NPA Laboratory Science SCQF level 6

Group Award Code: G9G6 46 (52 SCQF credit points)
SCQF level: 6

NPA in Laboratory Science at SCQF level 6 (153 KB)

Structure

The NPA consists of four mandatory Units and four optional Units. Candidates can choose options from one of two routes.

Mandatory Units

• Quality and Health and Safety Systems in Science Industries — DF82 34
• Fundamental Chemistry: An Introduction — DX29 33
• Mathematics for Science — F3T8 11
• Microbiological Techniques — D042 12

Unit search

Assessment will vary according to the demands of the particular Unit.

Assessment Exemplars, Assessment Support Packs (ASPs) and National Assessment Bank (NAB) materials are available to download, for three of the mandatory Units and a selection of the optional Units, from SQA's secure website.

Centres can use e-assessment tools for assessment where appropriate. Many of the Units can also be supported by e-learning.

• 2022 Qualification Verification Summary Report (180 KB)

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• Our 3 step approval process
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Existing customer?

• Add this qualification to your portfolio
• Support and quality assurance

To support the delivery and assessment of all of the NPAs in science, the following generic audio presentations have been published on the Science NPAs section of the Understanding Standards site:

• Evidence requirements
• Internal verification and standardisation
• Lab reports, lab diaries and proformas
• Selecting practicals

In addition, Understanding Standards documents have been developed for the following:

• Checklists – HN Science units at SCQF level 6
• Experimental Procedures: Science
• Marking guidance for organic chemistry assessments

To access these Understanding Standards documents, please visit the Understanding Standards website. This is a password-protected area of the website and login details can be obtained from the SQA Co-ordinator in centres approved to deliver the qualifications.

Changes to understanding standards materials

• Changes to published Understanding Standards materials for all subjects

Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.

• HN Science Qualifications Support Team Minutes

This NPA offers the practical skills that can be used in the real world, and is suitable for a wide variety of learners, including:

• school leavers
• adult returners
• graduates seeking 'technical skills'
• employed laboratory technicians/technologists as part of their professional development
• modern apprentices

Access

Access is at the discretion of the centre. However, it is recommended that candidates meet the following entry requirements:

• at least three passes at SCQF level 5, with at least one in science (candidates who do not have Chemistry at SCQF level 5 should complete SCQF level 5 Chemistry bridging Units as an integral component of their Course)
• Core Skills at SCQF level 5 for Numeracy, with the others at SCQF level 4 
• any other equivalent qualifications

This NPA articulates directly to the PDA in Laboratory Science and the HNC in Applied Sciences. From here, candidates can progress to HND and degree level courses at Scottish colleges and universities.

This NPA could open up employment opportunities as a laboratory technician in the biotechnology, chemical, microbiological, pharmaceutical and environmental industries.

Group Award Code: G9G6 46 (52 SCQF credit points)
SCQF level: 6

NPA in Laboratory Science at SCQF level 6 (153 KB)

Structure

The NPA consists of four mandatory Units and four optional Units. Candidates can choose options from one of two routes.

Mandatory Units

• Quality and Health and Safety Systems in Science Industries — DF82 34
• Fundamental Chemistry: An Introduction — DX29 33
• Mathematics for Science — F3T8 11
• Microbiological Techniques — D042 12

Unit search