This two-year higher education vocational qualification has units that are related to applied biology. You will learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic situations, activities and demands in the biological sciences.

Key course features

Qualification: BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Applied Biology
JACS code: B901, Institution code: W65

Level: Level 5

Mode: Full-time

Timetable: This is a full-time course. You will attend college for three to five days per week, Monday to Friday, usually between 9am and 5pm. You will receive your timetable when you enrol.

Start Date: September 2013

Fees: £4,800 tuition fee for 2013-14. This fee is for one year of study and may be subject to change in subsequent years. The course fee is usually covered by your student loan and you will not need to pay this back until you have completed this course and when you are earning over £21,000 a year. Home students will receive a bursary of £500 to help towards expenses (usually in February, subject to satisfactory attendance and progress on the course).

International Fees: The international HE fee for 2013-14 is to be confirmed.

Who is this course for?

Students who are interested in a career in biological sciences.

Entry requirements

You should have at least one of the following:

• BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Applied Science or a related discipline
• Access to to Science
• GCE Advanced Level in more than one GCE subject.

Applicants are also expected to have a good level of literacy and numeracy; a relevant Level 2 qualification (eg GCSE English and maths) is desirable.

If you need advice before you apply, please call 020 8326 2020 or email ciag@west-thames.ac.uk.

About the course

You will learn by completing projects and assignments based on realistic situations, activities and demands. You will focus on a particular area and develop a range of specialist skills and knowledge.

The course is made up of 6 mandatory units and optional specialist units.

Mandatory units:

• Cell biology
• Biochemistry of macromolecules and metabolic pathways
• Physiology of cellular systems in animals
• Laboratory techniques for applied biology
• Analysis of scientific data and information
• Project for applied science.

Specialist units from the list below:

• Neurophysiology and homeostatic control of the human body
• Molecular biology and genetics
• The immune response system
• Infectious diseases
• Medical microbiology
• Human health and nutrition
• Food molecules, additives and their roles 
• Ecological principles and their application
• Chemistry for the applied biologist
• Biodiversity, conservation and threats
• Plant physiology and environmental adaptation
• Work-based experience
• Personal and professional development
• Employability skills.

Additional opportunities

There are enrichment activities on the course such as university visits to discuss subject-specific issues and talks from experts on the latest developments in science.

How will I be assessed?

The course is internally assessed by means of assignments which are graded, and you will also receive an overall grade for the qualification.

Where next?

Progress to the final year of a degree course at university, such as BSc in Biomedical Science or Biology or employment in biological sciences.

How to apply?

Please apply via www.UCAS.com. Alternatively, you can complete our online application form. We will then contact you to make sure you are suitable for the course and help you to apply.