Pearson BTEC HNC in Applied Sciences

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, university laboratories, hospital laboratories and conservation areas. This programme is delivered using a range of on-campus and online synchronous and asynchronous approaches.


Academic Year: 2024/25
Course Code: 10612
Campus: Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn, Newcastle
Study Type: Part-Time
Education Level Higher Education
Department: Bio Sciences

Available Sessions

We have 2 sessions available for application on this course in Bangor, Lisburn.

Course Structure

The HNC is made up of 8 modules totalling 120 credits. These consist of six Mandatory modules, totalling 90 credits and two optional Modules to total 30 credits. These will be studied over two years part time. The sequence of module delivery may vary from year to year, however will normally be:

Year 1 Modules:

MANDATORY MODULES:

Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques

Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques

OPTIONAL MODULES: 

Fundamentals of Biochemistry

Microbiological techniques

Year 2:

MANDATORY MODULES:

Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences

Cell Biology

Fundamentals of Chemistry

Anatomy and Human Physiology

This programme is delivered using a range of on-campus and online synchronous and asynchronous approaches.   

Please note, course fees are payable on each year of the Programme

Contact Hours per week

7 hours contact time to include practical classes, lectures, workshops or tutorials.

Mandatory Additional Study

Maximum of 1.5 hours per week average over the academic year.

Personal Study

11 hours maximum studying and preparing assessments in your own time per week, including use of online materials.

 

 

General Entry Requirements

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application. You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment. Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process.

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

• 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.*

*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.

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.

      Course Entry Requirements

      A minimum of 32 UCAS points including:

      • GCE A level (A2): Typical grade profile C [Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, or Double Award Science/Applied Science.] 

      OR

      • Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science with overall award profile (PP)

      OR

      • Access to HE Diploma (NI): 60%-65% overall [in an Applied Science course] and 60% in one science module.

      OR

      • Equivalent alternate qualification

      Accreditation of Prior Learning

        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

        International Students English Language Requirements

        International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

        • IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)

        • PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)

        • Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

        For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk

        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.

        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.

        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.

         

        As part of the course you will be expected to participate in field trips to Lough Neagh Discovery Centre or W5 which will incur travel costs (£15.00).  

        Course and Provider regulated by Pearson.

        Year 1 Modules:

        MANDATORY MODULES:

        Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques

        Scientific Data Handling

        Approaches and Techniques

        OPTIONAL MODULES: 

        Fundamentals of Biochemistry

        Microbiological techniques

        Year 2:

        MANDATORY MODULES:

        Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences

        Cell Biology

        Fundamentals of Chemistry Anatomy and Human Physiology

        Available Sessions

        We have 2 sessions available for application on this course in Bangor, Lisburn.

        Enquiries Information

        For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

        Available Sessions

        Title Campus Start Spaces Fee Apply or get more information
        Pearson BTEC HNC in Applied Sciences
        Y10612BD1A-24/25-PT
        Bangor
        16/09/2024
        Day: Wed, Thur

        Time: 09:00-16:30

        9 £1050.00
        Pearson BTEC HNC in Applied Sciences
        Y10612LD1A-24/25-PT
        Lisburn
        16/09/2024
        Day: Wednesday

        Time: 09:00-17:45

        15 £1050.00

        Please select a campus from the list above to view the available sessions.

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        Terms & Conditions

        Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

        We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

        In addition to the above Terms & Conditions students must also adhere to the following:

        Students are required to:

        • Comply with College Policies and procedures.
        • Submit all coursework and assessments by specified dates, coursework submitted without consent after the deadline shall not normally be accepted.
        • Pass all modules in each year of study in order to proceed to the next year of the programme.
        Higher Education

        Higher Education

        If you have just completed your A-Levels, Higher Education is most likely the option for you. HE usually covers HNC, HND & Foundation Degree level of courses including our Higher Level Apprenticeships.

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