Interested in studying science laboratory technology?

Science laboratory technology

    Interested in studying science laboratory technology, this article will help and assist you.

   Science laboratory technology is a science course studied in the universities, polytechnics and other institutes of technology. In the university, it is normally studied for 4/5 years depending on mode of entry, while in polytechnics it is studied for two years for the first national diploma(OND),and another extra 2 years for the Higher national diploma(HND).

  Students of SLT in the universities are awarded Bachelor of Technology degree upon graduation.

What is science laboratory technology?

science laboratory technology is a professional science course offered in higher institutions which teaches students how and ways to conduct, assist and support scientific investigation, analysis, research and development and laboratory maintenance and administration.

  It helps individuals to fill some vital roles in the science laboratory such as instrument fabrication, maintenance and repairs, calibration, sampling, measurements, preparing specimens, conduction of tests etc.

  What is a science laboratory?

It’s simply a workplace for the conduct of scientific experiments and research. It is a building or facility which supports scientific investigation, experiments, research and development. Some of the laboratory tools and devices common in many science labs include; beakers, retort stands, test tubes and racks, pH meter, conical flasks, Bunsen burner, calorimeters, spatula, slides, petri-dishes, voltmeter, cells, magnets, pendulum, springs, pins, computer systems, prisms, centrifuges, distillation flask, microscopes, etc.

 Science laboratory technologist is a professionally trained individual provided with the knowledge and skills to operate, maintain,  repair and fabricate laboratory tools, equipments and procedures including lab stocking, supervision and management. They carry out some common laboratory duties like preparing samples and specimens, performing lab tests, recording and sometimes interpreting lab results and others. source: Britannica.com

Science lab technology students undertake courses in; general microbiology, general biochemistry, analytical chemistry, chemistry techniques, computer science, physics, economics, statistics, electronics, biological laboratory techniques, general lab techniques, instrument design,maintenance and fabrication, practical physiology, physical chemistry, mathematical model, laboratory hazards and safety, pharmacology and toxicology, practical physics, etc.

 The program focuses on the fundamental principles of biological, chemical and physical sciences while equipping students with the knowledge, skills and techniques required in standard laboratory works such as investigation, examination, testing, analysis, sampling, recording, interpreting etc.

HOW TO BECOME A SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST

In Nigeria and similar countries, you can either study a degree in SLT in the university or a diploma in SLT from the polytechnics and other related institutes of technology. You are required to have a science background and zeal to support science and technology research and development.

 Below are lists of subjects required in your Olevel (SSCE) ie WAEC,NECO, and their equivalents;

Use of English, biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics/electronics.

4 Subjects required for your UTME include;

Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics

The B.tech in SLT is a 5-year degree program for Jambites and 4 years via JAMB Direct Entry.

Skills needed in this profession;

v  Good oral communication

v  Patience

v  Team work

v  Computational skills

v  Analytical mind

v  Good eye-hand coordination

v  Problem solving and creativity

v  Adaptability to current trend

Graduates from the polytechnics are referred to as science lab technicians while their counterparts in the universities are called laboratory technologists.

WHERE DOES SLT GRADUATES WORK?

Their primary area of work is in the laboratory and laboratory administration and the nature of their duty depends on their level of experience and position occupied. Graduates take up work in chemical, biological, agricultural, pharmaceutical, environmental, biomedical, educational, legal and technology establishments.

SOME OF THEIR DUTIES

Science laboratory technology graduates are expected to deal with many duties concerning laboratory investigation, research, analysis, reporting and so on. Their duties therefore include;

v  Conduct basic manual and also complex qualitative and quantitative analysis accurately using established procedures

v  Perform laboratory tests to provide reliable results for further scientific work

v  Preparing samples and specimens

v  Fabricate, maintain and operate basic and complex lab equipment

v  Stocking the lab and providing proper labeling to lab materials

v  Carry out established quality assurance and control procedures

v  Perform biological and chemical analysis on samples and specimens and synthesis of some compounds

v  Work with safety guidelines and carry out safety checks

v  Handling and storage of chemicals/reagents and specimens/samples and ensure efficient discharge/disposal of waste

v  Providing technical support to enable to enable the smooth running of the science laboratory while serving as part of the scientific team.

v  May carry out supervision and management tasks at advanced position/level

v  Recording and sometimes interpretation of results

v  Keeping laboratory materials and tools in a sanitary condition

v  Applying mathematical concepts to produce graphs and diagrams.

Major employers: high school labs, tertiary institution’s laboratory, water and food industries, pharmaceutical companies, biomedical laboratory, public health organizations, environmental agencies, legal firms, industrial(chemical) labs, government departments and many other research labs.

NB: Science laboratory technology graduates can set up their own labs, but should not be mistaken as same thing with medical diagnostic labs which are established and manned by a professionally licensed medical laboratory scientist from a medical college. Science laboratory technology plays crucial roles in the foundation stages of research and development especially in developing nations.

What other degrees does one need to become or advance/upgrade to SLT?

        I.            Biochemistry

      II.            Chemistry

    III.            Physics-electronics

    IV.            Material science

      V.            Biological science

    VI.            Biological science

  VII.            Pharmacology

VIII.            Microbiology

    IX.            Basic medical science

      X.            Genetics

    XI.            Pathology

  XII.            Biotechnology

XIII.            Biomedical science

XIV.            Nutrition

  XV.            Food science and technology

XVI.            Environmental science

Science laboratory technology is overseen and regulated by the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, NISLT. The NISLT, which is under the Federal Ministry of Science And Technology carries out these activities as regards Science laboratory technology practice in Nigeria;

1   Standardization of science labs for teaching, research and services

2   Laboratory inspection, accreditation and certification

3   Development of standard operating procedure for science equipment and procedures. And many other functions. The vision of NISLT IS to cause rapid development of the nation through Science laboratory technology

 SCHOOLS OFFERING SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY:

   It is a common course in many Nigerian polytechnics, however, this posts will deal with universities that offer the Science laboratory technology program. Below is the updated list;

Ø  Federal university of technology, owerri

Ø  University of Benin

Ø  University of Port-Harcourt

Ø  Delta state university

Ø  Ladoke Akintola university of technology

Ø  Ekiti state university, Ado-Ekiti

Ø  Kano state university of science and technology

Ø  University of Nigeria, Nsuka

Ø  University of Jos

Ø  Federal university of technology, yola.

                   Hope you find the article useful

 

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