Lab Skills - National 5
SCQF Framework
SCQF Level: 5
SCQF Credit Points: 24
Skills Framework
Delivering Centre
Vale of Leven Academy
Purpose and Aims
The specific aims of the course are to:
encourage learners to consider a career in industries and services using laboratory science
develop an awareness of the types and range of career options within industries and services
develop the basic practical laboratory skills of measuring, weighing and preparing compounds and solutions for laboratory use
develop the skills of communicating laboratory information
develop learners’ understanding of, and how to implement, the health and safety requirements for a safe working environment
develop problem solving and numeracy skills in the context of a laboratory
provide opportunities for learners to develop skills and attitudes that will improve their employment potential within a sector
develop learners’ awareness of their strengths and weaknesses in relation to the requirements of a sector, and to reflect on how this affects their employability potential
The course is mainly practical in nature. The aims of the course are developed through practical projects and investigative tasks in a range of contexts.
Recommended Entry
Learners should have achieved: National 4 or National 5 Mathematics, or SCQF level 4 or SCQF level 5 units in Mathematics
and one from:
National 4 Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics National 5 Biology, Chemistry or Physics SCQF level 4 or SCQF level 5 units in Biology, Chemistry, Physics or equivalent qualifications.
Progression
other qualifications in applied sciences
further study
employment and/or training in science laboratories
Career Options
Further Information
Course Content
The National 5 Laboratory Science course has four areas of study.
Laboratory Science: Careers Using Laboratory Science (National 5) unit or the Laboratory Science: Careers Using Laboratory Science — Scotland (National 5) unit
You research a variety and range of industries and services that use laboratory science. You research local, national and global career opportunities in science laboratories and present your findings. You have the chance to investigate the skills, qualifications and experience required for a laboratory science job of interest to you. You also produce a CV for a job in a laboratory science setting. At three points in this unit, you review your skills and set personal targets for improvement.
Laboratory Science: Working in a Laboratory (National 5) unit
You learn about handling and storing chemicals safely and health and safety. You gain expertise in measuring liquids and weighing solids to prepare various solutions safely. You learn how to write risk assessments and you must write these for the procedures you carry out.
Laboratory Science: Practical Skills (National 5) unit
You learn how to safely work with microorganisms. This includes preparing agar plates, sub-culturing microorganisms, and preparing microscope slides. You learn how to safely measure radioactivity and record your results. You learn how to take measurements with different types of laboratory instruments and how to use chemical analysis equipment. You develop scientific and numeracy skills when you carry out titrations.
Laboratory Science: Practical Investigation (National 5) unit
You identify a hypothesis to investigate. You plan a method and carry out a task to test the hypothesis. You write up a scientific report based on the information you gather. You review and evaluate the investigation.
Course Assessment Structure
There is no external assessment for this course.
Your assessments are written and practical. You must gather evidence of your skills in a folio as you work through the four units. You have the opportunity to practise and refine your practical skills before these are formally assessed.
The four units that you study are:
Laboratory Science: Working in a Laboratory (National 5)
Laboratory Science: Practical Skills (National 5)
Laboratory Science: Practical Investigation (National 5) and
Laboratory Science: Careers Using Laboratory Science (National 5)
or
Laboratory Science: Careers Using Laboratory Science — Scotland (National 5)
Skills Development
The main skills you develop as you work through this qualification are:
safely carrying out practical skills, for example measuring, preparing solutions, microbiological techniques, carrying out titrations
collecting scientific data
recording scientific data
knowledge of health and safety procedures
generic and specific employability skills
planning and investigating skills
review and evaluation skills
working with others in teams
self-evaluation skills