HND Industrial Biotechnology

Biotechnology uses living organisms and systems to make products for a range of uses, including biofuels, agriculture and pharma products. This HND develops the study of biology, chemistry and process engineering in an industrial biotechnology context.

Year One 

  • Graded Unit
  • Fundamental Chemistry
  • Mathematics for Science
  • Statistics for Science
  • Cell Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Organic & Inorganic Chemistry
  • Lab Skills 

Year Two 

  • Physical Chemistry
  • Graded Unit 2
  • Instrumental Techniques
  • Quality Health and Safety
  • Chemical Engineering (Heat Transfer, Distillation, Fermentation, Chem Eng Principles)
  • Advanced Level Chemistry 

  • Laboratory Technician
  • Research Scientist
  • Process Operator 

  • Industry 

Forth Valley College has formal articulation links in place for entry into year 3 of the following degree programmes:

  • BSc (Hons) Brewing and Distilling – Heriot-Watt University
  • BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science - Glasgow Caledonian University
  • BSc (Hons) Applied Bioscience - University West of Scotland
  • BSc (Hons) Environmental Health - University West of Scotland
  • BSc (Hons) Applied Bioscience with Forensic Investigation - University West of Scotland
  • BSc(Hons) Microbiology - University of Strathclyde
  • BSc(Hons) Pharmacology and Microbiology - University of Strathclyde
  • BSc(Hons) Immunology and Microbiology - University of Strathclyde
  • BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Microbiology - University of Strathclyde

Please note articulation links are subject to change and do not guarantee a place on any university course. Students should check with individual universities for more detail. Each institution will have specific entry requirements.

One of the following:

  • Two Highers at grade C or above (which should include Biology, Chemistry or Maths)
  • Successful completion of a relevant access course or an appropriate group of National Qualification units
  • Applicants who do not meet this criteria, but have relevant experience or alternative qualifications, will be considered

Additional Requirements:

  • Please note that selection will be made via a successful interview and group task

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

Location

Falkirk Campus

Attendance

Full-Time

Start date

18 August 2025

SCQF Level

Level 8

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