The City of Liverpool CollegeApplied Science (Biology) — Higher National Certificate (HNC) - The City of Liverpool College
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Applied Science (Biology) — Higher National Certificate (HNC)

Maths and Science

Course ID: 174573

Course Year: 24/25

Course Details

  • 1-year course
  • Gain a Higher National qualification that is highly regarded by potential employers.
  • Develop your specialist knowledge in our highly supportive environment.
  • Experience industry-standard laboratories and real-work scenarios

What to expect from the course

This one-year, full-time Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences (Biology) provides students with practical laboratory skills and theoretical knowledge required for employment or further study in different science-related contexts.

The programme handbook for this course is available to applicants online:

HNC Applied Science (Biology) Programme Handbook (2024/25)

Students taking the Biology pathway will study a mixture of core and specialist units.

Modules studied will include:

  • Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques
  • Scientific Data Handling Approaches
  • Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences
  • Sampling and Sample Preparation
  • Work-based Investigation
  • Cell Biology
  • Fundamentals of Chemistry

A variety of teaching methods are employed for the delivery of the course units. These include, tutorials, group work, research and presentations, practical experiments, visits, and ecological surveys. The different methods employed have been devised to promote students’ academic development and confidence as scientists. This is achieved through the development of not only practical and technical skills, but also through the development of mathematical, analytical, critical thinking and evaluative skills.

Links with industrial laboratories facilitate industry-related briefs and real scenarios that provide an opportunity for students to acquire professional work ethics, time planning skills and working within a professional science team.

On completion of this qualification, students may choose to continue their studies through the Higher National Diploma Applied Sciences (Biology) or progress their careers in the industry.

Please note: this course will only run when it has a sufficient number of applicants.


Qualifications

Higher National Certificate in Applied Science (Biology)

Why study with us?

• Students are provided with high quality guidance and to help them develop their
knowledge and skills
• Students will work in small groups which ensures great access to support from lecturers, when needed
• Students will utilise an advanced and mobile-friendly Virtual Learning Environment that provides a wide range of support materials
• Students will develop highly transferable digital skills using the Microsoft suite of products in their research, knowledge construction, presentation and real-world problem solving
• Lecturers have a wide range of research and industrial experience that enhances the delivery of the units.


Student Benefits

A baker decorating pastries.
Academy Bakery

The Academy Bakery is located on the Duke Street campus, producing a range of first class baked goods daily. These include artisan breads, patisserie and biscuits, as well as special occasion/novelty cakes by award-winning master-bakers. Students are offered a range of discounts throughout the year.

The Academy Bakery
A woman getting a nail treatment on her hands.
Academy Hair and Beauty Salons

Duke Street is also home to The Academy Hair and Beauty salons. They offer generous student discounts on a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, at a fraction of high-street prices. These include styling, cutting, perming, highlights, facials, manicures, electrolysis and traditional and homeopathic massage.

The Academy Salons
A chef preparing a dish.
Academy Restaurant

Duke Street campus is also home to the College’s Academy Restaurant. Often referred to by it’s customers as Liverpool’s hidden gem, the restaurant serves top class cuisine, at highly competitive prices. Food is expertly prepared by professional chef/tutors and young chefs in training and offers students a range of discounts at different times of the year.

The Academy Restaurant
An illustration of students using Office 365.
Microsoft Office 365 - Free

When you become a student of the College you’ll receive full access to Microsoft Office 365. This allows you to install the software on your own computer and other devices at home, completely free of charge.

A gym, including treadmills and exercise bikes.
Onsite Sports Facilities/Fitness Suite

The college has excellent sports and fitness facilities at its Roscoe Street campus. Students pay a one-off membership fee for all year round usage of weekly supervised gym sessions, as well as access to a number of sporting clubs and events.


Career pathways

Students who successfully complete this qualification may continue their studies at the City of Liverpool College University Centre and progress onto the level 5 Higher National Diploma in Applied Sciences (Biology). Alternatively, graduates may wish to progress directly into employment in their chosen career or study at another higher education provider. Graduates may go on to careers in biomedical diagnostics, nutrition, laboratory analysis, research and development, ecological sciences, conservation, education and many other related areas.

We're here to help...

Contact us to discuss your application or find out more:

 : 0151 252 3000
 : enquiry@liv-coll.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold a total UCAS Tariff points score from relevant qualifications of at least 96 points, including:
• A-level qualifications or equivalent in science - preferably biology and chemistry
• GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above or equivalent
• We also welcome applications from those with relevant experience in lieu of the minimum entry requirements.
If you are unsure of the entry requirements, or if you don't meet the criteria, please contact our Careers Advice and Guidance team who will be happy to help you find the best option for you. Email careersadvice@liv-coll.ac.uk or call 0151 252 3607

Fees

This course is only available to learners aged 18 and over. Fees are payable by all students unless sponsored by an employer, but you may qualify for a student loan through Student Finance England towards the cost of your course and living costs. Find out more at https://www.gov.uk/student-finance, or contact our HE team at HEoffice@liv-coll.ac.uk.

Fee for24/25 is 6700.00
In future years we anticipate increasing this fee in line with the annual inflation level (capped at RPI All Items Excluding Mortgage Interest (RPIX)).


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