T LEVEL IN SCIENCE PATHWAY: YEAR ONE

T Levels are two-year technical study programmes that offer an attractive alternative to A-levels and apprenticeships, combining classroom theory, practical learning and a minimum 45-day industry placement with an employer to make sure you have real experience of the workplace.

They are developed in consultation with employers to ensure you learn the skills and behaviours that will give you the best opportunity to be successful when applying for work.

This course will give students a substantial common core of knowledge of fundamental scientific concepts which have application to Science pathways.

You need to be highly motivated, with a desire to apply your science skills within your chosen career.

You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, include English Language, Maths and Science at grade 5.

Some of the core science subjects covered are:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Structure and function of cells and tissues
• Exchange transport mechanisms
• Genetic information and genetics
• Acids, bases and chemical change
• Rates of reaction and energy changes
• Chemical analysis of substances
• Electricity
• Magnetism and electromagnetism
• Waves
• Particles and radiation

The course will explore how the core knowledge of science relates to technical laboratory sciences as well as occupationally specific knowledge such as (but not limited to):

• Nanoscience and nanotechnology
• Genotyping and phenotyping
• Electronics
• Nuclear physics
• Atomic structure
• Organic chemistry
• Metabolic pathways and bioenergetics
• Ecosystems

The course will also equip students to understand:

• Working within the health and science sector
• Health, safety and environmental regulations
• Managing information and data
• Good scientific and clinical practice
• Core science concepts
• Occupational specialist skills

This course will be delivered on-site at the Joseph Wright Centre, with many weeks of industrial experience on different sites.

The core knowledge and understanding is assessed through an examination and core skills through a practical employer-set project.

The core knowledge and understanding focuses on students’ knowledge and understanding of contexts, concepts, theories and principles relevant to the T Level.

Further study  

This is an ideal progression pathway to a variety of science degrees such as Biomedical Science, Radiography, Pharmacy, Pathology, Nursing and Paramedic Sciences.

Careers                                

The science sector of the economy offers huge potential for interested students, with a wealth of large employers needing this skillset.

The UK is currently regarded as a world leader in renewable energy (Good Energy, Ecotricity, Utility Warehouse); space (Surrey Satellites, UK Space Agency, Starchaser – remember Rosetta?); low carbon (Energy, Green Buildings, Fabrics, Architecture, Transport, Wind, Solar, Biomass); pharmaceutical (Glaxo SmithKline, Astra Zeneca, Lilly); utilities (EON, Scottish and Southern Power); automotive (Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, Vauxhall); agri-food (ICI, Fisons); bioscience (Wellcome Foundation); health care (NHS, Bupa); oil and gas (BP, Shell); and household chemical (Proctor and Gamble, Unilever).

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk