Applied Science (Biology) HNC

The Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences (Biology) develops students underpinning knowledge of the subject. It enables students to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles requiring personal responsibility.

This course has been designed to ensure that students acquire the knowledge and understanding, skills and attributes essential for learners to be successful on the programme whilst providing flexibility for those with other commitments such as work and/or family.

Our Blended Learning delivery will see a third of the course delivered remotely. These sessions, delivered on Wednesdays, will be a mixture of live online delivery, and guided learning tasks from the tutors. Units are delivered via interactive sessions with mentored independent study, allowing students to control their own learning and study. The remainder of the course will be delivered face-to-face at Reading College on Thursdays and Fridays.

Students will gain a wide range of knowledge tied to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study, laboratory work and workplace scenarios. Students are involved in vocational activities that help them develop vocational behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for competence) and transferable skills.

The qualification also aims to widen access to and participation in higher education and enhance the career prospects of those undertaking it.

Below are some examples of job roles that this qualification could lead to:

· Technician Scientist

· Laboratory Technician

· Research Technician

· Quality Support Technician

· Technologist

· Science Technician

The course is structured to be delivered over one academic year, consisting of 32 weeks split into two semesters of 16 weeks each.

To successfully complete the programme, students must complete each unit to be awarded the specified number of credits for that unit. One credit corresponds to approximately ten hours of 'learning time' (including all classes, private study and research).

You will study the following units:

1: Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques (core)

2: Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques (Core)

3: Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences (Core)

4: Cell Biology (Specialist unit)

5: Fundamentals of Chemistry (Specialist unit)

6: Anatomy and Human Physiology (Specialist unit)

17: Fundamentals of Biochemistry

25: Personal and Professional Development for Scientists You will gain several transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and the workplace.

Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques (core)
Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques (Core)
Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences (Core)
Cell Biology (Specialist unit)
Fundamentals of Chemistry (Specialist unit)
Anatomy and Human Physiology (Specialist unit)
Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Personal and Professional Development for Scientists

Students will benefit from face-to-face delivery and tutorials, which provide interactive teaching and learning. Attendance on campus provides the opportunity to engage with campus communities and resources. Learners will have two days of on-campus delivery, totalling 11 hours of face-to-face delivery and tutorials. This will take place on Thursdays and Fridays at Reading College.

Partially studying remotely via distance learning will allow students to adapt their learning approach and enhance their digital skills, as well as provide the opportunity to ‘work from home’ for part of their programme. Learners will have one five-hour day of live remote delivery via our ALO platform on Wednesdays. These sessions will combine live online delivery with guided learning tasks from the tutors, and all sessions will be recorded.