Academic Year 2015/16
HND Applied Sciences
(SCQF Level 8) Full-timeWhere will I study?
Course code Location Duration
ACDAP Aberdeen City Campus 2 Years
Welcome from Head of School
As the current Head of School, I would like to welcome you to the School of Engineering, Science and Technology at North East Scotland College.
The School encompasses Engineering, Science, Construction and Automotive courses, all of which offer outstanding, exciting opportunities for students to progress and achieve success in their future. We are very fortunate to have state–of–the–art teaching facilities, which means that each and every one of our students will experience
industry–focused, high quality and inspirational learning. Our main focus is ensuring that on completion of your course, you are capable and confident when it comes to entering the workplace or progressing towards further study at College or University.
We pride ourselves in offering vocationally relevant opportunities for all, whether you are studying at introductory level or joining one of our advanced courses. We would be delighted to help you achieve your employment aspirations. Bill Rattray, Head of School for Engineering, Science and Technology
Introduction to the course
Applied sciences are used in almost all industries, from health services and pharmaceuticals to food, drink and energy. It is therefore essential that you are equipped with a broad range of vocationally-relevant skills. For this reason, a significant amount of practical work is involved in this course, giving you a chance to put theory into practice and develop valuable skills in experimentation, testing and modern instrumentation. The topics covered are wide-ranging, and cover key theoretical and practical aspects of biological and chemical sciences. The course intended for those wishing to find employment within the science industries, or those who wish to progress to further (degree level) study.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have Higher qualifications in Chemistry and Biology, or a Higher in one of these subjects and a National 5, Intermediate 2 (at a minimum of grade B) or Standard Grade Credit level qualification in another.
Alternatively, applicants should have successfully completed the NC Applied Sciences SCQF Level 6 course at Grade B or above.
Please note that applicants will be required to have a laptop.
Year 1:
Fundamental Chemistry: Theory and Practice Cell Biology
Inorganic chemistry Physical chemistry
Spectroscopic and Analytical Techniques DNA Structure and FunctionBiochemistry Mathematics for Science
Presentation Skills in Science
Information Technology Applications Software
Quality and Health & Safety Systems in the Science Industries Graded Unit 1 - InvestigationInstrumental Techniques(Option) Organic Stereochemistry (Option)
Plant Biology (option)
Environmental Biology (option) Year 2:
Microbiology
Human Body Structure and Function Organic Chemistry
Aromatic Chemistry Transition Metal Chemistry Protein Structure and Function Animal Biology
Kinetics and Thermodynamics Statistics for Science
Physics for Science Chemistry Laboratory Skills
Graded Unit 2 - Laboratory Project
Assessment methods
This course is assessed on a continuous basis, with each unit being assessed separately. For most of the Science units this will involve a single end of unit test and assessed practical activities. For certain units, essays, presentations, and case studies will also be required. Graded Units will be undertaken in College, but are subject to external verification by the SQA. Candidates who pass a Graded Unit will be awarded an A, B or C grade.
Dress code
Students should dress appropriately for undertaking practical laboratory work, and will be required to where lab coats and safety glasses for all practical activities.
Course progression
Students who successfully complete this course may progress to degree level study at one of our associate universities.
University links
North East Scotland College has links with 11 different universities across Scotland. Every one of our HND level courses has articulation opportunities where you can progress from your chosen course to a related university degree. This is an excellent option for those who may want to come to College at an introductory level, and then work their way towards degree level study.
For more information on our associate universities, please visit the University Links section on the website.
University progression
Robert Gordon University
BSc/BSc (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Science year 3 (conditions apply) University of Aberdeen
BSc Biology year 3 (conditions apply) BSc Chemistry year 3 (conditions apply)
BSc Environmental Science (Physical Science) year 3 (conditions apply) BSc Pharmacology year 3 (conditions apply)
BSc Physiology year 3 (conditions apply)
BSc Sports & Exercise Science year 3 (conditions apply) BSc Biochemistry year 2 (conditions apply)
BSc Biotechnology (Applied Molecular Biology) year 2 (conditions apply) BSc Genetics year 2 (conditions apply)
BSc Genetics (Immunology) year 2 (conditions apply) BSc Microbiology year 2 (conditions apply)
BSc Molecular Biology year 2 (conditions apply) BSc Molecular Microbiology year 2 (conditions apply) BSc Immunology & Pharmacology year 2 (conditions apply) BSc Ecology year 2
BSc Environmental Science year 2 BSc Marine Biology year 2
BSc Plant & Soil Science year 2 BSc Zoology year 2
Dundee University
Year 2 (conditions apply) of the following degrees: BSc Anatomical Sciences
BSc Anatomical & Physiological Sciences BSc Biochemistry
BSc Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery BSc Biological Sciences BSc Biomedical Sciences BSc Microbiology BSc Molecular Biology BSc Molecular Genetics BSc Neuroscience BSc Pharmacology BSc Physiological Sciences BSc Sports Biomedicine
BSc Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery - with a year in industry Heriot-Watt University
Year 3 (conditions apply):
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (Cell and Molecular Biology) BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (Food and Beverage) BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (Human Health) BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (Microbiology) BSc (Hons) Brewing and Distilling
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology University of Abertay
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences year 3 (subject to conditions) BSc (Hons) Forensic Sciences year 2 (subject to conditions) SRUC (Scottish Rural College)
BSc/BSc (Hons) Applied Bioscience (Ayr & Edinburgh year 3) BSc/BSc Hons Applied Animal Science (Ayr & Edinburgh year 3) BSc/BSc (Hons) Agricultural Science (Ayr & Edinburgh year 3)
BSc/BSc (Hons) Green Technology (Ayr Campus year 3) UHI (University Highlands & Islands)
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science year 3
(Inverness College UHI, Moray College UHI, North Highland College UHI, Perth College UHI) The Open University
The HND Applied Sciences will give 240 credit transfer points towards the BSc (Hons) Life Sciences degree and also to the BSc (Hons) Molecular Science degree.
An HND Applied Sciences will give 240 credits towards the 360 credit BA/BSc Open Degree with Honours or 180 credits towards the 300 credit BA/BSc Open Degree.
A reduced amount of credit transfer can be awarded against other qualifications, such as: BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science BSc (Hons) Environmental Studies
Employment
Employment opportunities are typically at technician or researcher level in science-related industries.
Useful information
Faculty: Science
School: School of Engineering, Science and Technology
Faculty Manager: Colin Tweedie
Email: [email protected]
Curriculum & Quality Manager(s): Douglas Fraser, Curriculum & Quality Manager Email: [email protected]
Faculty staff
Douglas Fraser, Curriculum & Quality Manager Email: [email protected]
Leann Tait, Lecturer Email: [email protected] Nicola Levitt, Lecturer Email: [email protected] Jan Lyne, Lecturer
Email: [email protected] Ann Murdoch, Lecturer
Email: [email protected] Bruce Gilliland, Senior Lecturer - Quality Email: [email protected]
Rick Hollstein, Senior Lecturer -Quality Email: [email protected]
Guidance and Support
You will be assigned a Guidance Tutor when you are enrolled on the course. They will act as your primary contact should you have any issues, personal or involving your course, whilst at North East Scotland College. They will support you for the duration of your course along with relevant teaching staff. For assignments and assessments you will be provided, where possible, with detailed feedback. This will allow you to pinpoint areas of good performance and areas that may need improvement, which is essential for your educational development. For matters outwith your course, we have a number of teams in place to help you with the following:
Careers and Employability Student Funding
Learning Development Centre International Guidance
For information on any of the above or to arrange an appointment, please contact: Student Services
Email: [email protected] Tel: 01224 612284
Blackboard and StudentNet
Blackboard is a Virtual Learning Environment that enables access to teaching and learning resources via the Internet. We use it to assist and support the delivery of our classes across all full–time and many of our part–time & distance learning courses. The aim of Blackboard is to enhance the quality of our courses and your learning experience. As a student making use of Blackboard, you'll encounter a number of benefits from this state–of–the–art learning
environment including:
Quick access to course materials such as handbooks, lecture handouts, interactive quizzes, informative videos and web links
Electronic submission of coursework and easy access to online assessments
Access to information like assessment deadlines, class timetables, announcements and course calendars Fast communication with other learners and your lecturers using journals, blogs or wikis
Best of all, it will increase your experience of using Information and Communications Technology – a key skill for your educational and professional development.
A key component of Blackboard is StudentNet, an area dedicated to students. Here you will find a host of useful information such as College news & events, support team information, IT help, links to course timetables and more. You can also use it to access your College email account and Library+ resources.
To log into Blackboard your username is your eight-digit student number (e.g. 12345678) which is also used in your NESCol email address (e.g. [email protected]). For some forms on StudentNet you must login using your email address as the username, but this will be clearly marked where required. The password will be the default password you were issued with, or the password you have used to replace the default.
BYOD and Student Helpdesk
North East Scotland College has a number of computing rooms and IT services to support particular courses, however on many courses you will be encouraged to bring your own personal device, such as a laptop or tablet - we call this Bring Your Own Device or BYOD. You will be advised by College staff what the arrangements are for the course you have chosen to study.
If you are asked to supply a laptop or netbook and you have difficulty in meeting the cost, please arrange to see a Student Funding Assistant to discuss your options by contacting:
Student Services
Email: [email protected] Tel: 01224 612284
who are there to help and advise you on a number of IT related issues. You can visit in person along with your device, or get in touch: Student Helpdesk Email: [email protected] Tel: 01224 612510
Library+
There are four Library+ sites at North East Scotland College. You'll find them at our Aberdeen City Campus, Aberdeen Altens Campus, Aberdeen Craibstone Campus and Fraserburgh Campus. So, what will you find in a Library+? To put it simply, probably more than you think! Our Library+ is not just a lending library with thousands of books on offer. Amongst our resources, you'll find:
PCs and Macs
Laptop friendly work areas Core skills materials Books and Journals
Newspapers and Magazines DVDs and Audio CDs
E–resources and general reference Private study and research booths Printers, Scanners and Photocopiers
Online services area available via the College's virtual learning environment, Blackboard.
Whether you're on or off campus, the Library+ offers an outstanding service. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff offer student support when it comes to a range of information skills such as referencing, research, searching for information and appraising information - allowing you to really make the most of your study time. Our Library+ teams can answer any questions or queries you might have, so simply call into a Library+ site or see below for contact details.
Email: [email protected] Aberdeen City Campus Library+ Tel: 01224 612138
Altens Campus Library+ Tel: 01224 612743
Craibstone Campus Library+ Tel: 01224 612769
Fraserburgh Campus Library+ Tel: 01346 586169
College calendar
Have a look at our College Calendar for further information on key dates throughout the year.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information put forward in this course specification document is subject to change at any time, and
without prior notice. We have taken every care to ensure that the information provided is as accurate and up–to–date as possible, but we are not liable for the content of or any omissions on this document. This includes any inaccuracies, errors or misstatements in the information/data presented.
