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.
Available Sessions
We have 3 sessions available for application on this course in Lisburn, Bangor, Downpatrick.
The HNC is made up of 8 units in total.
Modules will include:
MANDATORY MODULES:
Mandatory modules, totalling 90 credits, include
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.
OPTIONAL MODULES:
Two optional Modules will be offered from the specification, to total 30 credits
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.
This programme is delivered using a range of on-campus and online synchronous and asynchronous approaches.
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
Admissions
Successful completion of the Admissions Process
APEL
Provide evidence of ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the accreditation of prior experiential learning. Further details on APEL can be found in the Admissions Section of our website.
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/ W5 which will incur travel costs (£15.00).
Available Sessions
We have 3 sessions available for application on this course in Lisburn, Bangor, Downpatrick.
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.
UCAS Information
You can apply directly to SERC for this course using the Apply Now buttons.
If you apply directly to SERC we will process a UCAS application on your behalf in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018/ UK GDPR.
Applications to our full-time undergraduate Higher Education courses can also be made through UCAS.
View SERC on UCASAvailable Sessions
Title | Campus | Start | Spaces | Fee | Apply or get more information | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pearson BTEC HNC in Applied Sciences
Y10612BF1A-25/26-FT
|
Bangor
|
01/09/2025
|
18 | £2940.00 |
|
|
Pearson BTEC HNC in Applied Sciences
Y10612DF1A-25/26-FT
|
Downpatrick
|
01/09/2025
|
18 | £2940.00 |
|
|
Pearson BTEC HNC in Applied Sciences
Y10612LF1A-25/26-FT
|
Lisburn
|
01/09/2025
|
18 | £2940.00 |
|
|
Please select a campus from the list above to view the available sessions. |
Customer Enquiries
Need more information or have a question about this course? Send us a message below and we will get in touch.
Start New EnquiryTerms & 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.
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.
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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