Course Description
Career Opportunities
Course Duration
Course Commencement Dates
Entrance Requirements
Application Procedures
Skills Recognition - Exemptions/Transfers
Pathways to Further Study
Course Outline
Assessment Methods
Materials
Qualification

Certificate IV in Science

National Code: 21858VIC

Course Location and Contact Information

Course Description

The Certificate IV in Science is a bridging course for people wanting to pursue further study in a science related field at university level. It is designed specifically for adults who are returning to study. Time is spent developing and consolidating basic concepts and skills before attempting more advanced work.

There is an emphasis in the course on understanding concepts in maths and science and developing students' critical thinking skills to enable them to succeed at tertiary level.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are eligible to apply for a range of tertiary science and health courses.

Course Duration

Full-time: One year (day classes). Enrolment in individual subjects is also possible.

Course Commencement Dates

February.

Entrance Requirements

Applicants are interviewed to ensure the course of study suits their needs. All students are required to have basic maths skills, as in the Certificate II in General Education for Adults.

Application Procedure

Full-time: Apply through VTAC. An NMIT Science Supplementary Form is also required.
Part-time: Apply directly to the NMIT Vocational Pathways Department.

Applicants will be assigned an appointment time for an interview to be held in early December.

For more information, appointments and interviews contact: Penny Halliday or Jan Marett on 9269 8971/8380.

Skills Recognition - Exemptions/Transfers

Students may be eligible for exemptions/transfers on the basis of previous qualifications.

Pathways to Further Study

Graduates are eligible to apply for a range of tertiary science and health courses, eg: Science, Biotechnology and Nursing.

Course Outline

VPAU072 Conduct and present simple scientific research (20 hrs)
PMLOHS302A Participate in laboratory/field workplace safety (35 hrs)

Maths (8 hrs/week)

This subject reviews basic maths before developing the mathematical skills required to go on to further courses. It is taught with an emphasis on concept development, problem solving and applications. Areas of maths covered will include algebra, measurement, functions, trigonometry, statistics and calculus.
VPAU073 Use a range of techniques to solve mathematical problems (110 hrs)
VPAU077 Apply mathematical techniques to scientific contexts (50 hrs)
VPAU081 Work mathematically with statistics and calculus (50 hrs)
VBQU163 Analyse and evaluate numerical and statistical information (45)
VBQU164 Use algebraic techniques to analyse mathematical problems (45)

Chemistry (5 hrs/week)

Chemistry is the study of materials: their properties, structure, reactions, uses and how their structure can be modified to make materials more useful. Laboratory work is an important component of the course.
VPAM082 Atomic structure and bonding (45 hrs)
VPAM083 Stoichiometry and solution chemistry (45 hrs)
VPAM084 Organic chemistry and properties of materials (20 hrs)
VPAM089 Chemical reactions (50 hrs)

Physics (5 hrs/week)

Students gain a basic understanding of the physical world around them and develop a grounding in concepts and theories in physics. These are useful in all the sciences and all students should consider studying the subject at this level. The emphasis is on a practical, hands-on approach with demonstrations and activities included to develop skills and interest in physics.
VPAM085 Waves and optics (40 hrs)
VPAM086 Kinematics (40 hrs)
VPAU078 Apply dynamics and conservation principles (50 hrs)
VPAU074 conduct routine electrical tests (40 hrs)

Biology (5 hrs/week)

This subject builds on the students' own observations and understanding of living organisms. Basic biological principles are developed through practical activities, investigation and fieldwork. The biological concepts covered provide a sound background for students intending to undertake further studies in a broad range of biological sciences.
VPAU075 Conduct simple activities in a biological science laboratory (10 hrs)
VPAM087 Cell biology (35 hrs)
VPAU076 Conduct simple dissections (10 hrs)
VPAM088 Anatomy and physiology (35 hrs)
VPAM090 Introductory genetics (45 hrs)
VPAM091 Ecology (35 hrs)

Communication Skills (3 hours/week)

This subject helps students to consolidate the skills needed to express ideas clearly and succinctly with a view to assisting them in their further studies. The focus will be on effective study practices, thinking and reading with purpose, writing in different styles, and presenting information in an appropriate form.
VBQU155 Evaluate pathways options, design a learning plan and compile a portfolio (10 hrs)
VBQU157 Engage with a range of complex texts for learning purposes (28 hrs)
VBQU161 Create a range of complex texts for learning purposes (30 hrs)
FDFCORWCM2A Present and apply workplace information (30 hrs)

Computing (2 hours/week)

This subject provides students with the skills to competently use a personal computer to support their studies in science. Students gain familiarity with commonly used software for word processing and spreadsheet applications as well as using the Internet to find information and for communication purposes.
ICAU1129B Operate a word processing application (30 hrs)
ICAU1130A Operate a spreadsheet application (30 hrs)

Total Hours - 1008

Assessment Methods

Assessment is continuous throughout the year and based on tests, assignments and practical work.

Materials

Students are required to provide their own stationery, writing materials and a scientific calculator.

Qualification

As part of the Australian Qualifications Framework this program is nationally recognised. On successful completion students will be awarded the Certificate IV in Science.

Links

Information & Enrolment Sessions
Fees
Contact Vocational Pathways
VTAC Science Supplementary Form

The Victorian Government makes a significant contribution to these programs.