New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Health Science Pathway)

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL Te Pūkenga is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

This programme comprises 60 credits.

The UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) (Nursing Pathway) covers a variety of subjects that will equip you with academic skills for higher-level study in nursing, including:

Skills for Academic Study (Level 4) (15 Credits)
In this course, you will discover the best way for you to learn in the health sciences area. Topics cover skills considered essential for nursing learners and include aspects of learning, exam and test preparation, time management, research skills, written and oral communication as well as interview and CV preparation. Classes will include work in a PC computer laboratory.  You will research a health condition, infection or disease that is caused by a microorganism and present this information both in a written essay and oral presentation. You will also create a professional health portfolio of the area of health care that you are interested in working in. This portfolio includes interviewing a health professional and researching the history, academic pathway, professional associations and the significance of this health profession for future health care in New Zealand.

Mastering Calculations (Level 3) (15 Credits)
Learners will acquire and practice numeracy skills relevant to health sciences. This will include science calculations such as concentration and metric conversions. You will also look at health-related numeracy such as BMI and drug calculations. Statistics is a key part of understanding health-related data so you will learn to create, interpret graphs and understand basic statistics from selected health data.

Human Body and Microbes (Level 4) (15 Credits)
Learners will examine the structure and function of the human body and prepare a poster to demonstrate their knowledge. The main body systems are covered in more detail and laboratory classes will enable a closer look, especially at the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. You will explore the area of microbiology and investigate selected microorganisms, including beneficial, harmful and opportunistic effects on human health. Genetics and inheritance introduce how cells replicate, can make mistakes, and produce the mutants we all are, thus connecting the chemistry of the body to inheritable diseases.

Chemistry and Cell Biology (Level 4) (15 Credits)
Learners will review basic principles of chemistry including bonding, chemical formulae and chemical equations including respiration and ATP synthesis. You will explore the properties of acids and buffers to introduce how the chemistry in our blood works to keep our metabolism functioning correctly and what happens when it does not. The basics of biochemistry are covered including the interpretation of chemical structures including alcohols and natural acids, as well as carbohydrates, nucleic acids and lipids and their role in biological systems. In cell biology, you will investigate the basic structure and function of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, then examine the basic tissue types, microorganism growth, and antibiotic resistance. All of these topics will include theory classes and laboratory investigations.

Previous Related Programmes

• Certificate in Science and Health

NCEA Level 2

OR

New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3)

OR

Equivalent academic achievement 

OR

On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean.

English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 5.5 with no band score less than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learner applicants.

English language proficiency
International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

Timetable
Your timetable will be available just prior to classes starting, and will comprise a weekly commitment of approximately:

• 20 hours of class time (including 3-4 hours online classes)
• 20 hours of self-directed learning (your own time spent on research and study to complete your written assignments)

Blended learning
This programme is offered on a blended delivery approach, a unique combination of online and face-to-face learning. Learners are welcome to use the UCOL facilities (computers, Internet) to access online learning. However, we encourage learners to have their device such as laptop/PC or tablet to be able to access the online component of this programme from home.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course or unit standards have already been met.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email.