Biosciences – Laboratory Techniques (QQI Level 5)

Biosciences – Laboratory Techniques (5M3807)

PROGRAMME AIMS

This full time one-year course is designed to give students an opportunity to explore aspects of the field of science. The purpose of this award is to enable the student to acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies to work independently and under supervision in a science laboratory and or to progress to a range of science-based programmes at third level. 

The mathematics element allows students to bring their levels of proficiency in the subject up to the standard required for their intended third level course. Students will also have the option to study other modules along with science allowing them to tailor their qualification for entry to their desired course or area of employment. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • Leaving Certificate – have achieved 5 passes or 5 O6/H7’s or a combination of 5 O6/H7’s or its equivalent with at least one science subject and minimum entry requirement Ordinary Level Maths. 
  • Abbeyleix FETC welcomes applications from mature students.  Applicants are assessed on relevant life and work experience. 
  • Applicants are required to complete an online assessment before commencing a course.  This assessment confirms if the applicant has the required level of English and Maths (if applicable) to complete a Level 5 course. 

AREAS OF STUDY*

  • Biology
  • Laboratory Skills
  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Safety and Health at Work
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Word Processing
  • Work Experience
  • Communications

*Subject to change

COURSE DURATION & FREQUENCY

1 academic year full time – 5 days per week

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Students may seek immediate employment in a range of companies and projects that seek graduates with a science aptitude.

EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPTIONS

Graduates are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to year one of a range of higher certificate and degree programmes, at Universities, Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities using their full QQI Level 5 major award. Places are not guaranteed in these Institutes and are subject to students meeting certain criteria.  Please check with the relevant HEI for information on application and any specific entry requirements. Students may also refer to the QQI FET section of the CAO website at  www.cao.ie 

There are progression options in a wide range of areas including Biomedical, Pharmaceutical, Environmental, Agriculture, Nutrition/Dietetics, Biological, Brewing, Food Science, Forensic and Sports Science as well as Pharmacy Technician programmes in a range of HEI’s and colleges around the country.

FEES

There are no tuition fees payable to Abbeyleix Further Education and Training Centre. However, please note there are costs involved in taking a course e.g. materials, additional training and QQI exam fees. A student registration fee must be paid on joining the course.

FUNDING

VTOS/PLC places are available on the course (please contact the Centre for further information). The range of financial support available to students includes: Student Maintenance Grant (SUSI) and the Back to Education Allowance. For further information click on HEA Student Finance and SUSI

*Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board reserves the right to refuse course admission and/or completion.

Qualifications

Certificate in Laboratory Techniques Level 5

Location

Abbeyleix FETC

Mountrath Road

Abbeyleix

County Laois

R32 TX30

Duration

Start Date: September 2022                                     

End Date: June 2023

Facilities

  • Study Room
  • Free Parking
  • Disabled Parking
  • Canteen

Contact

Helen Kavanagh, Centre Manager

Email:

abbeyleixfet@loetb.ie

Phone

(057) 873 1127

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Centre Opening Times

Monday 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
* Bank Holidays and Public Holidays – Closed

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Testimonials

Read what our past students have to say about their experience with the Healthcare Programme courses at Abbeyleix FETC

“Returning to education was a new beginning for me. I initially studied QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies at Abbeyleix FETC and worked for a number of years in the childcare sector. When I saw a QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support course advertised in 2017-2018, I decided to merge my former learning and skills, with my intention of securing employment as a healthcare assistant. Thankfully with the encouragement and support from all staff including my teachers, my time here was truly enjoyable. Making new friends to whom I’m still in contact with was such an added bonus. By following my choice of career as a healthcare assistant, through my studies at Abbeyleix FETC, I found that it gave me courage to seek employment again. I now work as a healthcare assistant for the CPL agency. I am based between The Irish Prison Service, Portlaoise and the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore. I find myself referring and reflecting back upon the skills and theory that I have learnt in Abbeyleix FETC on a daily basis. This learning and knowledge will stay with me for my life time. Abbeyleix FETC has given me the opportunity to follow the path of my choice of career and secure employment. Attending Abbeyleix FETC was a fantastic experience for me and it has given me the confidence in myself in which I felt I had lost. Thank you so much for your enormous support and encouragement to keep me going. I am truly grateful to all of the staff at Abbeyleix FETC. I wish you and all upcoming students the very best of luck in the future.”
Bridget Moore
Healthcare Support 2017/2018