Applied Sciences (Biology)

The Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications in Applied Sciences are aimed at students wanting to continue their education through applied learning. Higher Nationals provide a wide-ranging study of the Applied Sciences sector and are designed for students who wish to pursue or advance their career in Applied Sciences or related fields. In addition to the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin the study of the Applied Sciences sector, Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Applied Sciences give students experience of the breadth and depth of the sector that will prepare them for further study or training in Applied Sciences related fields.

The objectives of the Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Applied Sciences are as follows:

• to equip students with the Applied Sciences skills, knowledge and the understanding necessary to achieve high performance in the global Applied Sciences environment
• to provide education and training for a range of careers in Applied Sciences, including Laboratory Technician, Research Technician, Technical Support Chemist / Biologist, Quality Support Technician, Manufacturing Technician, Science Technician, Technologist, Instrumentation Technician and Product Development Technician
• to provide opportunities for students to enter or progress in employment in the Applied Sciences, or progress to higher education qualifications such as an Honours degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Polymers or a related area.

Assessment 

You will benefit from an innovative variety of assessment modes. Assessment is mainly via coursework, which can take forms such as traditional essays and reports, individual and group project work, research and consultancy projects, presentations, posters, and design of digital materials.

Teaching and learning

Teaching and learning will be provided via a blended delivery model, offering class-based lectures and tutorials, including laboratory, workshop and field-based practical activities and online delivery.

When not attending lectures or seminars, you will also be expected to study through independent learning. Independent learning plays a vital role in your studies and involves research, such as reading books and journal articles, preparing assignments and presentations, working on individual and group projects.

During one term, you will typically be attending three modules of 15 credits each. A taught 15 credit module consists of approximately 10 hours of lecture content, 20 hours of seminar content and assessment practice. On top of this, you will be expected to spend around 10 to 15 hours per week on independent learning and completing assessments. 

You will have access to a variety of materials to support you in your learning, such as books, journals, lecture notes and a wide range of e-resources.