Associate Degree in Applied Science
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
ATAR 50.50
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Duration
Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne city -
Fees
Next intake
February Entry score
IELTS 6.0
Duration
Full-time 2 years Location
Melbourne city Fees
AU$29,760 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February
Overview
Start your career with applied science
This associate degree provides an entry point to the biomedical science industries, where technological changes are creating new opportunities.
What you will study
Gain core laboratory and science skills for a range of professional roles or receive advanced standing in a bachelor degree.
Details
This program has a focus on biomedical science. You will gain skills to perform confidently in biological, chemical and microbiological laboratories.
This program may also provide you with a pathway into a range of science-related bachelor degrees with advanced standing.
You will also undertake 80 hours of professional practice where you will tackle a relevant workplace project or task.
This is a hands-on program with a number of specialised simulated workplace laboratories that you will be trained in.
Our fully equipped chemistry laboratory has specialised chromatography and spectrophotometry equipment used in biotechnology applications.
There is also a touch screen analyser for "point of care" blood testing and an autoanalyser that can perform a wide range of biochemical tests.
Our PC2 containment laboratory is used for microbiology, tissue culture, and molecular biology work. In addition to essential microbiology equipment, it contains three biosafety cabinets and equipment for the isolation, purification and manipulation of DNA.
There is also a digital fluorescence imaging system for examination of a wide range of cells and tissues.
Inside the course
A variety of subjects that combine theory with practice gives students the opportunity to find their own path.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree in Applied Science | City Campus |
2 years (4 semesters) Full Time 4 Years (8 semesters) Part Time
|
2 years (4 semesters) Full Time
|
AD012 | 071869C |
Choose a program structure
Program code: AD012
Career
On completion you'll be qualified for employment at a technical or paraprofessional level in a range of public and private laboratories.
This program provides broad-based training for a technical career in diagnostics, medical research, veterinary, biological research, biotechnology or chemical and food testing laboratories.
We ensure our programs meet the current needs of industry through our industry advisory committees. These include the Laboratory Medicine Program Advisory Committee and the Biosciences Program Advisory Committee. There are representatives from organisations such as the Austin Health, Monash Health, CSL-Behring, Cancer Council and Melbourne IVF.
Admissions
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments).
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
To get a better understanding of admissions at RMIT, view our ATAR information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR or GPA (including any adjustments).
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above or equivalent.
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level or overseas equivalent.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent more then two years ago.
You must sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice if:
- You have no prior Year 12, VET qualifications, HE results or relevant work experience that meet the minimum entry requirements for the program; and
- You are 19 years of age or over (as of 1 Jan 2019) and have not enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years.
The STAT Multiple Choice will satisfy Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. Applicants must meet all other prerequisites or equivalents. Learn more about RMIT STAT results.
Form: Non-Year 12 applicants may submit additional information if they would like it to be considered. This can be completed through the VTAC Personal Statement online.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite athlete and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
Mathematics and one of Biology or Chemistry; or
VCE Units 3 and 4 in Mathematics (any) and one of Biology or Chemistry, with study scores of at least 20.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.0 (with no individual band below 5.5)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 550 (TWE 4.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 19 in all sections)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 50 (with no communication band less than 42)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 169 with no less than 162 in any component
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Non-academic abilities you'll need to complete this program
Some inherent requirements for this program include:
- reading, writing and number skills for understanding and completing laboratory reports, calculating and measuring chemicals
- vision to accurately gain information and use equipment
- physical skills to operate equipment and perform laboratory tasks
- managing your behaviour and emotions to safely and competently conduct laboratory tasks
- time-based problem-solving when working on laboratory tasks
View the full list of the Associate Degree in Applied Science inherent requirements:
Some inherent requirements for this program include:
- reading, writing and number skills for understanding and completing laboratory reports, calculating and measuring chemicals
- vision to accurately gain information and use equipment
- physical skills to operate equipment and perform laboratory tasks
- managing your behaviour and emotions to safely and competently conduct laboratory tasks
- time-based problem-solving when working on laboratory tasks
View the full list of the Associate Degree in Applied Science inherent requirements:
Who are they for?
Inherent requirements apply to every applicant and may be worth considering if you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition.
Why do you need to know?
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, and the non-academic abilities you may need in this program, you can:
- understand more about the program
- determine if you may need support during your studies
- make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you
What support is available?
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, please discuss this with RMIT program staff or the Equitable Learning Services (ELS).
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we may be able to support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with ELS.
Pathways
Graduates who achieve a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0 are guaranteed entry with credit for 10 courses (equivalent to 120 credit points) into one of the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine)
- Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences)
- Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
Graduates who achieve a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0 are guaranteed entry with credit for six courses (equivalent to 72 credit points) into the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours). Graduates with a GPA under 2.0 may apply and may be eligible for some credit if they are successful in gaining a place.
When you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Applied Science and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 (out of 4.0) you are guaranteed entry in the following programs with credit:
- Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) - you will receive 3 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 144 credit points).
- Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) - you will receive 3 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 144 credit points).
- Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences - you will receive 2 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 120 credit points).
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) - you will receive 2 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 120 credit points).
- Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences - you will receive 2 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 120 credit points). To be eligible, you must also successfully complete the prerequisite course ONPS2164 Medicines, Drugs and Poisons as part of your study in the Associate Degree in Applied Science.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) - you will receive 1 semester of advanced standing (equivalent to 84 credit points). To be eligible, you must also successfully complete the pre-requisite course PHAR1033 Essentials of Health Care Practice as part of your study in the Associate Degree in Applied Science.
If you achieve below the minimum GPA, you may still apply. You will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and credit is not guaranteed.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.
Fees
Entry for this program is through Commonwealth supported places (CSP).
2019 indicative fees
Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 per standard year
|
HECS-HELP
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to 100% of their student contribution.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2019 is $303.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA‑HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2019 is AU$29,760.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$59,520
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.