LABORATORY SKILLS FOR INDUSTRY LEVEL 4 CERTIFICATE

Overview

This qualification is targeted at learners who are currently or who wish to work in laboratory-based occupations. This qualification will enable the learner to understand how to carry out industrial laboratory tasks and activities. Course duration of 3 hours per week, for 16 weeks.

Entry Requirements

• Level 3 qualification in a science or science related discipline or a level 2 qualification in two sciences and in addition have at least one year’s experience in a science related occupation

• Five GCSEs or equivalent including English and Maths at Grade C or above

The course is funded through the SkillUP Flexible Skills Fund which requires individuals:

• Must be 18 on or before course start date

• Eligible to work in Northern Ireland

• ‘Settled’ in Northern Ireland and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years

• Is an individual who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK

• Candidates are only permitted to complete a maximum of 2 free courses at a time

What Will I Study?

• Be able to calibrate laboratory equipment and develop standard operating procedures (SOP)s

• Be able to prepare primary standards and serial dilutions and record results

• Be able to carry out titration and analyse results

• Be able to produce buffer solutions

• Be able to carry out a risk assessment

• Be able work safely and competently within an industrial laboratory environment

Newry

16 weeks part-time

Accredited by: OCN

Higher Education - Flexible Skills Fund

How Will I Be Assessed?

Grading for this qualification is pass/fail. The following assessment method/s may be used to ensure all learning outcomes and assessment criteria are fully covered:

• Portfolio of evidence

• Practical demonstration/assignment

• Coursework

• E-assessment

Tuition Fees

None – fully funded through the SkillUP Flexible Skills Fund.

Other Fees

Not applicable.

Further Study

This qualification will allow learners to progress to higher level qualifications in science and related areas. Upon completion of 3 Level 4 units students can achieve the Level 4 Diploma in Industrial Science.

Careers

This qualification may also lead to enhanced career progression.

Contacts skillup@src.ac.uk

Portadown: 028 3839 7778

Newry: 028 3025 9664

FacultyHESC@src.ac.uk

028 3025 9685

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Applied Science Advanced Technical Award Level 3

Extended Diploma

QUALIFICATION ENDORSED BY:

Level 3 Advanced Technical Award

Armagh, Newry & Portadown

Accredited by: Pearson BTEC 2 years full-time Further Education

The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification. Attendance at Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (individual or group interviews) is advisable in the selection of candidates in all courses.

Overview

This course is for someone who wants to enter a career in the areas of laboratory and industrial science, forensic science, biomedical science, biological science, environmental biology, human health and nutrition, microbiology, nursing as well as other potential career pathways.

The Technical Award includes the completion of a Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (the equivalent of 3 A-Levels), Project-Based Learning and work placement.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).

Applicants should normally hold the following:

• 15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSEs at Grade C, or equivalent. Applicants must have a GCSE profile which includes a GCSE Science and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or above; OR

• BTEC Level 2 First Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points; OR

• NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area); OR

• Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, or entry in 2018, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level

• Applicants must have a GCSE profile which includes a GCSE Science and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or above

The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.

Please note: In certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.

Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English Language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English Language or Literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.

What Will I Study?

The course consists of the following mandatory modules:

• Principles and Applications of Science 1*

• Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

• Scientific Investigative Skills*

• Laboratory Techniques and their Applications

• Principles and Applications of Science 2*

• Investigative Project

• Contemporary Issues in Science

(* externally assessed via examination)

Optional modules may include (subject to change):

• Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways

• Applications of Organic Chemistry

• Microbiological Techniques

• Genetics and Genetic Engineering

• Industrial Chemical Reactions

• Medicinal Physics

How Will I Be Assessed?

You will study 13 modules over two years. Four modules will be externally assessed by the awarding body via examinations. The remaining 9 modules will be assessed through a range of coursework methods, including: group work, essays, research projects, practical investigations, written reports and presentations.

Further Study

Successful completion of the Technical Award is equivalent to 3 A-Levels and can lead directly onto Higher National Diplomas or Degree courses in applied sciences, forensic science or other science-related courses, for example: food science, sports science, nursing, podiatry, physiotherapy, radiography, microbiology, biomedical science, and environmental science.

Careers

Successful completion of the Technical Award is equivalent to 3 A-Levels and can lead directly onto Higher National Diplomas or Degree courses in applied sciences, forensic science or other science-related courses, for example: food science, sports science, nursing, podiatry, physiotherapy, radiography, microbiology, biomedical science, and environmental science.

Contacts

FacultyHESC@src.ac.uk 028 3025 9685