INSTITUTIONS OFFERING SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT IS SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY AND WHO IS A SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST / LAB TECHNICIAN?

Science Laboratory Technology is one of many programs under the school of applied sciences. It is basically focuses on the important principles of biological, chemical and physical sciences, the analysis as well as the applications. Laboratory Technology as a course is a branch of science that studies analytical laboratory procedures / laboratory-based investigations within biological, chemical, physical and life science areas.

Specialists in Science Laboratory Technology are known by different names such as Laboratory Assistant, Laboratory Technologist, Laboratory Scientist, and Clinical Laboratory Scientist. In Zambia they are mostly referred to as lab technicians.

Lab technicians are the backbone of a scientific research lab. Their work is almost entirely laboratory-based and technicians may work alone or as part of a team of scientific staff. The place or area of work is determines the kind of work that lab technicians do; if it is at the hospital, they are expected to be testing, analysing as well as interpreting fluids or tissues, conducting blood tests and examining cells. If they work for a food and drink manufacturer, they might be testing food and drink samples to detect contamination or ensure quality.

WHERE DO LAB TECHNICIANS WORK?

Any organization or institution with a laboratory requires a Scientific Laboratory Technician. In Zambia lab technicians can work in hospitals/clinics in laboratories where they work hand in hand with other health personnel; patients in hospitals are always referred to lab technician to test for any suspected illness such as malaria and HIV before a prescription can be put in place. They also work in sports clubs where they run random tests on players to detect the presence of any banned substances in players or simply just their health prior to important events. Lab technicians can also work for food and drink manufacturers such as trade kings, colleges/universities, academic research institutes and pharmaceutical companies.

WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?

As partly mentioned above, a lab technician is involved in diagnosing diseases, measuring levels of pollution, developing new products, or working with specialised techniques, such as those concerned with infertility and conception, which all depends on a place of work. In either generalized or specialized work, the lab technicians have a vital role in helping doctors diagnose serious conditions so they can determine the correct method of treatment for their patients as quickly as possible. Lab technicians also have an important role in the prevention and management of conditions through early detection.

Other tasks may involve the following:

• Setting up experiments or investigations
• Carrying out risk assessments for lab activities
• Collecting and analysing samples
• Preparing solutions, cultures or specimens
• Analysing samples
• Recording and presenting data
• Ordering and controlling stock
• Adjusting, calibrating, and ensuring the effective functioning of laboratory instruments and equipment
• Disinfecting and cleaning the equipment and working area; and

WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A LAB TECHNICIAN?

Lab technicians have different work schedules which rely on the institution’s terms of contract. Fulltime lab technicians in Zambia in public and private hospitals work from Monday to Friday from 08hrs to 17hrs. They profession is very much prone to long working hours and may at multiple times require field work or working on weekends. Other lab technicians, especially in industries and sports clubs may be on part time.

WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?

Science laboratory technology is one of the science professionals in Zambia with quite a broad job market. Like many other professionals in Zambia, the government is a major employer of lab technicians in hospitals/clinics as well as colleges/universities. Lab technicians are also marketable in the private sector and non-profit organisations. They are usually under the laboratory department which may be fixed such as a school laboratory or mobile such as a hospital’s ambulance. Some lab technicians can work in a materials lab where they test the strength of construction materials to see if they are suitable for particular construction works.

WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?

Like many other science based programs, Science Laboratory Technology requires someone with the love of sciences and especially the practical side of it. A lab technician should be someone who is very much sober minded as the decision of many health personnel is entirely dependent on him or her. A lab technician requires positive and supportive cooperation with other medical professionals, such as physicians, to ensure full and complete patient care. The work a Lab Technician does and can directly result in the doctor’s ability to diagnose and cure a number of different conditions. A lab technician should also be in a position to use and understand different medical machinery as well as equipment.

INSTITUTIONS OFFERING SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?

Subjects that science and laboratory technology cover are different from different institutions but are similar in many areas. In the beginning of the program, science and laboratory technology involves courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics which may further materialize to courses such as microbiology, Introduction to Clinical Laboratory Science, Immunology and Immunohematology and Basic Haematology, depending on the school curriculum.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

A full Grade Twelve School Certificate or GCE with 5 credits or better, four of which must be English Language, Mathematics, Biology and Science. Due competition, the cutoff point may vary in different institutions with the average of 12 to 15 points in universities and 13 to 18 points in colleges.

WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A LAB TECHNICIAN?

Unlike other science based professionals, being a lab technician can be achieved through various paths. One can also become a lab technician by studying Medical Lab Technology at Apex University or a Diploma in Laboratory Diagnostics from the University of Zambia among others.

WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?

Studying Science Laboratory Technology is not a dead end; you may eventually decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a more specialized area such as chemistry, microbiology, or even management. Advanced education can provide greater opportunities within a variety of organizations. Further specialization can be obtained as a lab technician in the areas of microbiology, immunology, and human chemistry.  As mentioned earlier, the advancement of academic qualifications bring fourth the advancement in salaries as well as opportunities apart from enhancing your knowledge and understanding in your field.

INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Programme duration: 2 years (diploma)
Mode of study: Distance
Admitting school: Institute of Distance Education
Intakes: January only
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +26 097 177 8753 / +26 097 877 2249
E-mail: customercare-ide@unza.zm
Website: www.unza.zm/institutes/ide/DLD

MULUNGUSHI UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Science, Engineering and Technology
Intakes: August
Location: Kabwe
Contacts
Tel: + (260) 215 228 004
E-mail: academic@mu.ac.zm
Website: www.mu.ac.zm

CHALIMBANA UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 3 years (Diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Science and Mathematics Education
Intakes: January and July
Location: Chongwe – Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 974 115 647
E-mail: info@chau.edu.zm
Website: www.chau.ac.zm/content/fees

NORTHERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Programme duration: 3 years (Diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: Faculty of Applied Science and Business Studies
Intakes: January and July
Location: Ndola
Contacts
Tel: +260-212-671699 or +260-955-667674
E-mail: principal@nortec.edu.zm
Website: www.nortec.edu.zm/?page_id=57

EVELYN HONE COLLEGE
Programme duration: 3 years Diploma
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Health and Applied Sciences
Intakes: June/July only
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +0211225127 or +260 211 220971 or +260 964 032960
E-mail: info.ehc@evelynhone.edu.zm
Website: www.evelynhone.edu.zm/academic-fees/

INSTITUTIONS OFFERING BIOCHEMISTRY LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT IS BIOCHEMISTRY AND WHO IS A BIOCHEMIST?

Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within living organisms and those related to them. It is a field and lab based science that brings together biology and chemistry. Biochemistry covers a wide range of scientific disciplines including genetics, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, microbiology, forensics, plant science and medicine. An expert in this branch of science is called a biochemist. Biochemists may choose to work in different fields such as clinical biochemistry, industrial biochemistry or agriculture biochemistry. In general, biochemists provide many industries and government departments with services necessary to boost both the local and national communities economy and welfare.

WHERE DO BIOCHEMISTS WORK?

Biochemists can work in the government for the departments of health, agriculture and livestock, water and sewerage, works and supply, mines etc. Here, they explore the many living and nonliving components of the environment and how they relate with living organisms like  human beings, plants, animals and microbial organisms. Non-governmental organizations like the WHO, world vision and FAO to name a few, also utilize the services of biochemists in ensuring that essential basic needs like food and healthcare are provided for all people of all ages. A biochemist may as well specialize in cosmetics developer programs that could save as good entrepreneur initiatives. Biochemists may work with the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) or Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) which carry out federal regulation of biochemical products including drugs, food and other manufactured materials. With their good backgrounds in metal analysis, chemistry and microbiology, biochemists can aid mineral exploration expeditions for mineral exploration companies or the government when looking for new mineral deposits.

WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?

Research and analysis, data capture and interpretation, innovation and discovery are the main tasks biochemists deal with on a daily basis. Clinical biochemists working in a medical laboratory help diagnose and manage a number of diseases through the analysis of blood, urine and other body fluids. The clinical biochemists carry out tests requested by the doctors on such samples and ensure that accurate results are produced.

In the field of agriculture, biochemists focus on the study of both the chemistry and biological components of plants and animals which are important in agricultural production. They further on handle the processing of raw products into foods and beverages in addition to environmental monitoring and remediation. Other biochemists working for the government agencies like ZABS and ZAMRA test and monitor the quality of food and drugs in the country to ensure they are up to standard.

For the biochemists working in the mineral exploration activities, their work involves going out in the field alongside geologists and other chemists to survey and understand the area. This is because such areas of mineral and oil exploration are typically remote and inhabited with a variety of living organisms like oil inhabiting bacteria and iron-oxidizing bacteria. Iron-oxidizing bacteria are a special kind of bacteria that obtain their energy by feeding on dissolved iron minerals directly from the iron rich soil and rocks. Biochemists will collect such soil and rock samples containing these mineral and oil dependent micro-organisms for laboratory and biochemical analysis to determine if the actual site of these collected samples may have mineral or oil deposits around them.

WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A BIOCHEMIST?

The work schedule or shifts of a biochemist may vary from one organization to another. If one is working for a government department, they will typically stick to the normal 08hrs to 17hrs five day working routine from Monday to Friday. Night shifts may be common among clinical biochemists working in hospitals, this may be so because of the urgent need for the results and data needed for medical emergencies. Industrial and agricultural biochemists working in private organizations may work according to a specific companies working schedule which may or may not be similar to government schedules.

WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?

Interestingly, the job market for biochemists lies in these areas listed below and the chances of finding a job may depend on your level of qualification, work experience and the quality of grades from your previous institution of study.  A biochemist can find a job in a hospital, pharmaceutical company, agricultural field, industries or drug and food regulatory government agencies like ZABS. Other potential employers include NGOs such as WHO, World Vision, Food and Agriculture Organisation etc. Manufacturing companies such as Trade Kings, Big Tree Foods and National Milling also employ biochemists

WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED

Successful biochemists tend to be investigative individuals, which means that they are quite inquisitive and curious people .They often spend their time being artistic, creative and original in what they do. Thus, they work well in a setting that allows for self-expression. The love for science-based subjects, laboratory work and adaptation to new and improved technical tools and methods of analysis account for their great achievements in this field. In their first years at higher learning institutions, they are taught these many skills in the natural sciences field and are urged to pass in these courses. Before graduating, biochemists are mostly advised to engage in internship programs with their companies of choice, so as to earn the experience they need for their career. Furthermore a biochemist should develop his\her; Analytical, Communication, Critical-thinking, Interpersonal skills, Perseverance as well as Math and other Problem-solving skills.

INSTITUTIONS OFFERING BIOCHEMISTRY LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?

Enrolling at a university with the view to studying biochemistry requires an individual to learn A-level natural sciences in the first year i.e., mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. In the following years they start to narrow down to more specific subjects of biochemistry like (organic chemistry, analytical chemistry microbiology, genetics, recombinant DNA technology, animal and plant physiology, plant and animal pathology and many others.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

Like other science-based programs, it is competitive and entry depends on the levels of competition in the University. Typically, they look for 12 points or better at grade 12 which should include Mathematics, Science, and English.

WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A BIOCHEMIST?

To work as a biochemist, one has to undergo college or university training in this field as there is no other alternative, and so typically a Zambian biochemist needs to have a BSc degree in biochemistry.

WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?

Once you study biochemistry, you may decide to pursue a master’s degree in many other courses including clinical biochemistry, medicine, pharmaceutical studies, industrial and agricultural management and more others. A master’s degree gives you an upper hand when it comes to finding new jobs in competitive environments especially abroad. It’s a sign that apart from acquiring these general skills, you have taken a keen interest to master one area of your job more than other people. With a master’s degree one could become a university lecturer as well.

INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER BIOCHEMISTRY

UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Programme duration: 4 years (Degree) / 2 years (Master’s)
Mode of study: Full-time
Admitting school: School of Natural Sciences
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +26 021 125 4406
E-mail: dean-ns@unza.zm
Website: www.unza.zm/schools/natural-sciences/about

MULUNGUSHI UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time
Admitting school: School of Science, Engineering and Technology
Intakes: January and August
Location: Kabwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 215 228004
E-mail: academic@mu.ac.zm
Website: www.mu.ac.zm

GIDEON ROBERT UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Engineering and Biosciences
Intakes: January and July
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 969 899875
E-mail: vc@gideonrobertyuniversity.com
Website: gideonrobert.education

COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years degree only
Mode of study: Full-time
Admitting school: School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Intakes: November
Location: Kitwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 212 290816 or +260 212 290817 or +260 212 290815
E-mail: academicoffice@cbu.ac.zm
Website: www.cbu.ac.zm/fees/

ZAMBIA AIR SERVICES TRAINING INSTITUTE
Programme duration: 3 years (diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time and Part-time
Admitting school: Ground Services School
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 211 271293 / +260 977 656871 / +260 977 987453
E-mail: info@zasti.ac.zm
Website: www.zasti.ac.zm/

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Programme duration: 4 years (Degree)
Mode of study: Full-time and Part-Time
Admitting school: Natural Science Division
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +211 228802 / 4
E-mail: registrar@nipa.ac.zm
Website: www.nipa.ac.zm

KAFUE GORGE REGIONAL TRAINING CENTRE
Programme duration: 13 weeks (skills award level)
Mode of study: Full-time and Part-time
Location: Kafue
Contacts
Tel: ++260 976 668843 or +260 975 156988
E-mail: hsimumba@kgrtc.org.zm
Website: www.kgrtc.org.zm