Aoraki Polytechnic and CPIT collaborate on Science Degree

Aoraki Polytechnic and CPIT collaborate on Science Degree

Tuesday, 17 January 2012, 4:00 pm
Press Release: Aoraki Polytechnic

Aoraki Polytechnic has secured another pathway to a degree, this time with CPIT. Students who graduate from Aoraki Polytechnic’s new 17 week National Certificate in Science (Level 4) programme can directly cross credit their qualification. Certificate of Science graduates who meet the criteria are able to join the CPIT programme in the second semester of their Bachelor of Applied Science (Laboratory Technology) degree.

CPIT’s Head of School of Applied Sciences and Allied Health, Dr Jeremy Shearman is very supportive of the initiative. “We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to collaborate with Aoraki Polytechnic and provide a pathway for their National Certificate in Science graduates into degree study here at CPIT.”

Any student completing the National Certificate in Science (Level 4) at Aoraki Polytechnic would be cross-credited the CPIT courses ASCH400 Principles of Chemistry AND ASLS500 Laboratory Skills. Cross-crediting of ASCM500 Communications may be possible if the student has relevant work experience, and would be assessed via an RPL process. This would allow students who complete the National Certificate in Science (Level 4) at Aoraki Polytechnic in semester one to enter the CPIT degree in semester two”

Aoraki Polytechnic’s Head of School for Health and Education Sandy McKirdy agrees. “This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity to open up degree options to people within South Canterbury to go onto further study. As well as servicing our local industry with skilled lab technicians.

Students can start their degree and stay in the area, with no disadvantage toward gaining their degree. Some students aren’t quite ready for university or want to stay home and save some money before they head away – this is a great chance to do this.”

CPIT’s programme coordinator, Dr David Hawke sees the venture as key to not only advantaging students of South Canterbury but opening links between the two institutes. “It’s a great example of how we can work together to provide pathways for students and establishing stronger links between our two institutes.”

The aim of Aoraki’s new programme is to develop knowledge and skills relating to science and laboratory practice. This qualification is designed to provide opportunities for further higher level study or entry level employment in the area of science, including CPIT’s degree, Bachelor of Applied Science (Laboratory Technician).

Content covered in the programme includes laboratory safety, science calculations, organic chemistry, aqueous chemistry, analytical chemistry, bacterial structure, microbiological tasks using aseptic techniques and communication with colleagues.

This is one of several pathway to degree options Aoraki Polytechnic currently have available, including pathways to degree options in the popular demand areas of Art and Design, Business Management, Science, Teaching (Early Childhood), Social Work, Nursing and Information Communications and Systems Development.

• Aoraki Polytechnic is taking enrolments now for a February start. Call 0800 426 725 for enrolments and more information.

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