HND Applied Biological Science: Biomedical Route - Year One
Apply now for our dynamic two-year HND course with a strong emphasis on biomedical laboratory work that complements a detailed study of scientific theory and with innovative biotechnology practices.
Featuring hands-on learning, you'll perfect vital laboratory skills highly sought after by employers. Explore biological, biomedical, chemical and physical sciences, unlocking a range of employment prospects for Forth Valley graduates.
Through your committed participation in this programme, you will develop the skills sought after in a well-trained laboratory technician. The course provides you with excellent preparation for direct employment in research and technical support work in biomedical microbiological, pharmaceutical and food science industrial laboratories.
You can progress to a wide range of bioscience university courses, such as Biomedical Science, Biomolecular and Food Science degree programmes.
Uncover a vast array of subjects and develop practical lab skills, including:
- key aspects of microbiology: exploring micro-organisms, clinical microbiology, infection, and cellular microbiology
- immunological techniques: understanding antibody production in vivo and their use in diagnostics and research
- in-depth knowledge of protein structure and function: keeping proteins in their native states, specific binding, and proteomics
- biomedical pathology: investigating pathological factors related to medical conditions like anaemias, cardiovascular disorders, and liver diseases
- human metabolism: including the role of enzymes, and carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism
- biomedical investigations: techniques used in medical laboratories for disease diagnosis and patient management
- cellular signalling: exploring what happens when errors in signalling occur
- common techniques used in biochemical laboratories: such as spectrophotometry, enzyme assays, chromatography, and electrophoresis
Content
Year 1:
- Lab Skills for Science Industries
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Maths
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology DNA and Genetics
- Biotechnology
- Human Body Structure and Function
- Graded Unit
Year 2:
- Biomedical Pathology
- Biomedical Investigations
- Cellular Signalling Human Metabolism
- Applied Sciences Graded Unit 2
- DNA Molecular Techniques
- Microbiological Techniques
- Immunological Techniques
- Protein Structure and Function
- Mathematics for Science
- Quality and Health & Safety Systems in Science Industries
- Animal and Plant Cell Culture: An Introduction
- Instrumental Techniques
Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Scientific Technologist
- Microbiologist
- Biomedical Scientist
- Biotechnologist
- Protein Scientist
- Molecular Biologist
- Chemical Engineer
- Process Engineer Analytical
- Industrial Laboratory Technician
Progression
Forth Valley College has formal articulation links in place for entry into Year Three of with the following degree programmes:
- BSc (Hons) Biology at the University of Stirling
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science - Abertay University
- BSc (Hons) Nutrition - Queen Margaret University
- BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences - Open University
- BSc (Hons) Immunology/Immunology and Pharmacology/Pharmacology/Physiology - University of Aberdeen
- BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences- Heriot-Watt University
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science - Robert Gordon University
Please note articulation links are subject to change and do not guarantee a place on any university course. Students can still apply for entry to Year One or Two of many of these degree programmes and should check with individual universities for more detail. Each institution will have specific entry requirements.
Entry requirements
- NC Applied Science Level 6
- Foundation Apprenticeship in Scientific Technologies and a further Higher at grade C or above
- An appropriate group of National Qualification units
- A minimum of two Highers at grade C or above (Preferably to include Biology and Chemistry)
More Info
Further advice for full-time applicants:
- Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application.
- If you created your account prior to November 2024, you will need to register a new account.
- Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
- Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
- Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
- If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
- Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as; the reason you are applying, future career plans, previous employment, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
- Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
- If your application is successful, you will be invited for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
- If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course
- Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview
- If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk
Falkirk Campus
Full-Time
17 August 2026
Level 8