What food is good for you? Why is blood red? How is disease transmitted? How do animals reproduce? What molecules are in your food? How does the environment work? If you are asking questions like this and have a keen interest in biology, this course could be just for you.
This one-year Level 4 qualification in Biology is an advanced, technical qualification delivered in a supportive Technical College environment with contemporary facilities. It provides practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers in a modern science industry; it prepares you for employment at technician or professional level in research and industrial laboratories, including NHS laboratories.
Gaining this industry-led qualification not only provides you with a direct route to Higher Education, including direct entry to some local university’s second year Bachelor of Science degrees, but also equips you with the specialised scientific knowledge and skills needed to fast-track your career progression in Biology and related disciplines such as health sciences.
What experience and skills will you gain?
The course will build sector-wide knowledge tied to practical skills in evidence-based practice, personal research, self-study, directed study and workplace learning and experience.
You will develop your understanding of key concepts, principles, and practices in biology, alongside developing your independent, critical thinking skills through a mixture of group and individual work. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the analytical skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to progress your career or study in biologically based industries.
You will study core units:
- Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques
- Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques
- Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences
- Cell Biology
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Anatomy and Human Physiology
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry
- Microbiological Techniques
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Campus
This course will be delivered at London South Bank Technical College - Nine elms
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What do you need to apply?
You will need the following:
- 5 GCSE qualifications at grade A*-C or 9-4 (to include Maths and English and science related subjects), and
- A Levels CC, in science related subjects (64 UCAS points) or,
- BTEC Extended National Diploma MPP or,
- Access to HE Diploma 48 credits or,
- Level 3 Apprenticeship in related subject or,
- Equivalent level 3 qualification (64 UCAS points)
If you do not meet the entry criteria above, we also review any previous skills, knowledge or experience you have gained outside of your education and are happy to talk through any extenuating circumstances you feel relevant.
If English is your second language and you have not undertaken your final two years of schooling in English, you must demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5 or equivalent.
Visit UCAS for guidance on the tariff.
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How will you be assessed?
Assessment is continuous throughout the course, with a combination of written assignments, external examination, practical tasks (both in the laboratory and in the field), presentations, time constraint assignments.
The assessment is criterion-referenced, and all units will be individually graded as pass, merit or distinction.
Both oral and written feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.
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Where can this course take you?
This course could lead to direct employment in a variety of science-related industries and roles (influenced by your selected pathway), including Laboratory Technician, Research Technician, Technical Support Chemist / Biologist, Quality Support Technician, Manufacturing Technician, Science Technician, Technologist, Instrumentation Technician and Product Development Technician. to
After successfully passing the Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences, you may wish to consider progressing a Higher National Diploma in Applied Biology or alternative courses at university. You may also consider one of London South Bank University’s degree courses (additional qualifications may be required).
