Laboratory Scientist

Program Overview

Degree Apprenticeship Undergraduate: BSc (Hons) Laboratory Scientist

Introduction

Develop the specialist knowledge and skills to confidently identify solutions to problems, propose innovative scientific ideas and add scientific value to your organisation's processes with our Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship. Study for an honours degree in laboratory science while you work, with no tuition fees.

Course Highlights

• Study while you work, with no tuition fees
• Work-based approach allows you to deliver impact in the workplace as you learn
• Select optional modules to further focus your specialism on either enhanced laboratory practices or bioinformatics.

Modules

Core Modules

• Applied physical and quantitative sciences
• General Microbiology
• Physical and quantitative chemistry
• Principles of laboratory science
• Introduction to Cell Biology and Biochemistry (Pt1 & 2)
• Diagnostic techniques in pathology
• Instrument validation and quality assurance
• Understanding the Laboratory Workplace
• Metabolism and its Control
• Preparation for Research
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Pharmacology and Translational Medicine
• Business Planning and Entrepreneurship
• Apprenticeship Synoptic Project

Optional Modules

• Principles of pathology
• Laboratory techniques for DNA manipulation
• Process improvement and project management
• The regulatory environment
• Current Advances in Laboratory Science
• Current Advances in Bioinformatics

Careers

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will have a BSc (Hons) degree in Laboratory Science and a minimum of 4 years relevant work experience. The skills, knowledge and experience you develop during the course will prepare you for roles such as Research & Development Scientist, Molecular Biologist, Formulation Scientist and Process Scientist.

Entry Requirements

• Employment in a suitable role on a permanent contract exceeding 30 hours per week
• Employer support to undertake this course, with a confirmed, assigned mentor
• Confirmed eligibility to be funded as an apprentice as set out within the ESFA’s Funding Rules
• A completed Skills Scan and Initial Assessment discussion
• Evidence of Level 2 qualifications in 5 subjects including Maths and English and a Science subject at Grade C/4 or above, e.g. GCSEs, Functional Skills or ESFA-approved equivalents*
• Evidence of at least 112 UCAS Tariff points at Level 3 e.g. A Levels, National Diploma (or equivalent)*

Advanced Entry

Apprentices who already have relevant Higher-level qualifications (HNC/D, Foundation Degree etc.) may be considered for advanced entry to the course. These applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may require an interview.

Studying During COVID-19

Degree Apprenticeships are delivered via a blend of face-to-face campus teaching, work-based learning and online teaching supported by our established online learning systems to provide additional support for individual study and engagement. The mix of this blended approach varies between apprenticeships. In the event that there are restrictions put into place due to the pandemic by the Government, we will endeavour to retain face-to-face teaching as much as possible but will respond accordingly to the restrictions placed on the University.

Delivery and Assessment

• 4 years (part-time)
• An apprenticeship is a job with training, combining practical experience with academic learning.
• At least 20% of your contracted working hours will be classed as 'off-the-job'. This time will be dedicated to developing the knowledge and skills needed to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship, and therefore are not part of your usual work duties.
• The off-the-job learning is gained through university-led learning sessions and activities, and practical learning experiences in your usual work setting.
• The off-the-job learning for our Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship is delivered on either a day release basis or online with short residentials. All face-to-face delivery will be on our Cambridge campus.
• Assessment: You will be assessed at the end of each module you undertake (on-programme assessments) which will contribute towards the final award of your qualification.
• End Point Assessment (EPA): You will also undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA) to complete your apprenticeship when all on-programme assessments have been successfully passed.
• The EPA for this apprenticeship is independently assessed and takes place when all on-programme assessments have been successfully passed.

Program Outline

Outline:

• This course provides you with both practical and theoretical skills along with a work-based understanding of the contemporary issues in the field.
• As well as acquiring a range of key laboratory skills you will also develop your problem solving, analytical, teamwork and communication skills.
• After the first year you will have the opportunity to select some of the modules you study.
This means you can tailor your studies towards applied bioscience or analytical chemistry, depending on the area of most interest to you, or the area most aligned to your career goals.
• Our course has been developed using the Government-approved Laboratory Scientist trailblazer standards.
This means that the course incorporates all the knowledge, skills and behaviours as defined by employers representative of the sector.

Assessment:

• You will be assessed at the end of each module you undertake (on-programme assessments) which will contribute towards the final award of your qualification.
• You will also undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA) to complete your apprenticeship when all on-programme assessments have been successfully passed.
• The EPA for this apprenticeship is independently assessed and takes place when all on-programme assessments have been successfully passed.

Careers:

• Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will have a BSc (Hons) degree in Laboratory Science and a minimum of 4 years relevant work experience.
The skills, knowledge and experience you develop during the course will prepare you for roles such as Research & Development Scientist, Molecular Biologist, Formulation Scientist and Process Scientist.
• Laboratory scientists work in a wide range of organisations, including pharmaceutical, biotechnology, formulated products, consumer products, nuclear and analytical services.