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Student Handbook
Funding Support for Students
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. 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, laboratories and conservation areas. The teaching team are highly qualified, with industrial and research experience. The staff continually develop their professional skills by attending specialised training programmes. 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. Skills Focus funding available towards course fees for eligible employers to up skill staff or for self-employed students. Please ask for further details.
You will learn about the structure and function of all the macromolecules that form the basic building blocks of life. You will learn about the levels of organisation and the interrelationships between all parts of an organism. You will also complete laboratory work to help prepare you for employment or enhance the skills you already have. Along with the vocational skills you will also develop employability skills through workshops such as teamwork, innovation and problem solving.
Six Mandatory units:
Two other units from a covering a range of applied biology topics.
Learners must be over 18. Learners must have 4 GCSEs including a science subject and Maths and English or equivalent. Learners must have at least 1 GCE A Level pass or equivalent in an appropriate subject.
Assessment is continuous throughout the course with a combination of written assignments, practical tasks both in the laboratory and in the field, presentations and time constraint assignments. The assessment is criterion-referenced and all units will be individually graded as ‘pass’, ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’. Both oral and written feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.
BTEC Level 4 HNCs provide a nationally recognised qualification offering career progression and professional development for those already in employment and opportunities to progress into higher education. The Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Applied Biology offers a progression route for learners who are employed in the applied biology and related science industries. Learners studying the BTEC Level 4 HNC will be able to progress to an undergraduate degree at a variety of universities including Queen’s University Belfast and ulster University. Some previous students have progressed to; BSc (Hons) Biological Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Marine Science and Environmental Science. The HNC also allows for progression on to more vocational programmes such as BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, Optometry, Radiography and Nursing or Midwifery. Learners will be able to seek employment in the biological sciences and their related industries.
The Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Applied Sciences (Biology) provides a specialist work-related programme of study that covers the key knowledge, understanding and practical skills required in the applied biology sector. Fees are payable annually.
P4486DF10A
Session Code
1 Year(s)
Duration
Higher Education
Mode of Study
16.5
Hours per Week
30
Number of Weeks
Interview Required
25/26
Academic Year
08/09/2025
Start Date
Subject to Timetable
Day/s
jill.eagleson@swc.ac.uk
Coordinator(s)
Total Annual Fee £2,800.00
Total Concessionary Fee N/A
Fees Payable Each Year
**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?
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