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.