Research characterizing cardiac fibroblasts during cardiac inflammation. She's now studying her PhD at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. Her PhD project focuses on how gut microbial metabolites influence cardiovascular disease. 

Students in this program visit labs to see how they run in real life. 

Professional practice is a great way to put into practice all the skills and knowledge you've gained during your studies. Students find that everything falls into place, that when they are working in a real lab. Some students have also been offered paid work after completing their placement. 

Students can get in a job in a wide range of laboratories, from environmental testing to health and research. This is an exciting career which is changing all the time. The current pandemic has relied heavily on laboratory workers. For example, testing for COVID-19 and the development towards a vaccine. 

Thank you for taking the time to hear about our programs here at RMIT. For more information, be sure to check the program information available on our website or call Study@RMIT on 9925 2260. Take care and have a lovely day.

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