COURSE INFORMATION

This advanced course provides students with opportunities to move directly into employment within Scotland’s science industries or to progress to further study at university. You will gain a thorough understanding of the principles of science combined with practical laboratory work and a laboratory-based project, which are essential when entering employment.

  • One year full-time (after successful completion of HNC: Applied Sciences)
  • Two years part-time (day release)
  • Part-Time 

You will develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to progress your career in science. Subjects include:


  • Plant and Human Biology 
  • Instrumental Techniques
  • DNA Analysis
  • Biomedical Science

You will have access to excellent laboratory spaces to build your skills in working in a laboratory environment. The course also develops your skills in communication, group work and ICT.

  • Direct entry into year 2 (HND) requires the full, successful completion of the related HNC with 15 SQA credits.

  • For applicants who do not currently have the full 15 SQA credits, please contact us at info@fife.ac.uk for further support on the options available to you to be accepted onto this HND course.

  • We offer a range of articulation routes to university from this course. You can study courses such as Genetics, Immunology, Pharmacology, Fitness & Nutrition and many more.
  • The Scottish Life Sciences Strategy states that ‘the Life Sciences industry in Scotland is recognised by both UK and Scottish Governments as one with high growth potential and the capacity to contribute significantly to the nation’s productivity. Scotland hosts the UK’s second largest Life Sciences cluster and one of the most sizeable in Europe meaning that students with science backgrounds area ideally placed to take advantage of job opportunities in high tech and fast growing sectors.

  • You can progress to careers such working in the NHS or in big Pharmaceutical companies developing new medicines. Those interested in research might work one of the many small companies in the Edinburgh Bioquarter or you might consider the emerging Tayside Life Sciences Cluster.

  • If you are interested in the environment this course can take you into careers in environmental or climate science.
  • You may be required to take part in an informal conversation as part of the application process. This group/individual conversation may be an information session, a portfolio discussion, or a skills based exercise.