Applied Science – Animal Biology and Physiology: HNC

A close-up shot of two colourful biology textbooks on a lab bench, one featuring a butterfly and the other a frog, with science taps in the background—ready for a lesson in nature

Qualification

HNC

Study Mode

Full Time, Part Time

Duration

1 Year - 2-3 Days p/w

Start date

Aug 2025

Campus

Springburn

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Course overview

Are you interested in a rewarding career in applied science? This programme will group you together with other likeminded learners who are interested in progressing to animal biology and/ or physiology based degree programmes. This will allow you to form crucial support networks maximising your success on the HNC programme and beyond.

You will have the opportunity to complete your Graded Unit 1 project on a topic relating to your chosen area allowing you the chance to further develop your skills, knowledge and understanding in this area.

The HNC Applied Science programme is a one-year programme covering 15 credits from the HNC Applied Science Framework. The programme is designed to give you a broad overview of the applied sciences area and covers subjects such as microbiology, cell biology, human body, chemistry, biochemistry, maths, and statistics

This course will provide the fundamental skills and qualifications to progress to study a life science-based degree at university, with many successful learners completing the course gaining direct entry to year 2 of their chosen degree programmes. There may also be an opportunity to gain immediate employment in the life science industry too.

The course is a full time, intensive, but highly rewarding. It is a challenging, yet supportive, environment in which to develop your scientific theory and understanding, along with the practical skills you need to support this theory. We will provide you with a range of online and in class delivery to maximise your learning experience.

We want you to be successful. Are you willing and able to commit to the course without reservations? Read on if this is the case.

What you will learn

You will build up an excellent understanding of a broad range of scientific concepts and skills, including:

Cell Biology
Chemistry
Anatomy and physiology
Microbiology
Mathematics
Biochemistry
Dissertation writing

You will also learn to perform a vast range of scientific techniques essential for industry and academia.

Yalena, an HNC Applied Science student at Glasgow Kelvin College, speaking during a student Q&A session while seated on a black sofa with bunting in the background.

After moving from England and finding school wasn’t the right path to university, Yalena took the opportunity to join our Applied Sciences Course at Kelvin.

Now Yalena is preparing for her next step - studying Nursing at the University of Glasgow!

Well done Yalena, we can’t wait to see what you achieve next! 👏

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Entry requirements

1 higher at grade C from either Chemistry, Human Biology or Biology.
National 5 (or equivalent) Maths, Chemistry, Biology and English
Students that have successfully completed all units on a NQ Applied Science L6 course would also meet the entry requirements.

For this course, if English is not your first language

you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)

If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.

Entry to the course will be based upon a competitive review of the applications.

Applicants should now provide detailed information on relevant life, education and employment experience as well as displaying their character and what will make them successful on the course within their personal statement, in addition to demonstrating a genuine interest in the subject.

Relevant work experience will also be considered.

When you start the course we will review your academic understanding and skills to ensure you are placed on the correct programme. If you need support in particular area/s we may move you to an alternative pathway to allow you the best possible chance of success.

Career Opportunities

Employment in a huge range of science disciplines within the NHS and industry in Scotland and across the whole world.

Future prospects

We have excellent relationships with all universities in Glasgow and have designed this course to suit progression to their science courses.

When you are finished your HNC you will have the option to apply for 2nd year of most science courses at all universities. Graduates go on to study zoology, marine biology and physiology as well as many others. These courses will allow you to pursue many variable and exciting career paths such as environmental protection, marine biologist, biomedical scientist, clinical research scientist and many more.

We also offer progression to the yr 2 of our HND programme. Successful students on the HNC course will be given priority places on this course.

You will also be able to apply for a variety of technical jobs within the science industry. These include production technician, medical laboratory assistant, school technician and industrial science technician.

Please note that we do not guarantee entry to any degree programmes, this is fully dependent on the universities entry requirements and you