Bachelor of Applied Science (Laboratory Science) (Level 7)

Prepare for a career in in laboratory science with the Bachelor of Applied Science (Laboratory Science) (Level 7)

As a graduate of the degree you will demonstrate intellectual independence, critical thinking and analytic rigor. You will be able to work with confidence, both independently and collaboratively as part of a team in a science laboratory.

You will develop knowledge and skills related to the ideas, principles, concepts, research methods, and problem-solving techniques in laboratory science. You will also develop knowledge and skills in data collection, computation, processing, and management systems, along with a range of transferable laboratory practice skills.

Professional Skills in Science (15 credits)

Learn to work effectively in an applied science setting, with an understanding of workplace legislative requirements.  The course will cover:

Bioscience in Industry 1 (15 credits)

Acquire the practical skills and theoretical knowledge in microbiology required to practise safely in a laboratory or industry setting. The course will cover:

• Traditional and molecular microbiology methods for food and environmental quality.
• Food, water quality and industrial microbes of interest.
• Sterilisation and disinfection.

Biostatistics I (15 credits)

Learn to make sense of numbers, graphs and fundamental statistical concepts; and to use, interpret and report them in a meaningful way in business practice. This course also provides a foundation for further study, research and project management requiring an analytical approach.  The course will cover:

• Data analysis
• Probability
• Population sampling and sampling distributions
• Estimation
• Inference, hypothesis testing
• Simple regression analysis
• Correlation of data
• Communicating data
• Computer software analysis
• Summarising and interpreting data

Quality Assurance (15 credits)

Learn to understand organisational techniques for establishing, maintaining and improving quality and business sustainability. The course will cover:

• Quality terminology.
• Quality management systems (including ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 and HACCP).
• Leadership for quality.
• Purchasing of consumables and capital items to support quality assurance.
• The role of audit and review.

Chemistry for Applied Science (15 credits)

Learn the skills and knowledge required: to work safely in a chemical laboratory; to be able to read and interpret chemical equations, use stoichiometry and chemical equilibria to evaluate and explain chemical observations; and have an elementary knowledge of the behaviours of acids, bases and salts in solution and carry out volumetric analyses. The course will cover:

• The periodic table, atomic structure and properties of elements.
• Structure, properties and bonding of chemical compounds.
• Chemical formulae and chemical equations.
• Redox chemistry, balancing redox reactions and redox titrations.
• Acid-base equilibria including buffer behaviour and pH.
• Calculations related to chemical analysis.
• Laboratory safety

Industrial Biomolecules (15 credits)

Learn to apply knowledge of the structures and properties of biomolecules to their extraction and associated product quality requirements. The course will cover:

• Functional groups, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids
• Manufacturing processes including extraction and purification
• Bioreactors
• Logic structure of process controllers
• Food and non-food products
• Soxhlet fat extraction

Practical Skills (15 credits)

Learn to safely carry out a range of generic laboratory or workplace tasks appropriately and, where applicable, accurately. Become familiar with calibrating, maintaining and using laboratory glassware, balances, pH meters and analytical equipment. The course will cover:

• Autopipetting.
• Calibrate and maintain and calibrate generic equipment (Burettes, pipettes, balance, pH meter and pH electrode, viscometer, refractometer and pycnometer)
• Perform quantitative spectrophotometric analysis, produce a standard curve, and interpret spectrophotometric data.
• Gravimetric technique of analysis for a metal or an anion

The Chemical Basis of Biology and Separation Science (15 credits)

Develop an understanding of chemical processes in biological systems and industrial applications. Learn to: employ solvent extraction and distillation as techniques to isolate and separate organic compounds from each other from a given mixture; and analyse chemical compounds using techniques involving extraction methods, distillation, and chromatography (thin layer and column). Be introduced to elementary thermodynamics and kinetics experiments and calculations. The course will cover:

• Introductory thermodynamic concepts and the thermodynamic laws.
• High energy biomolecules, phosphoric acid anhydrides and ATP as an intermediate shuttle molecule. Energetics involving ATP recycling in the human body
• Reaction orders, radioactive decay law and reaction rates
• Fundamentals of enzyme kinetics, Michaelis Menton kinetics
• Kinetics experiments
• Thin layer and paper chromatography. Column chromatography (Size exclusion and ion exchange)

Bioscience in Industry 2 (15 credits)

Acquire the practical skills and theoretical knowledge in life sciences required to practise safely in a laboratory or industry setting. The course will cover:

• Microbial degradation and bioremediation.
• Sampling, isolation, identification and enumeration of food-borne pathogens. HACCP plans and Food Safety Programmes.
• Water microbiology sampling

Environmental Quality Assessment (15 credits)

Learn to take a process-based approach to environmental quality and its assessment and  carry out and perform industrially used and other water quality laboratory tests. The course will cover:

• Bi-cultural perspectives on environmental quality and degradation
• The environment and the Treaty of Waitangi
• Water chemistry sampling and analysis for nutrients and major components.
• Water quality measure (industrial, natural and polluted waters – BOD, COD and water hardness).
• Interplay between nutrient status and chemistry in aquatic systems.
• Aquifer structure and water quality

Biostatistics II (15 credits)

Learn to collect data, to interpret the results using statistical analysis, to display the results, and to make informed recommendations. The course will cover:

• Professional statistics software
• Transform continuous data using statistical methods
• Data analysis using ANOVA
• Data analysis using regression and correlation
• Data display
• Biostatistical data interpretation

Laboratory Instrumental Analytical Techniques (15 credits)

Learn to analyse chemical elements and compounds employing commonly used instrumental and analytical methods. The course will cover:

• Flame atomic absorption methods of analysis, FAAS, and UV/Visible spectroscopy
• Infrared spectroscopy
• UV/Visible and fluorescence spectroscopy
• Gas Chromatography, instrumentation and GC analysis
• Ion Exchange, Column and Size exclusion chromatography, High pressure Liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Advanced Culture Techniques (15 credits)

To prepare and perform advanced laboratory techniques and investigate epidemiology.  The course will cover:

• Cultural perspectives on the use of biological tissues
• Virus enumeration
• Pathogen detection
• Tissue culture
• Epidemiology
• Koch's postulates
• Specialised media

Applied Science Investigation (15 credits)

Learn to undertake an applied science investigation and evaluate the data. The course will cover:

• Characteristics of the applied science literature
• Research design
• Data collection and analysis
• Evaluation and synthesis of information
• Cultural, ethical and legal requirements
• Use of specialised and generic software
• Research presentation

Work Placement (30 credits)

Actively engage in an applied science workplace, and critically reflect on their experience. The course will cover:

• Supervised work experience in an appropriate applied science workplace
• Professional expectations
• Interpersonal communication skills
• Development of reflective skills
• Mid-placement feedback
• Post-placement debriefing

Research Methods (15 credits)

Gain an understanding of the research process and ethical/cultural considerations of research, the ability to undertake a critical analysis of research, and the ability to communicate scientific research findings. The course will cover:

• Types of research methodology & design (Fundamental/applied, qualitative – phenomenological, narrative, case-study, quantitative - descriptive survey, causal correlational, experimental)
• Scientific Methodology
• Ethical and Cultural Considerations of Research
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi and partnership in research (kaupapa Māori, Māori centric, Māori relevant)
• The intersection of Mātauranga Māori with Science
• Method and Equipment Selection
• Understanding of reported statistics (including reliability and repeatability of data and statistical significance)
• Literature searching and critiquing
• Research Communication

Biological Tissue Analysis (15 credits)

Gain advanced technical skills in the collection and analysis of biological tissues with emphasis on tissue and laboratory testing conditions, factors that influence results, and an understanding of recent advancements in biological testing. The course will cover:

• Organ systems and the immune system
• Biochemical analysis of mammalian and plant tissues
• Cultural safety of tissue sampling and testing
• Chemical analysis of biological waste products
• Research collaboration
• Statistical analysis

Advanced Spectroscopic and Electroanalytical Techniques (15 credits)

Gain a range of laboratory skills and knowledge of chemistry in advanced topics and be introduced to new concepts in chemical spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis.

The course will cover:

• NMR and ESR techniques
• Liquid chromatography
• Gas chromatography
• Flame atomic spectroscopy
• UV, visible, infrared and near infrared spectroscopy
• Mass spectrometry, ICP-MS and GC-MS

Advanced Molecular Techniques (15 credits)

Gain advanced knowledge and practical skills related to Molecular Biology techniques and analysis, including problem solving, critical thinking skills and an awareness of new technologies in this field. The course will cover:

• Gene transfer techniques, cloning and gene editing
• Gene structure, expression and regulation
• Advanced Molecular Biology techniques
• Communicate knowledge of molecular biology techniques
• Biodiversity for microbial populations

Bioscience in Industry 3 (15 credits)

Gain advanced knowledge of the microbiology of food and environmental testing including selection of test methods, validation of test methods, problem solving and critical thinking skills. The course will cover:

• Bi-cultural perspectives on water and food quality assessment
• Technical Validation
• Method and Equipment Selection
• Reliability and repeatability of data
• Critically reviewing techniques
• Tests performed in a professional timeframe

Laboratory Management (15 credits)

Learn the skills to manage situations in the laboratory relating to Health and Safety, risk and hazard analysis, quality assurance and inventory management, hazardous substances and audits within a quality standard and legislative compliance setting.

The course will cover:

• Risk/Hazard Analysis
• Quality assurance
• Management of staff and human resources
• Application of quality systems- IANZ, MPI, ISO 17075, AS/NZS 2243:2010
• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and relevant regulations
• Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 and amendment acts.
• Resource Management Act 1991

Elective 1

Industry Project/ Internship (30 credits)

Learn to carry out a significant project/internship related to your area of study for a specific organisation and apply theoretical learning and self-reflections to workplace situations.  You will arrange your project with an industry provider/employer.  The course will cover:

Elective 2

Laboratory Project (30 credits)

Apply your knowledge and practical skills in the area of both laboratory practice and research to an investigation in your chose field/topic. The course will cover:

UCOL in its many forms has been part of the community for more than a century. We are a proud example of a successful Institute of Technology and Polytechnic. We have a rich heritage and much to contribute to the future of vocational learning.

When you study with UCOL you’re much more than a number. We take the time to get to know you, to understand who you are. By sharing your strengths and what you want to achieve, we can truly help you get to where you want to be.

At UCOL, we’re here to support you all the way. Studying can be a challenge, we get that.

Study takes commitment, which, together with a learning style that suits you and the support you need, is a very powerful combination. At UCOL we encourage resilience and build self-confidence while you learn - providing our students with even greater opportunities.

As a student studying on or off campus, you can expect to learn skills and gain knowledge that sets you on your way. Gaining a qualification is a wonderful achievement that is earned, not given. We encourage you to stay in touch and make life-long learning a part of your journey. Ultimately, we want you to find your own place, whatever that may mean for you.

Our networks with local employers go beyond one-way exchanges, we value meaningful connections that are mutually beneficial. These relationships keep our education grounded, our programmes relevant, and job opportunities real. Our approach is truly collaborative.

UCOL graduates are well-rounded and possess the skills and values employers are looking. They are valued members of their local community. With campuses in Palmerston North, Whanganui, Wairarapa and Horowhenua, and various delivery locations, we’re well known throughout the central and lower North Island.

Being close to our communities is a vital part of who we are. We strive to deepen connections and help our communities to grow and prosper. We aspire to build positive, meaningful relationships that benefit our students and graduates. That is why we exist.