Qualification Details s4

Qualification details

Title New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 5)

Version 1 Type Diploma

Level 5 Credits 120

NZSCED 010000 Natural and Physical Sciences

Qualification developer Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology

Next review December 2019

Approval date January 2015

Strategic purpose statement The purpose of this qualification is to provide individuals with theoretical and/or technical knowledge within a range of natural and physical sciences for employment and/or progression to higher level qualifications. The qualification will also identify for the science-related sectors of Aotearoa New Zealand those employees who are able to work independently in routine operational positions in the manufacturing and regulatory industries, field work, research and development. t

n Graduate profile Graduates of this qualification will be able to: e

m - select and apply scientific principles to carry out tasks e t a t - collect, process, and evaluate scientific data in an operational or S

e research context m

o - recognise common problems with processes and suggest c t

u solutions O - contribute to a team in a scientific workplace and have responsibility for outcomes.

Education pathway This qualification builds on the New Zealand Certificate in Applied Science (Level 4) [Ref: 2551]. This qualification leads to the New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science (Level 6) [Ref: 2553] and may lead to a diploma or a bachelor degree in a wide range of science-related disciplines.

Employment pathway Graduates of this diploma can work in routine operational positions in science-related fields of work including manufacturing and regulatory industries, field work, research and development.

Qualification Reference 2552 Page 1 of 4 © New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015 Qualification specifications

Qualification award This qualification will be awarded by the accredited organisation with which the learner is enrolled. The formal document certifying the award of this certificate will display the title of the qualification, the date of issue and/or award, the logo of the NZQF, the NZQF reference number, and the name and/or logo of the awarding body.

Evidence requirements for All tertiary education organisations (TEOs) either arranging assuring consistency training or delivering programmes that lead to the award of the qualification are required to participate in a consistency process scheduled by NZQA. This will involve review of evidence associated with graduate’s achievement of outcomes, and agreeing acceptable thresholds for qualification outcome achievement, and areas for improvement. To demonstrate how graduates are achieving the qualification graduate profile outcomes, TEOs are required to produce their own evidence in a high level report. Evidence may include the following:  Programme statistics such as completion data and graduate destination data  Graduate portfolios at the programme level demonstrating that graduates meet the graduate profile outcomes.  Evidence from internal and/or external moderation processes.  Documentation of processes that ensure programmes continue to meet current industry needs.  Next user feedback such as employer surveys.  Any other relevant evidence as appropriate. Further information about the consistency process can be found at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/consistency-of- graduate-outcomes/

Credit transfer and recognition of Education providers must have policies and procedures in place prior learning arrangements for managing credit transfer, and assessing recognition of prior learning and recognition of current competency. These policies and procedures, and information about associated fees, must be available to the candidate prior to enrolment.

Minimum standard of achievement Achievement of all outcomes. There are no grade endorsements and standards for grade for this qualification. endorsements

Entry requirements (including It is recommended that candidates hold a level 4 qualification in prerequisites to meet regulatory science. body or legislative requirements)

Qualification Reference 2552 Page 2 of 4 © New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015 NCEA or alternate entry requirements will be set by the providers.

Qualification conditions Overarching conditions relating to the qualification

Conditions for programme A minimum of 100 hours’ relevant work-based learning is structure recommended. The maximum length of time to complete the programme will be determined by the programme owner.

Conditions for programme context The context of learning in any work-based training should be relevant to the work-based provider’s policies and procedures.

Other conditions Definitions: To evaluate means to consider results in order to form an idea of their value. Have responsibility for outcomes means being accountable for the (final) outcome of the work performed by the team, ensuring input by self and support staff is acceptable. The focus of programmes leading to this qualification must be natural and physical sciences as defined by NZSCED (01). Health and safety responsibilities underpin all practical activities and must be integrated into assessments. Assessment should indicate workplace readiness. TEOs arranging training or delivering programmes towards this qualification must ensure that the training arranged and programmes of learning delivered, are kept up-to-date with regard to amendments to, and replacements of relevant legislation, regulations. Programmes are expected to cover a range of natural and physical sciences.

Specific conditions relating to the Graduate profile

Qualification outcomes Conditions Mandatory or Optional

1 Select and apply scientific Programmes must include: Mandatory principles to carry out tasks. condition  independent choice of practical techniques Credits 50  consistent and independent performance of techniques.

Qualification Reference 2552 Page 3 of 4 © New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2015 2 Collect, process, and evaluate Programmes must include: Mandatory scientific data in an operational condition or research context.  selection and application of scientific calculations. Credits 30

3 Recognise common problems Problems can include: Optional with processes and suggest condition solutions.  technical errors  inconsistencies in results. Credits 20

4 Contribute to a team in a Programmes must include: Mandatory scientific workplace and have condition responsibility for outcomes.  communication in a scientific context using digital technology. Credits 20

Transition information

Replacement information This qualification replaced the National Diploma in Science (Level 5) [Ref: 0234].

People currently working towards the replaced qualification may either complete the requirements for that qualification by 31 December 2018 or transfer to this qualification. The last date for entry into programmes leading to the replaced qualification is 31 December 2016. The last date for award of the replaced qualification is 31 December 2018.