To enroll in the ICTQual Level 2 Diploma in Biotechnology Engineering 30 Credits – 3 Months, candidates must meet the following entry requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
- A minimum of a Level 1 qualification (or equivalent) in a related field such as science, engineering, or a technical discipline. Alternatively, applicants should have at least GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, including Mathematics and English.
- While no prior experience in biotechnology engineering is required, applicants with a basic understanding of biology, chemistry, mathematics, or technical subjects may find the course content more accessible.
- For non-native English speakers, proof of English language proficiency may be required to ensure that applicants can fully engage with the course material.
Learning Outcomes for the Level 2 Diploma in Biotechnology Engineering 30 Credits – 3 Months :
1. Introduction to Biotechnology Engineering
- Understand the fundamental concepts and applications of biotechnology in industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science.
- Demonstrate basic laboratory skills used in biotechnology engineering, including safe handling of equipment and conducting experiments.
- Describe key biotechnological processes, such as genetic engineering, fermentation, and bioreactor operations.
- Apply knowledge of biotechnology to real-world scenarios, showcasing an understanding of its role in modern engineering.
2. Engineering Principles in Biotechnology
- Gain a foundational understanding of core engineering concepts, including mechanical, electrical, and bioengineering principles.
- Solve practical engineering problems related to biotechnology applications, such as designing and optimizing bioreactor systems.
- Understand the relationship between engineering design and biotechnology, applying principles to improve processes within the field.
- Demonstrate an ability to optimize engineering processes in a biotechnology setting, focusing on efficiency and scalability.
3. Health, Safety, and Ethical Considerations in Biotechnology Engineering
- Recognize and apply key health and safety protocols required in biotechnology laboratories and engineering environments.
- Understand and adhere to relevant regulatory standards and best practices in biotechnology engineering.
- Analyze ethical issues in biotechnology, particularly in genetic modification, environmental impact, and the responsible use of biotechnology.
- Apply ethical considerations to decision-making processes in biotechnology engineering projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Even if a centre is already registered with ICTQual AB, it must meet specific requirements to deliver the ICTQual Level 2 Diploma in Biotechnology Engineering. These standards ensure the quality and consistency of training, assessment, and learner support.
1. Approval to Deliver the Qualification
- Centres must obtain formal approval from ICTQual AB to deliver this specific qualification, even if they are already registered.
- The approval process includes a review of resources, staff qualifications, and policies relevant to the program.
2. Qualified Staff
- Tutors: Must have relevant qualifications in Biotechnology Engineering at Level 3 or higher, alongside teaching/training experience.
- Assessors: Must hold a recognized assessor qualification and demonstrate expertise in Biotechnology Engineering.
- Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs): Must be appropriately qualified and experienced to monitor the quality of assessments.
3. Learning Facilities
Centres must have access to appropriate learning facilities, which include:
- Classrooms: Modern classrooms equipped with multimedia tools to deliver engaging theoretical instruction on genetic engineering, molecular biology, and bioprocess technology.
- Practical Areas: State-of-the-art laboratories featuring advanced equipment for DNA sequencing, PCR, cell culture, fermentation, and bioinformatics, providing hands-on experience in cutting-edge biotech techniques.
- Technology Access: High-performance computers with specialized software (e.g., BLAST, PyMOL, and molecular modeling tools) and internet connectivity to support research, simulations, and bioinformatics projects.
4. Health and Safety Compliance
- Centres must ensure that practical training environments comply with relevant health and safety regulations.
- Risk assessments must be conducted regularly to maintain a safe learning environment.
5. Resource Requirements
- Learning Materials: Approved course manuals, textbooks, and study guides aligned with the curriculum.
- Assessment Tools: Templates, guidelines, and resources for conducting and recording assessments.
- E-Learning Systems: If offering online or hybrid learning, centres must provide a robust Learning Management System (LMS) to facilitate remote delivery.
6. Assessment and Quality Assurance
- Centres must adhere to ICTQual’s assessment standards, ensuring that all assessments are fair, valid, and reliable.
- Internal quality assurance (IQA) processes must be in place to monitor assessments and provide feedback to assessors.
- External verification visits from ICTQual will ensure compliance with awarding body standards.
7. Learner Support
- Centres must provide learners with access to guidance and support throughout the program, including:
- Academic support for coursework.
- Career guidance for future progression.
- Additional support for learners with specific needs (e.g., disabilities or language barriers).
8. Policies and Procedures
Centres must maintain and implement the following policies, as required by ICTQual:
- Equal Opportunities Policy.
- Health and Safety Policy.
- Complaints and Appeals Procedure.
- Data Protection and Confidentiality Policy.
9. Regular Reporting to ICTQual
- Centres must provide regular updates to ICTQual AB on learner enrollment, progress, and completion rates.
- Centres are required to maintain records of assessments and learner achievements for external auditing purposes.
Route for Candidates with No Experience
This route is ideal for learners who are new to the Biotechnology field and do not have prior work experience. The process is as follows:
- Admission: The candidate enrolls in the program at an ICTQual Approved Training Centre.
- Training: The learner undergoes formal training, covering all the essential study units. Training will include both theoretical instruction and practical activities.
- Assessment: Learners will be required to complete and submit assignments based on the course’s learning outcomes. These assignments will test the learner’s understanding and application of the course material.
- Certification: After successfully completing the required assignments and assessments, the learner will be awarded the ICTQual Level 2 Diploma in Biotechnology Engineering.
Route for Experienced and Competent Candidates
For candidates who already have relevant work experience in the Biotechnology industry, the following route is available:
- Eligibility: The candidate must have at least 2 years of verified experience in Biotechnology or a related field. This experience must be relevant to the learning outcomes of the qualification.
- Assessment of Competence: The candidate does not need to undergo the full training program. Instead, the ICTQual Approved Training Centre will assess whether the candidate’s existing knowledge and skills align with the learning outcomes of the course.
- Evidence Submission: The candidate must submit documentation and evidence of their work experience to demonstrate competence in the required areas. This can include job roles, responsibilities, and tasks performed that align with the learning outcomes of the course.
- Knowledge and Understanding: Centres must ensure that the candidate is familiar with all the course’s learning outcomes. If necessary, a skills gap assessment may be conducted to determine if any additional learning is required.
- Certification: Upon successful verification of experience and competence, the candidate will be awarded the ICTQual Level 2 Diploma in Biotechnology Engineering without having to complete the full training course.
Both routes ensure that candidates either gain the necessary knowledge through training or demonstrate their existing competency to achieve the ICTQual Level 2 Diploma in Biotechnology Engineering. This flexible approach caters to both new learners and experienced professionals seeking formal certification.