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Bioscience

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Why Study Bioscience ?

Recent advances in biological knowledge and techniques demonstrate the many beneficial applications of the biosciences today. 

HNC Bioscience is designed to equip students with a sound understanding of biological principles together with practical laboratory skills and an awareness of the wide range of career paths in the biological sciences.

This broad-based bioscience course provides a foundation from which students can enter employment at a junior technical or support level in the bioscience industries or progress into various HND and degree courses, including SAC’s programmes in applied bioscience, agricultural science, applied animal science or green technology.

A course leaflet can be downloaded from the right of this page.

About The Course

In addition to core studies in cell biology, microbiology and biochemistry, HNC Bioscience includes elective options which allow some of specialisation in animal science, plant science, biotechnology or the production of crops for food or energy generation.

Laboratory classes provide training in practical techniques as well as helping students to understand the theoretical aspects of the course.

Students also undertake an individual research project to develop skills in the planning, implementation and evaluation of a complex task. 

As further preparation for employment, skills in information technology, communication, numeracy, and working with others are developed throughout the course.

Personal development planning tutorials are provided to help students to set and work towards their personal, educational and professional goals.

Awards Available

Click on a course title for further details

HNC Bioscience

Study In Ayr: SAC SO1 017D Y HNC/Bio

Study In Edinburgh: SAC SO1 017D Z HNC/Bio

Length Of Course

The HNC takes 1 year full-time, or can be studied part-time.

Minimum Entry Requirements

2 Highers (CC) or 1 A Level pass preferably to include a science subject.  English and Mathematics are required at Standard Grade/GCSE pass level or equivalent.  Applicants with a National Certificate group award or SWAP Access qualification or equivalent in a related subject such as Life Science, Applied Science, Biological Science, Science and Technology are encouraged to apply.

Progression Routes

The HNC Bioscience allows progression into Year 2 of the following:  HND/BSc (Hons) in Applied Bioscience, Applied Animal Science, Agricultural Science, or Green technology.

Course Content

Further information is available in SAC's undergraduate prospectus and in our course leaflet, which can be downloaded from this page. Please contact us for further information.

HNC Bioscience begins by exploring the biology of cells and their fundamental life processes before considering the functioning and growth of micro-organisms, animals and plants.

Through the practical and project work, students progressively improve their laboratory skills and other core workplace skills in Information Technology, communication, numeracy, and working with others.  Students also learn about the environmental impacts of both the bioscience industries and of individual behaviours.

A number of elective options are provided, e.g.  Animal and Plant Cell Culture, Biotechnology: An Introduction, Soils and Crop Establishment, Farm Power and Arable Crop Production, to provide underpinning knowledge for subsequent progression into various HND and degree courses.

Career Opportunities

The HNC Bioscience prepares students for entering employment pathways such as:

  • Junior laboratory technician
  • Assistant field technician
  • Junior quality control technician

 

Course Contacts

Ayr Course Contact

Mrs Chris Leggate
Lecturer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work Watson Peat Building Auchincruive
Ayr
KA6 5HW
TelWork 01292 52 5303
Fax 01292 525314

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Ayr Campus General Contact

Mrs Jill Thomson
Student Recruitment Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work Auchincruive Estate,
Ayr
KA6 5HW
TelWork 01292 525343

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Edinburgh Course Contact

Mr Donald Mitchell
Lecturer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4086
Fax 0131 667 2601

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Edinburgh Campus General Contact

Miss Claire Morrison
Student Recruitment Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work King's Buildings, West Mains Road
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4391

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Student Experiences

Margaret McGarva successfully completed HNC Bioscience in summer 2008. She was particularly interested in the practical microbiology classes and the visit to a commercial laboratory to find out about quality and health and safety systems in the workplace.

“The course was recommended to me by a friend who is in the Honours year of the Applied Bioscience degree. Both my older brothers had enjoyed studying at SAC so I know it would be a good place to study. I would like a career in the food industry as a Quality Control Officer or Food Safety Officer or some related laboratory-based position.”