Science - HNC/HND Applied Science (Applied Biology)

The HNC/HND in Applied Biology is a vocational programme designed to provide a thorough study of the key concepts and practical skills required in the science based job sector. Emphasis is placed on the combination of knowledge and skills that students will require for a successful career or further study in a related field.

Progression is from HNC in Year 1 to HND in Year 2. Further progression is available via ‘top up’ to Degree level though a network of regional Higher Education institutions.

Students study a variety of mandatory and optional modules, ranging from Cell Biology and Biochemistry of Macromolecules and Metabolic Pathways to Laboratory Techniques and Analysis of Data. The Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Applied Sciences offers students a specialist pathway in Biology designed to support progression into relevant occupational areas or on to degree-level study. The Higher National Diploma is referenced against professional body standards and meets the mandatory qualification requirements of the Level 5 Technician Scientist Higher Apprenticeship standard, providing apprenticeship status and progression to direct employment.

The course structure has been selected to provide a vocationally relevant learning environment and learning opportunities to meet the needs of local and regional students. It has been designed to either enable learners to progress to a related degree programme or to make a direct entry to employment through the acquisition of practical skills and relevant underpinning knowledge.

Learning is supported through a range of employer engagement activities including a work experience element.

Independent learning is a key part of being a student in higher education. It forms part of students’ development as autonomous learners, something that you will take with you after graduation, and is a skill employers will value.

Like other universities, the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group expects students to engage with a significant amount of study outside timetabled taught sessions. Typically, self-directed, or independent learning accounts for two-thirds of the total time spent on a module.

In Year 1 (Level 4) you will study the following units:

Year 1 Modules:

• Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques
• Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques
• Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences
• Cell Biology
• Fundamentals of Chemistry
• Anatomy and Human Physiology
• Microbiological Techniques
• Managing Scientific Projects

In Year 2 (Level 5) you will study the following units:

Year 2 Modules:

• Analysis of Scientific Data and Information
• Applied Sciences Research Project (Pearson-set)
• Biochemistry of Macromolecules and Metabolic Pathways
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Immunology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Organisations and Change Management

Assessment will include:

• Critical evaluations
• Essays
• Laboratory reports
• Observations
• Presentations
• Practical work
• Practical tests
• Reflective accounts
• Research projects
• Time constrained assignments
• Written reports

64 UCAS points

BTEC Level 3 in Applied Science

A Levels that demonstrate strong performance in relevant subjects and supported by GCSEs at Grade 9-4 (or equivalent) in English, Maths and Science.

Other related Level 3 qualifications.

Access to Higher Education Diploma awarded by an approved further education institution.

Mature (19+) learners will be considered on an individual basis following an interview.

IELTS score 5.5

Successful completion of the HNC/HND would facilitate progression to the following science based higher education qualifications:

• BSc (Hons) Life Sciences
• BSc (Hons) Biology / Biological Sciences / Human Biology
• BSc (Hons) Biochemistry / Biotechnology
• BSc (Hons) Ecology and Environmental Biology
• BSc (Hons) Microbiology / Molecular Biology
• BSc (Hons) Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science / Conservation Biology
• BSc (Hons) Chemistry / Biochemistry
• BSc (Hons) Environmental Science / Chemistry
• BSc (Hons) Medicinal Chemistry
• BSc (Hons) Pharmacology / Pharmaceutical Science
• BSc (Hons) Food Science / Technology / Studies
• BSc (Hons) Forensic Science / Chemistry / Biology
• BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Dietetics
• BSc (Hons) Hydrology / Water Science
• BSc (Hons) Environmental Science / Health.

Jobs directly related to your HND include:

• Science Technician
• Technician Scientist
• Laboratory Technician
• Research Technician
• Quality Support Technician
• Technologist
• Development Technician
• Manufacturing Technician

Jobs where your HND would be useful include:

• Laboratory technicians
• Science teachers
• Laboratory research assistants
• Consultants
• Environmental science careers
• Healthcare
• Pharmaceutical sales representatives