COURSE INFORMATION

This course develops the students’ knowledge within all of the sciences and their related industrial techniques. The course is designed to allow you to progress onto an HND Applied Biological Sciences. Alternatively, you can progress to university to study a range of science based courses (Biology,Chemistry or Physics) or directly into employment

  • One year full-time
  • 18 months part-time (day release)
  • Part-time in both campuses 

All HNC Applied Sciences students study a range of common units to provide foundational skills in biology and chemistry before moving onto more advanced courses in their selected specialisation.


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


  • Laboratory Skills for Science
  • Cell Biology
  • Fundamental Chemistry
  • Maths for Science
  • Animal & Plant Cell Culture
  • Physical or Organic Chemistry


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.

One of the following:

  • One Higher at Grade C or above in Biology, Human Biology, four National 5s at Grade C or above to include Biology, Chemistry, and Maths. 
  • Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills) SCQF Level 6 plus four National 5s at Grade C or above to include Biology, Chemistry, and Maths.
  • Foundation Apprenticeship: Food and Drink Technologies SCQF Level 6 plus one Higher at Grade C or above in any Science subject and National 5 Maths at Grade C or above.
  • National Certificate: Applied Sciences SCQF Level 6.
  • Relevant industrial experience and/or other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
  • 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 Bio-quarter 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.