HNC APPLIED SCIENCE (WITH ARTICULATION OPTIONS)

Intro to the course:

The HNC Applied Science is a progressive, engaging and exciting course that allows you to develop the theoretical and practical skill set to advance your scientific knowledge and practice. Using our science laboratory and lecturing expertise, you will develop your knowledge across multiple scientific disciplines, as well as being supported to research and develop your own investigation. 

Combining chemistry, biology and human biology, you will be able to begin your journey on a pathway that opens up multiple opportunities for you. 

The HNC Applied Science supports applications to university to many programs including Paramedicine, Chemistry with Drug Discovery,  Biomedical Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Human Nutrition and Microbiology. 

Articulation, University of Glasgow

We have also partnered with the University of Glasgow to support students on their Articulation program. 

This program builds on the HNC Applied Science 12 credit and should you meet the eligibility criteria, you can complete 15 credits. This allows you to articulate into Year 2 of some Life Science programs at the University of Glasgow. Please see the link below for criteria and details on progression. 

This year we have an exciting development in terms of an articulation pathway to Vet. Bioscience at the University of Glasgow

https://www.gla.ac.uk/study/wp/hncarticulation/ 

Who is the course for?

This course is suitable for those who are looking to build on their science knowledge and have a keen interest in not just the theory of science, but also its application. Through multiple practical experiments, you will be able to develop in demand skills within the science industry as well as the knowledge required for progression. 

If you are not sure what direction in science you wish to go in - chemistry, biology, healthcare - then this course will help develop the knowledge base whilst also giving you scope to engage with the specialities. 

What will I study?

The course is made up of multiple units that include: 

• Laboratory Skills for the Science Industry
• Human Body Structure and Function
• Fundamental Chemistry
• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry
• DNA & Genetics
• Statistics 
• Graded Unit - an opportunity to research a topic of interest to you. 

Each unit has individual assessments. 

Next step course options

Our students have progressed to many different routes, demonstrating the flexibility and recognition that the HNC Applied Science has for its course content. These routes have included: 

• B.Sc Chemistry with Drug Discovery
• M.Pharm. Pharmacy at Strathclyde
• Adult Nursing
• Paramedicine
• B.Sc Applied Bioscience and Zoology
• B.Sc Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 

The HNC Applied Science supports progression across multiple science and health courses.  You will have the opportunity to meet with University partners and visit campuses to help in your review of next steps. 

Additionally, the HNC Applied Science can be used as an entry qualification for becoming a laboratory technician. 

How will I be assessed?

A variety of assessment approaches are used to ensure you achieve the units and are prepared for progression - be it to university or employment. Assessments can take the form of: 

• Closed books
• Open Books
• Posters
• Presentations
• Reports
• Practical skills test

Your lecturer will provide you with dates and materials as required. 

Why should I choose this course?

STEM is an ever expanding area within Scotland for research and academics. Medicines development and manufacturing, climate change action and renewable energies are areas that are growing in size and demands. 

This course will prepare you by giving you the underpinning knowledge to progress. Previous students have gone on to study a variety of courses with job options in the pharmacy industry, NHS, private companies, charities and abroad.

Where can this course lead?

The HNC Applied Science can be an accepted entry qualification for working as a laboratory technician as well as conservation and associated jobs. 

The skills developed within the HNC Applied Science such as critical thinking, analysis, evaluative approaches as well as problem solving are all transferable to multiple employment settings. 

What are the entry requirements?

One or more of the following: 

• Minimum of one Higher at C grade or above which must include a science subject (Human Biology, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science) 
• Minimum of a C grade in National 5 Mathematics or National 5 Applied Maths/LifeSkills  or equivalent
• NQ level 6 in Applied Science  ( instead of the Higher Science). 
• Completion of SWAP Life Sciences / Biology / Chemistry program with minimum CCC in profile grades.
• Relevant work experience 
• Foundation Apprenticeship in Science
• All applicants will be asked to attend an interview session. Please see the details of this below. 
• Submission of a reference. 

You are required to detail in your personal statement why you wish to do the course.

Please contact admissions if you wish to discuss the entry qualifications. 

What are the interview arrangements?

If you are successful in gaining an interview, you will be provided with a time and date. If the time and date are not suitable, please contact admissions to re-arrange. 

The interview session will be composed of a short presentation on the course, a written task followed by an individual interview to gain insight into your interest in the course and suitability. 

You will be asked to provide evidence of your qualifications and this can be submitted via admissions or you can also bring them to interview. If you are waiting for Higher results, then please bring evidence of the qualifications you already possess. 

Fees, finance and funding

Fees for full time is £1285

Please note, fees are subject to change, please double-check this when enrolling in your course

If you are unsuccessful in your SAAS, you may be liable for the full cost of course

For more information please visit the finance pages - Fees, finance and funding options.

Other information:

The course team are driven to ensure you have a positive learning experience within the HNC Applied Science course. We invite guest speakers in from industry and academia to speak to you, with workshops on data modelling and professional behaviours to help prepare you for progression. 

The college has free parking, computer suite with printer and a library supplying both physical and electronic textbooks.

Virtual Learning Environments are used to support teaching, with Microsoft teams being employed to provide learning materials.