National Diploma in Science (Advanced Technician) (Level 6) with optional strands in Laboratory Practice and Technology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Applied
Qualification Type
National Diploma
Level
6
Credits
120
Subject Area
Natural and Physical Sciences » Other Natural and Physical Sciences » Laboratory Technology
Sciences » Science
Strategic Purpose Statement
The National Diploma in Science (Advanced Technician) (Level 6) with optional strands [Ref: 0235] recognises the specialised skills and knowledge needed to gain employment where the application of specialised laboratory and fieldwork skills are required.
These skills include:
. using problem solving skills in a variety of routine situations
. demonstrating competence in technical written communications
. demonstrating practical competence of laboratory techniques
. accurately recording scientific results
. identifying and managing laboratory hazards
. working safely in a scientific environment or chemical and/or a microbiological laboratory.
The emphasis in this qualification is on practical and technical skills, and on technical expertise in the use of instruments and scientific methodology used in industry and research laboratories.
There are multiple paths in this qualification to achieve the required 120 credits.
. A general Science (Advanced Technician) qualification, where 120 credits are required, with 28 credits coming from the compulsory standards, and the remaining credits coming from the Science sub field, resulting in the National Diploma in Science (Advanced Technician) (Level 6) [Ref: 0235]; or
. A specialised Science (Advanced Technician) qualification, with 28 credits coming from the compulsory standards, and the remaining credits coming from the domains or list of standards appropriate to the strands, resulting in, for example, award of the National Diploma in Science (Advanced Technician) (Level 6) with optional strand Laboratory Practice and Technology [Ref: 0235].
The core compulsory standards ensure scientific knowledge is supported by knowledge of:
. safe working practices in chemical and microbiological laboratories
. laboratory quality management systems
. management of hazardous substances
. legislative requirements for handling and storing hazardous substances.
The optional strand structure allows people to be recognised for the specialised nature of skills and techniques and knowledge in microbiology, chemistry, and laboratory practice and technology which may include:
. interpreting and reporting technical scientific results
. reporting results in a clear, timely, and applicable format for interpretation
. using communication skills to convey information and instructions
. techniques and technical skills and expertise in analysis.
The Laboratory Practice and Technology optional strand recognises laboratory practical skills from a range of science fields. The strand is designed so that standards can be selected from a Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Science-core domain set and Microbiology and Molecular Biology domain set. The Laboratory Practice and Technology optional strand recognises candidate's competence in performing analysis using a wide range of techniques from these sets which are commonly undertaken in research and industry laboratories. They will be competent in the use of a range of laboratory equipment and instruments. The strand is designed to be flexible so that the provider can select standards to recognise candidate's competence in the practical skills that are practised in real laboratory contexts.
The Microbiology and Chemistry optional strands recognise knowledge and skills in their respective fields.
The Microbiology optional strand is designed to be flexible so that the provider can select standards in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular - Biology domains. Dependent upon standard selection the Microbiology strand recognises candidate's knowledge of and practical skills specific to Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Biology fields of science. Also it recognises candidate's competence in performing microbiological techniques commonly undertaken in research and industry laboratories.
Similarly the Chemistry optional strand is designed to be flexible so that the provider can select standards in Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology domains. Dependent upon standard selection the Chemistry strand recognises candidate's knowledge of and practical skills specific to Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology fields of science. Also it recognises candidate's competence in performing chemistry techniques commonly undertaken in research and industry laboratories.
The Applied optional strand includes standard 26347 which requires candidates to undertake practical work experience in a research or industrial laboratory and allows recognition of this experience. This standard recognises a significant and specific outcome related to the application of the skills and techniques acquired in a teaching and learning environment. Candidates that have been recognised for this standard have shown the ability to work in an industrial or research laboratory and demonstrate skills for a scientific process; report, record, and evaluate the requirements of a scientific process: and write a scientific report and make an oral presentation of the requirements for a scientific process.
This qualification builds on scientific skills and knowledge acquired from the National Certificate in Science (Level 4) [Ref: 1669], the National Certificate in Science (Level 5) [Ref: 1670], the National Diploma in Science (Technician) (Level 5) with optional strands in Laboratory Practice and Technology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Applied [Ref: 0234], or related qualifications. It provides a sound platform for employment and/or further study towards science qualifications related to the workplace or to university study.
Employment pathways
nullTo find out more about employment opportunities click on the CareersNZ logo, then the provider who offers this qualification.
The qualification title names the overall focus of the qualification.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Te Reo Maori Title
Listed under Te Reo Maori title with English equivalent.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Matauranga Maori Qualification
A qualification quality assured and approved through the Te Hono o Te Kahurangi quality assurance approach.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Qualification Type
There are different types of qualifications including certificate, diploma, degree and post-graduate certificates and diplomas. Qualification types relate to NZQF levels.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Level
The NZQF has ten levels. Level one is least complex and is often entry-level, for example foundation certificates. Levels eight to ten are the most complex, and include post-graduate study.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Credits
The credit value relates to the size of the qualification. One credit equates to ten hours of learning. One year's full-time study at a provider is usually 120 credits, but if you are studying part-time or in the work place the credit value may vary.
+Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Subject Area
All qualifications are grouped into subject areas on the New Zealand Standard Classification of Education (NZSCED). The subject area is a keyword and can be used when searching for qualifications in an area of interest.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Strategic Purpose Statement
Strategic purpose statement explains the reason why the qualification has been developed. It identifies the target learners and for what roles the qualification prepares them.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Graduate profile
The Graduate profile explains the skills, knowledge and attributes a graduate will have attained on achieving the qualification. It describes what they can know and do and be.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Education pathways
Education pathways include other qualifications you can enrol into after completing this qualification.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Employment pathways
Employment pathways include the kinds of careers you can develop with this qualification.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Next Review
This is the date the qualification will expire and be reviewed or discontinued.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Last Date For Entry
The last date a learner can be enrolled in a programme leading to this qualification.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Entry Requirements
The level of education or training you need to have achieved before an education organisation will consider enrolling you for it or arranging the training. Each organisation may also have entry requirements for the programmes they run.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Education Organisation
This is the organisation that can help you achieve the qualification.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Developed By
Qualifications are developed by education organisations. These include standard setting bodies, like industry training organisations, and tertiary providers, such as universities, polytechnics and private training establishments.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Quality Assured By
All qualifications on the NZQF have been checked by the quality assurance bodies of NZQA, ITP Quality or NZVCC to ensure qualifications have meaningful outcomes.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Number
All qualifications have a unique number.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Status
The status shows if a qualification is current, expiring or discontinued. Only current qualifications have programmes at education organisations that are open to new enrolments.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Created
This is the date the qualification was listed on the NZQF.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Last Reviewed
Last date the qualification was formally reviewed.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Content
Information on how a qualification is structured.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]
Discontinued
This is the date the qualification was discontinued and no longer available.
Click anywhere in this window to close it, or press [Esc]