120 hours - divided half at ASTAR National Programs and half at in-State workshops - has been established as the required knowledge and performance training foundation for ASTA resource judges.

Bioscience & Biotechnology

Platform A Programs emphasize biogenetic research foundations of human genetics, environmental biotechnology, nanobiotechnology and synthetic biology, agricultural sciences and animal science management technologies, biofuels research, neuroscience techniques, and law enforcement and national security bioforensics.

2006 and 2007 programs are offered in this subject matter

Information Sciences & Communication Technologies

Platform A Programs will emphasize the theory and practice of digital communications, their national and international technological foundations, and their relationship to internet technologies.

Programs will be initiated in this subject matter in 2008.

Materials & Energy Sciences & Related Technologies

Platform A Programs will emphasize the theory and practice of molecular materials, their use as energy sources, and applications in construction technologies and products.

Programs will be initiated in this subject matter in 2008.