Bachelor of Applied Science (Laboratory Science)

This degree is your gateway into the world of modern laboratory science. You will develop the specialist scientific skills, analytical mindset, and hands‑on lab experience needed to thrive in testing, research, and analytical laboratories across New Zealand’s growing science sector.

Specialise in areas such as chemistry, molecular biology, and microbiology while gaining the knowledge and skills needed for a dynamic and rewarding career.

Throughout the programme, you’ll gain a wide range of transferable skills, including data analysis, statistical interpretation, and laboratory techniques—essentials for success in modern science.

Our strong connections with local industry and research institutes help you build networks and gain exposure to real scientific environments, giving you a competitive edge when you graduate.

This programme runs for 41 weeks, including 7 holiday weeks each year.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time

15-17 hrs

Lectures, tutorials and/or online recordings.

Timetable set by your lecturer.

Work Experience

3.5-9 hrs

Industry placement or project.

Study Time

20 hrs

Study in your own time.

You can also choose to study part-time. Talk to us about your options with this programme.

This programme comprises 360 credits.

Level 5

Professional Skills in Applied Science (15 Credits)

Gain and apply the knowledge and skills to work effectively in an applied science setting, with an understanding of workplace legislative requirements.

Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

• Apply compliance requirements of health and safety legislation in an applied science work related environment

• Communicate in oral and written contexts an applied science work related environment

• Contribute to an applied science work related environment to apply hazard recognition and management principles

• Use current computing technology to analyse data within an applied science work related environment

Quality Assurance in Applied Science (15 Credits)

Gain the knowledge and skills in organisational techniques for establishing, maintaining and improving quality assurance in a laboratory or other organisational unit.

Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

• Work collaboratively to apply industry-specific quality standards and approaches to product quality

• Identify the elements that govern quality assurance in the laboratory or other applied science work related environment

Practical Laboratory Skills (15 Credits)

Gain and apply the knowledge and skills to safely carry out a range of generic laboratory or workplace tasks.

Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

• Make and interpret measurements from a range of instruments and equipment

• Demonstrate good practice related to safety, and sample handling and tracking in an applied science work related or research environment

• Carry out scientific calculations in an applied science work related or research environment

Microbiology in Industry (15 Credits)

Gain the knowledge and skills to acquire the practical skills and theoretical knowledge in microbiology required to practise safely in a laboratory or industry setting.

Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

• Identify and differentiate microorganisms in an applied science work related environment

• Perform bacterial enumeration, identification and reporting in an applied science work related environment

• Describe bacterial cultivation and growth, and methods used to control microbial growth

Statistical Analysis for Applied Science (15 Credits)

Gain the knowledge and skills to prepare, analyse and report statistical concepts in a science or technology context.

Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

• Report on scientific data using a statistical package in an applied science work related environment

• Apply probability distributions in a research or operational context

• Apply introductory statistical inference processes in a research or operational context

Chemistry for Applied Science (15 Credits)

Gain the knowledge and skills to explore and apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to further study in chemistry and the applied sciences.

Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

• Describe the properties of chemical elements and compounds in terms of redox behaviour, acid-base properties, bonding, and reactivity.

• Apply practical chemistry skills in an applied science work related environment

Biochemistry for Applied Science (15 Credits)

Gain knowledge and skills related to the structures and properties of biomolecules, their extraction and associated product quality requirements.

Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

• Describe the structures and properties of biological molecules

• Describe commercial extraction and purification of biological materials, and related product safety considerations

• Perform extraction and purification of biological materials in an operational or research context

Organic Chemistry for Applied Science (15 Credits)

Gain knowledge and skills in organic chemistry and biochemistry.

Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

• Classify organic compounds

• Describe properties and chemical reactions of specific functional groups

• Describe structures and properties of selected biomolecules

• Demonstrate practical skills in organic chemistry and biochemistry

Level 6

Applied Science Workplace Legislation (15 Credits)

Gain the knowledge and skills to undertake work placement or enter employment with an understanding of the compliance obligations of a typical applied science workplace.

Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

• Apply compliance requirements of relevant legislation in an applied science workplace

• Apply industry-specific quality standards and advanced approaches to product quality

Applied Science Work Placement 1 (15 Credits)

Gain the knowledge and skills to actively engage in an applied science workplace, and critically reflect on your experience.

Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

• Reflect on working within legislative requirements of an applied science workplace

• Contribute to the outcomes in an applied science workplace

• Critically reflect on professional practice in an applied science workplace

Applied Science Investigation Project (15 Credits)

Gain the knowledge and skills to undertake an applied science investigation, evaluate and present the data.

Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

• Undertake an applied science investigation, including design and data evaluation

• Analyse results of an applied science investigation and communicate using appropriate technology

Quality Statistics for Applied Science (15 Credits)

Gain the knowledge and skills to use quality assurance data in an applied science operational or research context.

Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

• Interpret applied science statistical data collected for quality assurance, operational, and/or research purposes

• Apply professional statistics software in quality management, operational, and/or research contexts

Analytical Chemistry for Applied Science (15 Credits)

Gain the knowledge and skills required to operate and trouble-shoot a range of instruments used for chemical analysis.

Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

• Perform analyses using common instrumental techniques

• Evaluate analytical instrumentation results and account for sources of error

Advanced Culture Techniques for Applied Science (15 Credits)

Gain the knowledge and skills to prepare and perform advanced applied science laboratory techniques and investigate epidemiology.

Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

• Use epidemiology principles to investigate infectious diseases

• Apply specialised techniques to investigate organisms in an applied science context

Molecular Methodologies for Applied Science (15 credits)

Gain knowledge of the principles and methods of molecular biology and the skills to apply these in an applied science context.

Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

• Analyse the structure and physical properties of nucleic acids and proteins

• Conduct appropriate molecular analyses of organisms in a range of food and environmental samples

• Evaluate tools used in molecular biology and their application in an applied science context

Applied Science Work Placement 2 (15 Credits)

Further develop knowledge and skills to actively engage in an applied science workplace, and critically reflect on your experience.

Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

• Apply knowledge, skills, and attributes to practice in an applied science workplace

• Reflect on individual contribution to routine and non-routine tasks in an applied science workplace

• Reflect on professional practice and identify opportunities for future learning

Level 7

Research Methods (15 Credits)

Gain an understanding of the research process and ethical/cultural considerations of research, the ability to undertake a critical analysis of research, and the ability to communicate scientific research findings.

This course covers:

• Types of research methodology & design (Fundamental/applied, qualitative – phenomenological, narrative, case-study, quantitative - descriptive survey, causal correlational, experimental)

• Scientific Methodology

• Ethical and Cultural Considerations of Research

• Te Tiriti o Waitangi and partnership in research (kaupapa Māori, Māori centric, Māori relevant)

• The intersection of Mātauranga Māori with Science

• Method and Equipment Selection

• Understanding of reported statistics (including reliability and repeatability of data and statistical significance)

• Literature searching and critiquing

• Research Communication

Biological Tissue Analysis (15 Credits)

Gain advanced technical skills in the collection and analysis of biological tissues with emphasis on tissue and laboratory testing conditions, factors that influence results, and an understanding of recent advancements in biological testing.

This course covers:

• Organ systems and the immune system

• Biochemical analysis of mammalian and plant tissues

• Cultural safety of tissue sampling and testing

• Chemical analysis of biological waste products

• Research collaboration

• Statistical analysis

Advanced Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Techniques (15 Credits)

Gain a range of laboratory skills and knowledge of chemistry in advanced topics and introduce new concepts in chemical spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis.

This course covers:

• NMR and ESR techniques

• Liquid chromatography

• Gas chromatography

• Flame atomic spectroscopy

• UV, visible, infrared and near infrared spectroscopy

• Mass spectrometry, ICP-MS and GC-MS
  

Advanced Molecular Techniques (15 Credits)

Gain advanced knowledge and practical skills related to Molecular Biology techniques and analysis, including problem solving, critical thinking skills and an awareness of new technologies in this field.

This course covers:

• Gene transfer techniques, cloning and gene editing

• Gene structure, expression and regulation

• Advanced Molecular Biology techniques

• Communicate knowledge of molecular biology techniques

• Biodiversity for microbial populations
  

Bioscience In Industry 3 (15 Credits)

Gain advanced knowledge of the microbiology of food and environmental testing including selection of test methods, validation of test methods, problem solving and critical thinking skills.

This course includes:

• Bi-cultural perspectives on water and food quality assessment

• Technical Validation

• Method and Equipment Selection

• Reliability and repeatability of data

• Critically reviewing techniques

• Tests performed in a professional timeframe

Sustainable Chemistry and Technology (15 Credits)

Develop the knowledge and skills to evaluate sustainability of chemical processes and technology. Apply environmentally friendly and sustainable chemistry practices in an operational or research context.

Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:

• Evaluate chemical processes against the principles of Green Chemistry, sustainable and traditional chemical methods and materials.

• Perform techniques used to develop environmentally-friendly chemical and electro-biochemical reaction processes.

• Analyse the economic and societal benefits of implementing sustainable chemistry and technological practices.

• Critically assess how sustainable chemistry and technological practices relate to relevant standards, legislation and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Elective 1: Industry Project / Internship (30 Credits)

Learn to carry out a significant project/internship related to your area of study for a specific organisation and apply theoretical learning and self-reflections to workplace situations. You will arrange your project with an industry provider/employer.

This course covers:

• Industry placement/project

• Research – creation of a research brief

• Research – data collection, analysis and reporting

Elective 2: Laboratory Project (30 Credits)

Apply your knowledge and practical skills in the area of both laboratory practice and research to an investigation in your chose field/topic.

This course covers:

• Industry relevant project

• Research – creation of a research brief

• Research – data collection, analysis and report

Fully resourced science labs including laboratory equipment and materials for biology, microbiology, chemistry and molecular biology and PC laboratories.

Under 20 years of age applicants:

Applicants under the age of 20 years must have University Entrance, including 30 credits at NCEA Level 2 from Science, Biology or Chemistry.

OR

Equivalent academic achievement

OR

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

OR

Provisional enrolment*

OR

In accordance with Section 2.7.

*Provisional enrolment is defined by NZQA as being Discretionary Entrance and includes the following clauses:

• Are New Zealand or Australian citizens and permanent residents under 20 years of age

• Must have a minimum of 14 credits in an approved subject at Level 2 towards NCEA

• Must also have met the literacy and numeracy standards required for University Entrance

Applicants 20 years of age or over:

Applicants aged 20 years or over before the first day of the programme who don’t meet the academic qualifications outlined above must attend a conversation with the Academic Portfolio Manager (as set out in the Advice and Guidance section).

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

Academic entry criteria

At least two academic subjects with a score of 60% or more, and background in at least two science subjects.

English language proficiency

International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5 (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.

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning is accredited to teach it.

Graduates will have the skills to be employed as measurement technicians, research technicians, field technicians, or education/laboratory technicians in:

• Private and government-funded testing and analytical laboratories

• Research and development at Crown Research Institutes

• Educational and teaching labratories

• Food and product testing and analytical laboratories

This programme can also lead to further study in the Master of Science programme at other tertiary providers.

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Science Technicians, visit tahatu.govt.nz 

• Fonterra

• Ag Research

• NZ Pharmaceuticals

• Gribbles

To maximise the chance of success, applicants who:

• do not meet the entry requirements, or

• have not included science or mathematics in their University Entrance subjects, or

• are over the age of 20 years without a sound foundation in the sciences, will be encouraged to undertake the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation L4.

Learners may be asked to attend a conversation with the Programme Leader. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss their career goals, reasons for study, choice of study, possible challenges, and the support that is available for them at UCOL.

This programme includes several weeks of work-based learning experiences in the second and third year. To ensure this work experience is of maximum benefit to the student some placements may be outside UCOL's region. The student will be required to meet travel and/or accommodation costs related to this experience.

Learners need to be aware of the requirements of working in an industry laboratory with a particular emphasis on risk management and health and safety, and should discuss with the Programme Leader any allergies or particular health issues they may experience so that strategies for managing these conditions can be developed.

The availability of a particular elective course is subject to a viable number of learners enrolling in that course.

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 learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

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 an 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

• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).

Blended delivery

This programme is offered on a blended delivery approach, a unique combination of online and face-to-face learning. Learners are advised to get a PC or a laptop and an internet connection. Please consult the programme leader about the PC or laptop specifications.

Please note that there are additional costs associated with the Bachelor of Applied Science (Laboratory Science) (Level 7) of approximately $195.00+:

Uniform

• Covered footwear: $15+

• Hair net or hair ties, if you have long hair: $10

Stationery

• Scientific calculator: $34-130

• Stationery (pens, pencils, ruler, paper etc): $30