Science students transitioning from TAFE to higher education are set to benefit from a new agreement between the Southbank Institute of Technology (SBIT) and USQ, making the pathway to university less complicated than ever.
Through the agreement, students successfully completing the Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations (Environment and Sustainability) at SBIT will be able to transition directly into USQ’s Bachelor of Science (Environment and Sustainability).
Associate Professor Joachim Ribbe, Head of Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, who initiated the agreement, said it would open up clear pathways to students who may not have previously considered university studies.
'Some students do not want to commit to a three year program initially because of work or family commitments or they are unsure if university is for them,' Assoc Prof Ribbe said.
'This agreement, the first specific articulation pathway put in place by USQ will allow them to dip their toe into studies through the possibly less daunting prospect of TAFE studies.
'Students will know when they begin their SBIT program the exact path to follow to articulate directly into the USQ program.'
On successful completion of semester one at SBIT, students will have attained a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques. Once they have completed the first three semesters they qualify for the Diploma of Laboratory Technology with a specialisation in Environment and Sustainability.
When SBIT students have completed semester four they will hold the Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations (Environment and Sustainability) and can then transition directly into the Bachelor of Science (Environment and Sustainability) at USQ which can be completed after a further two years of full-time study.
Assoc Prof Ribbe said the articulation pathway which was negotiated with SBIT by USQ’s Di Paez, Project Manager of the Diversity and Structural Adjustment Project, would steer students towards careers in the growing field of environment and sustainability.
'The SBIT programs provide students with the required professional practical, technical and analytical laboratory and field skills,' Assoc Prof Ribbe said.
'For continuing students, the major in environment and sustainability contributes the underpinning theoretical and conceptual scientific knowledge that allows graduates to contribute within their profession to the sustainable utilisation and management of natural resources.
'With the resources and energy booms and new legislation being written it is fast becoming a requirement that professionals have knowledge in this field,' Assoc Prof Ribbe said.
'We are now in the process of replicating similar agreements with other TAFE Institutes in Queensland and other states.'
For further information on SBIT’s Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations (Environment and Sustainability) go to QTAC.
Further information on USQ’s Bachelor of Science (Environment and Sustainability) is available by calling 1800 269 500.
Contact Details:
Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0438 309 096
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