Higher National Diploma in Applied Sciences (Biology)

Stage 1 (total 120 credits):

• Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques*
• Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques*
• Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences (Pearson-set)*
• Cell Biology#
• Fundamentals of Chemistry#
• Anatomy and Human Physiology#
• Fundamentals of Biochemistry/
• Managing Scientific Projects/

*Mandatory units

#Mandatory Specialist units

/Centre Selected Specialist units

Stage 2 (total 120 credits):

• Analysis of Scientific Data and Information
• Applied Sciences Research Project (Pearson-set)
• Biochemistry of Macromolecules and Metabolic Pathways
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Immunology
• Specialist Scientific Techniques and Experimentation
• Science Laboratory Management

*Mandatory units

#Mandatory Specialist units

/Centre Selected Specialist units

For students who have recently been in education, the entry profile is likely to include 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

Please note that you may need to purchase a lab coat as part of our kit requirements.

Assessments may include elements of:

• practical assessments;
• portfolios of evidence;
• in class’ tests;
• lab work;
• case studies;
• examinations, both open and closed book;
• reflective activities where you look back over your experiences, analyse them with the assistance of relevant theory and reflective tools, and learn from the experience;
• online discussions that you have had with your peers, tutors and invited contributors to the programme;
• oral and written reports;
• journals, blogs and log books;
• plans (e.g., action plans, plans for your group activities);
• presentations; and
• time-constrained tasks.

All written work related to assessments will be submitted via Turnitin to ensure
authentication of students’ work.

Although this course does not directly offer work experience, there are opportunities for you to undertake a work placement or work experience during your time studying on this course.

Additionally, Employability Skills such as team working and entrepreneurialism as well as practical hands-on skills have been built into the design of the learning aims and content. This gives you the opportunity to use relevant contexts, scenarios and materials to enable students to develop a portfolio of evidence demonstrating the breadth of their skills and knowledge in a way that equips them for employment.

Careers from our pathways include: Technician Scientist, Technician Scientist, Laboratory Technician, Research Technician, Quality Support Technician, Technologist Development Technician, Manufacturing Technician and Science Technician.

Full-time: £8,000. Part-time: £600 per 15 credits.

This is representative of the most common fees scenario, but actual fees can vary depending on a number of factors. Please contact us if you need more guidance.