Where will this course lead?

The technical qualification (TQ) forms part of the new T-Level study programme. The purpose of the Level 3 Technical Qualification is to ensure students have the knowledge and skills needed to progress into skilled employment or higher level technical training.

Students who achieve this qualification could progress to the following, depending on their chosen occupational specialism:

- Employment - Laboratory Technician

- Higher Education

The course carries a maximum of 168 (Distinction*) UCAS points.

What will I study?

Core content covers:

· Project management

· Being able to engage with and produce scientific literature (both written and oral).

· Be able to identify your role within a wider team and understand what your responsibilities are.

· Be able to create experiments and look at existing experiments to improve them by innovation and evaluation.

· To be able to solve problems in a scientific context.

· Be able to perform a range of scientific techniques to collect experimental data in a laboratory setting, complying with regulations and requirements and then analyse and evaluate results.

· Core scientific knowledge.

In addition to the knowledge above the students must also learn and be able to perform a wide range of scientific techniques and use a wide range of scientific equipment from all disciplines.

Occupational specialism - technical: laboratory sciences

Will enable you to perform the following techniques, plan experiments with them, analyse data generated and evaluate the results:

· paper and thin layer chromatography (TLC)

· distillation

· acid-base and redox titration

· refluxing

· filtration

· differential staining (microorganisms)

· aseptic culture of microorganisms

· preparation of serial dilution

· prepare a solution of defined molar concentration

· colorimetry

· pressure using a U-tube manometer

· temperature using a probe and data logger

· radioactive count rate using Geiger counter

· conductivity meter to measure conductivity of a solution

· electrical polarity using ammeter and voltmeter

· calibrating a pH Meter, balance and a mechanical (variable volume) pipette

How will this course be delivered?

The T-Level is a 2 year programme of study.

The core content and occupational specialisms are taught within college. English, maths, and digital skills are embedded throughout the course content. Employability and study skills are taught alongside the core content.

You will be in college for 3 days per week and complete an industry work placement, details of which will be confirmed at the start of the course.

What qualifications will I get?

NCFE Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Science (603/6989/9)

How will I be assessed?

The core component is 100% externally assessed. External assessments are set and marked by NCFE. The external examinations and Employer Set Project (ESP) assess students' core knowledge, core understanding and core skills.

Assessment of the qualification consists of:

• Core component:

1. Paper A written examination - core knowledge and understanding on scientific concepts.

2. Paper B written examination - core knowledge and understanding on Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Science in context.

3. Employer set project - written examination.

• Occupational specialism component:

1. Synoptic assignments (specific to each occupational specialism)

Synoptic assignments comprise 3 assessments covering:

1. Performing a range of appropriate scientific techniques to collect experimental data in a laboratory setting, complying with regulations and requirements.

2. Plan, review, implement and suggest improvements to scientific tasks relevant to a laboratory setting.

3. Identify and resolve issues with scientific equipment or data errors.

Industry placement experience

As part of achieving the overall T Level programme must complete a minimum of 315 Hours industry placement, which will be sourced by the college.

How do I get a place on the course?

Apply through the college website.

Places are offered by interview depending on your predicted grades and a good reference from your current tutor

What are the entry requirements?

5 GCSEs at grade 5 to 9:

These MUST include: Science, Maths and English Language.

You must be aged between 16 and 19 to enrol on this course.

You will have a positive school/college reference with excellent levels of attendance and punctuality.

What else do I need to know?

All students working with vulnerable adults and children will need to have a Disclosure and Barring Security Check.

You will need to provide additional funds for uniform for work placement, and educational resources as required.

Educational trips are offered to enhance your learning on the course where possible.