Associate Degree in Applied Science (Fermentation and Separation)

Graduation from the Associate Degree in Applied Science can provide an entry opportunity for those who have not worked in science; accelerate progression through a graduate’s present organisation; or open up new career pathways and opportunities.

Opportunities for students specialising in Applied Science (Fermentation and separation) include brewing, wine making, fermented food and drink product manufacture, distillation, alkaloids, biodiesel, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, forensics, essential oils and water treatment.

Higher education via OUA

Successful completion of any 4 OUA open access subjects of study at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified.

Higher education

Domestic Applicants with higher education study - Completed at least one undergraduate subject (equivalent to 12.5 UTAS credit points) within an equivalent AQF Level course or higher.

Secondary education

Completed the TCE (or equivalent).

VET studies

Successful completion of Certificate III or higher.

Work and Life

Domestic Applicants with work and life experience: If you have not successfully completed senior secondary, tertiary or TAFE/VET study, but have extensive or sustained work experience.

On campus requirements

Students may be required to attend face to face workshops, more information can be found in each subjects details.

Practicum placement

A key feature of the course is the practical component, to provide hands-on learning which aims to enhance students’ problem solving, communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills by allowing them to ‘learn through practice’. Industry experts have helped to develop the course and are actively involved in the delivery through teaching, site visits, case studies and work placements. As a result, graduates will be considered ‘workplace ready’ after two years of (full-time) study.

The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here.

https://www.utas.edu.au/study/apply/admission-requirements/recognition-of-prior-learning

The Associate Degree in Applied Science is an industry-focused program designed for people interested in working in fields that require specialised skills and knowledge of applied science principles and processes, including those who may never have considered a career in science. The streams available under this course are: Fermentation and Separation and Sustainable Aquaculture.

The Fermentation and Separation stream has been developed for people interested in working in innovative food and beverage industries such as brewing, winemaking, fermented food and drink production, the stream also prepares graduates to learn about the premium bio-industries (essential oils, seaweed based fertilisers, poppies, pyrethrum and biodiesel). Core subjects include applied biology, applied chemistry, data and analysis, quality management and sustainability are integrated with stream subjects such as applied microbiology and fermentation principles and processes. Throughout the course, students can choose four elective subjects to develop their areas of interest.

A key feature of the course is the practical component, to provide hands-on learning which aims to enhance students’ problem solving, communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills by allowing them to ‘learn through practice’. Industry experts have helped to develop the course and are actively involved in the delivery through teaching, site visits, case studies and work placements. As a result, graduates will be considered ‘workplace ready’ after two years of (full-time) study. The program is available for full-time and part-time study across all campuses in Tasmania and is delivered through a combination of online study, face-to-face classes, practical workshops and tutorials. Graduates of the Associate Degree in Applied Science will have: a pathway to a great career in their chosen field with practical skills to take straight into the workplace and the opportunity to undertake further study at the University of Tasmania.

Recommended Study Pattern

For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended:

Year 1. 8 subjects in first year including:

• 6 core subjects:
  • TAS-ZAS112 Understanding Science
  • TAS-ZAS117 Applied Biology
  • TAS-ZAS118 Sustainability
  • TAS-ZAS123 Applied Chemistry
  • TAS-ZAS121 Applied Microbiology
  • TAS-ZAS122 Fermentation Principles and Processes
• 2 UTAS Electives

Year 2. 8 subjects in second year including: 

• 6 core subjects:
  • TAS-ZAA233 Managing Projects
  • TAS-ZAB234 Data and Analysis
  • TAS-ZAS231 Quality Management
  • TAS-ZAS232 Regulatory Challenges
  • TAS-ZAS225 Technology and Innovation
  • TAS-ZAS226 Separation Principles and Processes
• 2 UTAS Electives

Award Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 16 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 2-5 years from commencement.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Fermentation and Separation Stream

The Fermentation and Separation stream has been developed for people interested in working in innovative food and beverage industries such as brewing, winemaking, fermented food and drink production. This stream also prepares graduates to learn about the premium bio-industries (essential oils, seaweed based fertilisers, poppies, pyrethrum and biodiesel). Core subjects include applied biology, applied chemistry, data and analysis, quality management and sustainability are integrated with stream subjects such as applied microbiology and fermentation principles and processes. Throughout the course, students can choose four elective subjects to develop their areas of interest.

Year 1

Students are exposed to authentic and engaged learning experiences designed to develop their understanding of work and the workplace. In the first year of study, students are introduced to:

• Different methods of and approaches to practice;
• How issues such as values, ethics, empathy and leadership are reflected in the workplace;
• The role of reflection and deliberative thinking in developing workplace-based knowledge, skills, attitudes and aspirations.

Students develop personal responsibility for and autonomy in developing their portfolio of practice (known as a Practice Manual). This is reflected in educational plans developed in consultation with their Academic Coaches and based on a method or approach to practice from, for example projects, data-driven decision making, case studies, field work, simulated environments, design thinking etc.

Year 2

The second year of study builds on concepts of learning through practice from the diploma by introducing students to more complex learning experiences. Students will be introduced to discipline-based skills and knowledge in dynamic practice situations, including:

• Authentic and purposeful, industry-related experiences
• Concepts of managing effective relationships and communicating with others
• The development and use of adaptive leadership skills and how these skills relate to innovative and entrepreneurial practice
• The nature of responsible, accountable and reflective workplace skills
• Creative and critical thinking relevant to para-professional practice.

Students will exercise self-awareness, initiative and judgement to manage yourself and professional relationships effectively. The application of tacit knowledge and capabilities will be reflected in a Practice Manual.