Buckinghamshire College group is excited to be able to offer the new T Level Technical Qualification in Science. This is a two-year programme (or three-year if studying a transition programme) designed with employers to give you the skills that the science industry needs and will be available at Aylesbury and Wycombe campuses.
This course is equivalent to three A levels and can lead you either straight into working in the science industry or on to further study at University or advanced apprenticeship.
Industry placements are an integral component within T Levels and are intended to provide students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for skilled employment in their chosen occupation and which are less easily attainable by doing a qualification alone.
There will be a Transition Programme (Pre-T Level) for Health and Science.
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What will I learn?
This T Level has been developed in collaboration with health and science employers so the content meets the needs of the industry and will prepare you for the workplace. It will provide you with all the skills and knowledge you need to enter a career in technical laboratory services at assistant level or to progress to a higher level apprenticeship or degree.
The course will involve a mix of classroom-based learning covering the core scientific concepts in Biology, Chemistry and Physics as well as key regulations across the health and science route, along with an employer set project to develop your skills in your chosen occupational specialism.
You must also complete a 45-day placement out in industry (315 hours ) over the 2 years.
Scientific tasks include Chromatography, Colorimetry and Filtration, Reading Equipment and Instrumentation, Legislation, Regulations and Standards e.g. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Reviewing and Improving Laboratory Methods. You will also practice these skills in the workplace by taking part in an industry placement.
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Example modules
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Core B - Biology: Biological molecules, genetics, microbiology, infection, rates of reaction, miosis, mitosis, respiration etc
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Core B - Chemistry: Atomic structure, rates of reaction, acids/bases, formulae and equations, etc
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Core B - Physics: Electricity, EMS, radiation, Viscosity, pressure etc
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Core A - Working Within the Health and Science Sector
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Core A - Health and Safety and Environmental Regulations
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Core A - Managing Information and Data Within the Health and Science Sector
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Core A - Good Scientific and Clinical Practice
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Core A - The Science Sector
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Core A - Application of Health and Safety
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Core A - Scientific Methodology
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Core A - Data Handling and Processing
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Core A - Experimental Techniques
- Core A - Ethics
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How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment throughout the year via homework and in-class assessment.
Summative Assessment:
- Core A exam - 2.5 hours
- Core B exam - 2.5 hours
Employer set Project: 18.5 hours covering almost two weeks of controlled assessment on a Awarding body set subject including literature research, project planning, data analysis, creation of scientific Poster, Presentation, discussion and review.
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Entry Requirements
To join this programme you will need 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 (or equivalent) including Maths, English and Science.
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Progression & Career Opportunities
The course provides a mixture of technical knowledge and skills specific to the science industry and a work placement of at least 45 days in your chosen occupation. On completion of the course you will be able to choose between moving into a skilled occupation or further study in science, for example, a higher or degree level apprenticeship, or higher level technical study, including higher education.
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Additional Information
There will be additional requirement to pay a materials fee which covers text books, trips and resources.
