Course summary
Why study this course? The learning experience is a combination of laboratory based training, field work, theoretical knowledge and e-learning. The programme incorporates a number of talks by experts from the industry and includes visits to industries, university laboratories, hospital laboratories and conservation areas. This programme is delivered using a range of on-campus and online synchronous and asynchronous approaches. About the course The HNC in Applied Sciences (Biology) prepares you for employment in the science industry and provides you with the opportunity to gain entry to relevant Degree programmes. This programme is delivered using a range of on-campus and online synchronous and asynchronous approaches. How will it make me more employable? The HNC in Applied Sciences (Biology) provides a Nationally Recognised Qualification offering career progression and professional development for those already in employment and provides opportunities to progress to Higher Education. Along with the vocational skills you will also develop employability skills through workshops such as teamwork, innovation and problem solving. You are encouraged to take up work placement in hospital labs, civil service labs, industries and educational sectors. It is the responsibility of the student to organise this work placement. Where will it take me? Successful completion of the HNC in Applied Sciences (Biology) prepares you for employment in the science industry and may provide you with the opportunity to complete a further year leading to the Level 5 HND in Applied Sciences (Biology). Successful completion of the HNC may also enable you to progress to further study on the first year of a Degree course, for example BSc(Hons) Microbiology and Biological Science at Queen's University Belfast and Applied Biochemical Science. With further study it may also lead to; BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy; BSc (Hons) Optometry and BSc(Hons) Radiography at Ulster University; BSc(Hons) Applied Biological Sciences and Marine Biology at Ulster University and; BSc(Hons) Environmental Science Degrees.
Modules
Level 4 Modules: Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques: Students will undertake chromatography, qualitative infrared spectroscopy, titration, quantitative spectroscopy, microscopy, aseptic technique and synthetic chemistry techniques Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques: The students will develop their numerical abilities and increase their confidence in handling data in order to create information and knowledge. Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences: This unit allows students to investigate legislative compliance, external regulatory bodies, internal regulatory and quality management systems and international standards. Cell Biology: This unit will enable students to develop an appreciation of the cell as the basic unit of life. Fundamentals of Chemistry: An understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry is an essential component of biological units such as biochemistry, pharmacology, food science, environmental science and materials science. Anatomy and Human Physiology: The aim of this unit is to develop knowledge of the anatomy and biological systems of the human body and how they function. Fundamentals of Biochemistry: This unit will introduce students to the biochemical building block molecules amino acids, monosaccharides, nucleotides and fatty acid. Microbiological techniques: This unit introduces students to the diverse world of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Assessment method
Students are assessed using a range of different methods. These include time constrained assignments, coursework, Project Based Learning, presentations, practical, posters, leaflets, role-play, and case studies. This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
We offer a diverse range of world class courses and study options, and we’re delighted to offer our international students a warm welcome to study at SERC. For more information visit: https://www.serc.ac.uk/international/students
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - C
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PP
Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application. Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Further details on APL can be found in the HE admissions process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Additional entry requirements
Other
All applicants must hold: GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills-Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification AND GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills-Application of Number, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification* AND passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics and as above), with 1 at GCE Advanced (A) level (grades A-E), and 3 at GCSE level (grades A*-C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification. *It should be noted that we strongly recommend that if you do not hold a GCSE in Maths that you enrol in a course concurrently with the HNC as many Universities require GCSE Maths as an entry requirement for Science degrees.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Minimum of 5.5 in all skills |
| PTE Academic | 51 | Minimum of 46 in each part |
All applicants must hold a GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills-Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification. Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test For further information please contact our International Department at [email protected]
Click here to find out more about becoming an international student at SERC.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £2940 | Year 1 |
| England | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £2940 | Year 1 |
| International | £7500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
As part of the course you will be expected to participate in field trips to Lough Neagh Discovery Centre/ W5 which will incur travel costs (£15.00).
Sponsorship information
There are a number of sources of financial support available to students. These vary depending upon your course of study. Apply as soon as possible as closing dates vary between funds. The main types of student finance are tuition fee and maintenance loans, which have to be paid back, and grants and bursaries, which do not have to be paid back. For more information visit: https://www.serc.ac.uk/support/student-finance/full-time
Provider information
South Eastern Regional College
Castle Park Road
Bangor
County Down
BT20 4TD