Technicians Supporting Chemistry Practical Work for A Level

Course overview 

You'll learn how to support a range of practical activities through hands-on experience of a variety of apparatus and experiments. Additionally, you will also look at:

• Ways to incorporate digital technologies into lessons to support learning;
• Health and safety, potential hazards and risk assessment.

During the course you will have plenty of networking opportunities with other technicians and will benefit from the chance to share best practice methods.

Course content

The course will cover the following topics:

• Understanding the current A level curriculum;
• Health and safety, the process of risk assessment and keeping up to date;
• Q-fit apparatus.

You'll also look at two experiments in detail:

• Inorganic chemistry - carrying out a titration;
• Organic chemistry - making a halogenoalkane and a simple distillation;
• Practical activities with hints and tips to include, colorimetry, thin layer chromatography, vacuum filtration, pH probes and dataloggers, measuring melting points, drop chemistry and rates of reaction.

Who the course is for

This course is suitable for all secondary school and college science technicians, especially those working with students at Key Stages 4 and 5.

Entry requirements

You'll need to be working as a science technician in a school or college.

Learning outcomes

This course will help you to:

• Improve your awareness of the practical demands of A level chemistry;
• Consider strategies for providing effective technical support;
• Gain confidence in the support you provide for the science department and students;
• Learn new skills and techniques to ensure good quality practical work;
• Gain experience in the set-up and demonstration of key chemistry experiments, including relevant safety precautions;
• Understand hazard identification and risk assessment and the importance of keeping up to date.

Course structure

The course is delivered mainly as a practical workshop with some lectures/discussion.

Certificates

You'll get a certificate of attendance on completing the course.

Costs and booking

Price per participant is £180 and it includes course materials and packed lunch.

Book your place

If you are not able to pay by credit/debit card, an invoice can be raised for upfront payment. If this is your preferred method of payment, please email ioe.shortcourses@ucl.ac.uk and we will contact you to inform you on the upcoming steps.