New Zealand Certificate in Applied Science (Level 3)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 3 |
|---|
About the course
This programme is a starting point for those interested in a career in science or engineering. You will study compulsory modules and then choose two elective modules.
Besides learning theory, you will get to go on field trips, such as:
- A visit to a native tree nursery to learn about eco-sourcing and eco-restoration
- To Lake Ngaroto to investigate plant and animal communities in a scrub ecosystem
- To a local dog handler who trains and works dogs that detect American Foul Brood in beehives
- To Waikato Valley Chocolate Factory to learn about food processing
You will also come on campus and take part in class practical lab work, including:* Testing the anti-bacterial action of honey
- Honey sensory lab
- Native tree identification
- Testing physical and chemical properties of soil samples and identifying invertebrates collected on a field trip
- Fieldwork sampling techniques
- Centroids experiments and using Hook's law
Additionally, a wide range of topics are covered in the physics module and investigations will include experiments on:* Gravitational constants
- Energy
- Magnetism
- Electricity
- Optics
This programme provides a pathway for entry into higher-level science programmes or to one of our four engineering diplomas, for those who do not already meet the academic entry requirements.
Entry requirements
There is open entry to this programme although you must demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of success.
International applicants must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency and are required to have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) Academic band score of 5.0, with no individual band score lower than 5.0 from one test taken in the last two years, or equivalent.
About the provider
Based in Hamilton, the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec), is one of the country’s largest institutes of technology. We deliver high-quality education across vocational (technical) and professional fields of study to approximately 13,000 students, across over 130 different courses.
At Wintec students are educated in a way that builds their confidence and gets them work-ready. We differ from other types of tertiary providers in the way students get the chance to put their theoretical learning into practice from the very start. You will get to work on real-life projects based on relevant topics and themes as if you were in the workplace. You will also get involved in work placements. This means that by the time you graduate, you will be confident in your skills and knowledge, and know-how to apply your learnings. Our academic staff have years of industry experience between them, which means they can guide you on your journey.
Wintec maintains collaborative relationships with local industry and iwi to identify the needs of the region and community. Fostering strong networks that our students and graduates benefit from is a high priority for us. Understanding the needs of local industry, what type of graduates they need now, and what they will need in the future is critical to assisting industry and our graduates.