HNC Applied Sciences (Biology)

Pearson Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Applied Sciences (Biology) is aimed at students wanting to continue their education through applied learning.

Pearson Higher Nationals provide a wide-ranging study of the Applied Sciences sector and are designed for students who wish to pursue or advance their career in Applied Sciences or related fields. In addition to the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin the study of the Applied Sciences sector, Pearson Higher Nationals in Applied Sciences give students experience of the breadth and depth of the sector that will prepare them for further study or training in Applied Sciences related fields.

The objectives of the Pearson Higher Nationals in Applied Sciences are as follows:

• to equip students with the Applied Sciences skills, knowledge and the understanding necessary to achieve high performance in the global Applied Sciences environment
• to provide students with opportunities to address contemporary Applied Science issues facing the sector, and society at large, with particular emphasis on environmental sustainability, food and nutrition and polymer recyclability
• to provide opportunities for students to enter or progress in employment in the Applied Sciences, or progress to higher education qualifications such as an Honours degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences or a related area.

Teaching and learning

Our teaching methods will be varied, interactive and engaging.

You will take part in on campus lectures and live online lectures, tutorials, and academic support sessions. You will also access online learning content such as lecture notes, recordings, presentations, and handouts. You will also have access to our on-campus and electronic library.

When not attending lectures, you will also be studying independently. Independent learning plays a vital role in your studies and involves research, reading books and journals, preparing reports, presentations, and projects.

Assessment

We mostly assess you through practical coursework assignments.

You will be involved in the sort of tasks you might undertake in a workplace. Sometimes these will be individual tasks and at other times, you will need to work in a group. Assignments could include essays, reports, individual and group projects, research and consultancy projects, presentations, and design of digital materials.

Year 1

•   HNAB 001 Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques
•   HNAB 002 Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques
•   HNAB 003 Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences (Pearson-set)
•   HNAB 004 Cell Biology
•   HNAB 005 Fundamentals of Chemistry
•   HNAB 006 Anatomy and Human Physiology
•   HNAB 017 Fundamentals of Biochemistry
•   HNAB 025 Personal and Professional Development for Scientists

You will be expected to have at least one of the following:

• a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Applied Sciences (or a related subject)
• a GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject; this profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades A* to C and/or 9 to 4 (or equivalent) in subjects such as maths and English
• other related Level 3 qualifications
• an Access to Higher Education Diploma awarded by an approved further education institution
• related work experience
• an international equivalent of the above. 
• Plus you will usually have five GCSE subjects including Maths and English Language at grade C/grade 4 or above. We will normally accept Key Skills and Higher Diploma qualifications as the equivalent to GCSEs.

If you have questions about our courses or the application process, please complete the "Register your interest" form. A member of the admissions team will be in touch with you shortly.

Should you wish to apply, prior to completing the application form, please scan your supporting documents, such as a photo, passport, visa, qualifications, references, etc.. You will also need access to your email.