Unit 13: Scientific Techniques for Health Science

Level: 3

Unit type: Internal

Guided learning hours: 60

Unit in brief

Learners will study a range of laboratory skills, including analysis of samples and microscope use to understand changes in cell features and aseptic prevention of cross-contamination.

Unit introduction

For anyone looking to work in health science, understanding and being able to use science and laboratory techniques rigorously is an essential skill. Basic skills such as avoiding cross-contamination must be fully understood.

In this unit, you will observe and carry out a range of laboratory techniques. These will include laboratory analysis, using microscopes and aseptic techniques. This practical work will give you a chance to experience practical investigations and develop an understanding of how such laboratories function using laboratory processes and techniques. This is a practical unit and it will help you develop your practical skills. You will learn how laboratories work and their role in supporting the diagnosis and treatment of conditions referred to a laboratory for analysis.

If you are interested in a career in health science, this unit will be a useful introduction. It will help prepare you for a career in nursing and associated fields. Alternatively, it could help prepare you for working in a health-related laboratory in areas such as serology, haematology, biochemistry, histology and even in forensic sciences.

Learning aims

In this unit you will:

A   Understand how a health-related laboratory deals with samples sent for analysis

B   Carry out investigations using techniques similar to those in a health-related laboratory

C   Carry out investigations using light microscopes similar to those in a health-related laboratory.