Where will this course lead?

After completing a Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences, students can progress directly into this one-year, full-time Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Applied Sciences

The selected specialist pathway (Biology) is designed to support progression into relevant occupational areas or on to degree-level study. The pathways are referenced against professional body standards and meet the mandatory qualification requirements of the Level 5 Technician Scientist Higher Apprenticeship standard, providing apprenticeship status and progression to direct employment.

The skills offered as part of the Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND can provide graduates with the opportunity to work in many different areas of the Applied Sciences sector. See below ('What can I do after this course?') for some examples of job roles this qualification could lead to.

What will I study?

The Higher National Diploma (HND) is a Level 5 qualification made up of 120 credits. Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals consist of core (mandatory), specialist (mandatory and optional), and generic (optional) units. Specialist units are designed to provide a specific occupational focus to the qualification and are aligned to professional body and/or higher apprenticeship standards.

The following are the core units taught in the second academic year:

• Unit 27, Analysis of Scientific Data and Information (15 credits)
• Unit 28, Applied Sciences Research Project (30 credits)
• Unit 29, Biochemistry of Macromolecules and Metabolic Pathways (15 credits)
• Unit 30, Molecular Biology and Genetics (15 credits)
• Unit 31, Immunology (15 credits)

The following are the specialist units taught in the second academic year:

• Unit 41, Conservation and Biodiversity
• Unit 57, Infectious Diseases and Diagnosis

How will this course be delivered?

The Higher National Diploma (HND) in Applied Sciences (Biology) is studied full-time over one year.

Lessons will comprise theoretical delivery, practical activities, formative and summative feedback.

Examples of activities which can contribute to the student's total qualification time may include any of the following:

• Guided Learning.
• Independent and unsupervised research/learning.
• Unsupervised compilation of a portfolio of work experience.
• Unsupervised e-learning.
• Unsupervised e-assessment.
• Unsupervised coursework.
• Watching pre-recorded podcasts or webinars.
• Unsupervised work-based learning.

Some examples of activities which can contribute to guided learning may include any of the following:

• Classroom-based learning supervised by a tutor.
• Work-based learning supervised by a tutor.
• Live webinar or telephone tutorial with a tutor in real time.
• E-learning supervised by a tutor in real time.
• All forms of assessment which take place under the immediate guidance or supervision of a tutor.

What qualifications will I get?

Pearson BTEC HND Applied Sciences (Biology) - 240 credits, totally 120 from previous Level 4 study, and 120 credits at Level 5 from this course.

All modules must be successfully passed to be awarded the qualification.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments are through a range of different coursework designed to develop academic and employability skills.

Examples of assessment may include any of the following:

• Unsupervised compilation of portfolios of scientific reports.
• Unsupervised e-assessment.
• Unsupervised coursework.
• Supervised experimental work.

How do I get a place on the course?

All full-time applications are to be submitted via UCAS using the following codes:

Course Code AS02

Institution Code S26

Campus: Main - Blossomfield Campus

What are the entry requirements?

Minimum of 120 credits and a Pass grade in Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences (Biology).

Plus

GCSE/IGCSE English Language grades 9-4/A*-C or recognised equivalent. GCSE/IGCSE Maths grades 9-4/A*-C or recognised equivalent.

GCSE/IGCSE Science grades 9-4/A*-C or recognised equivalent.

English Language Requirements

Students who are non-native English speakers or who have not studied the final two years of school in English but can demonstrate capability in English at a standard commensurate to IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 being awarded on individual sections for a level 4, 5 or 6 qualifications may be considered as eligible to apply for the programme.

Contextual Offer

Contextual offer for students who meet widening participation criteria do not apply to this top-up course, as applicants must have 120 credits at level 4 to progress to the Level 5 qualification.

UCAS Tariff Calculator https://www.ucas.com/applying/before-you-apply/what-and-where-to-study/entry-requirements/calculate-your-ucas-tariff-points

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) are welcomed in accordance with the Solihull College Admissions Policy. Any student wishing to apply for RPL or RPEL should first speak to the Programme Coordinator and provide a full transcript of the work to be considered. The Programme Coordinator will then map the learning outcomes for the previously completed study to those of the programme and make a recommendation to the APL/APEL Committee.

What else do I need to know?

There will also be additional costs for learning resources such as books, stationary and for the production of coursework (the cost of this will depend on the direction and ambition of your work but we suggest budgeting approximately £250 for materials and books). (There are no compulsory requirements to purchase books).

What can I do after this course?

After completing a Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Applied Science, students can progress directly into employment and / or commit to progression routes to degree-level study. Below are some examples of job roles this qualification could lead to.

• Technician Scientist
• Laboratory Technician
• Research Technician
• Quality Support Technician
• Technologist
• Development Technician
• Manufacturing Technician
• Science Technician

Upon achievement of a Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Applied Science, students may wish to progress onto an BSc in most of scientific degrees. Students should however not assume entry at Level 6 is automatic and should liaise with individual institutions as to their entry requirements and accreditation of prior learning processes.