HND Applied Biosciences

Location: Barony
Study mode: full-time (2 years)
Subject Area: Animal and Biological Sciences
Department: Engineering, Science and Technology
Start Date: September 2021
Agency Code: 527D

Course overview

Throughout this course you will develop a strong foundation in the biology and biochemistry of animals, plants and microorganisms and skills in the practical and laboratory techniques of importance to the bioscience sector. You will gain an understanding of measures to raise standards of animal welfare and protect against livestock epidemics as well as approaches to increase the efficiency and reduce the environmental impacts of agricultural systems.

Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

Entry requirements

2 Highers at CC to include Biology, Chemistry or Environmental Science.

Applicants should be able to offer National 5 (A-C) or equivalent pass in English (for literacy) and in Maths (for numeracy).

Entry into Year 2 is possible with an appropriate HNC.

What you'll learn

You will develop specialist knowledge; understanding and
practical skills in animal and plant cell culture, immunotechnology
and DNA molecular techniques and learn skills in planning,
conducting and reporting on practical biological investigations.
You will gain an awareness of the many applications of biological
sciences in crop and livestock production and the wider food,
land and environmental sectors.

Example modules include:

DNA Molecular Techniques: Theory and Practice
Immunotechnology: Theory and Practice Livestock Nutrition
Agroecosystems: Energetic Efficiency
Livestock Health: Approaches to Disease Control

Student experience

Maria Stanisz, originally from Poland, had a background in horticulture. She worked in a garden centre for a number of years before deciding to change her career path and follow the study of biological sciences.

"The Applied Bioscience course seemed like the best suited choice," she said. "I chose SRUC based on positive reviews from my friends who studied here.

"The laboratory classes allowed me to gain practical skills, and I really enjoyed conducting independent research for my graded unit projects, which were focused on microbiology.”

“Stay focused on your goal, and there are plenty of professionals at SRUC ready to help you in achieving it.”

Maria Stanisz

Meet the lecturer

Dr Iain A J Ratchford

Iain lectures in biorefinery construction and operation for the manufacture of bioproducts. He is involved in laboratory work using microbiology, DNA molecular probes, immunological techniques, chromatography, and image analysis.

He's been working with micro-algae for over 30 years, looking at ways to maximise biomass production and examining techniques of separation and product extraction.

View Iain's Pure profile

Fees and funding

Eligible full-time students studying HNC Biosciences should apply to SAAS for fees and funding. A student loan is also available to help students with living costs.

If you do not apply, you will have to pay your fees yourself and if you have studied at HNC/D/degree level before SAAS may not pay your fees.

More information about funding your course

Find out more about your payment options for this course in our fees and funding section

Fees and funding

Other possible routes to funding

Care experienced bursary: There are a number of bursaries available to care-experienced students studying full time. Find out more from our student funding teams at: registryfunding@SRUC.ac.uk
Discretionary fund
- SAAS student bursary
- Care Experienced Accommodation Grant
- Childcare
- Going further bursary
- RUK bursary (for students from outside Scotland)
- The Gregor Thomas Royan Lamb Bursary for Future Farmers
- Centenary bursary
- Change your path bursary

HND Applied Biosciences

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