Laboratory Skills
Top skills; Critical Thinking, Collaborating, Adapting, Communicating
Entry Requirements
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
Progression
other qualifications in applied sciences or related areas
further study, employment and/or training in science laboratories
Course rationale
The National 5 Laboratory Science Skills for Work Course introduces learners to the knowledge and skills required for employment or further study in the industries and services using laboratory science. It also develops awareness of the range of employment opportunities within the sector.
National Courses reflect Curriculum for Excellence values, purposes and principles. They offer flexibility, provide more time for learning, more focus on skills and applying learning, and scope for personalisation and choice.
This course emphasises developing and applying skills. Assessment approaches are proportionate, fit for purpose and promote best practice, enabling learners to achieve the highest standards they can.
This course is designed to provide learners with opportunities to develop Core Skills and Skills for Learning, Skills for Life and Skills for Work, with a strong focus on enhancing skills and attitudes for employability.
The course is assessed on a pass/fail basis. There is no final exam, it is entirely assessed within the school.
Purposes and aims
The general aims of the course are to:
encourage more school learners to participate in vocationally-related learning
introduce learners to working in a laboratory
encourage learners to develop a good work ethic, including time management, and a positive attitude
provide opportunities to develop a range of Core Skills through practical experience in a vocational environment
encourage learners to take charge of their own learning and development
provide a range of teaching, learning and assessment styles to motivate learners to achieve their full potential
help learners to progress to further or higher education and training
help build learners’ confidence
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.
Click on the below boxes for further information on the different levels