Overview
Is this the course for you?
What food is good for you? Why is blood red? How is disease transmitted? How do animals reproduce? What molecules are in your food? How does the environment work? If you are asking questions like this and have a keen interest in biology, this course could be just for you.
This one-year Level 4 qualification in Biology is an advanced, technical qualification delivered in a supportive Technical College environment with contemporary facilities.
It provides practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers in a modern science industry; it prepares you for employment at technician or professional level in research and industrial laboratories, including NHS laboratories.
Gaining this industry-led qualification not only provides you with a direct route to Higher Education, including direct entry to some local university’s second year Bachelor of Science degrees, but also equips you with the specialised scientific knowledge and skills needed to fast-track your career progression in Biology and related disciplines such as health sciences.
What makes LSBTC so unique?
Based at our revolutionary brand-new London South Bank Technical college (LSBTC) in Nine Elms in London’s buzzing Zone 1, a stimulating vocational and technical curriculum will be delivered in state-of-the-art facilities and learning spaces.
Bringing together students, apprentices, employers, industry experts and teachers, this new technical college offers work-based education for students, designed in partnership with businesses across London. You will be taught in a realistic work environment with access to industry-driven laboratories and digital learning spaces. It is hands-on learning, where other students become your co-workers on team-based projects.
In state of art laboratories, you get to perform experiments with real-world applications, using industry-standard equipment, and be taught how to scientifically analyse your results.
Visits to local projects and workplaces are integrated within the course, and students will be able to access some of London South Bank University’s facilities and benefit from studying in small groups in a supportive college environment.
What experience and skills will you gain?
The course will build sector-wide knowledge tied to practical skills in evidence-based practice, personal research, self-study, directed study and workplace learning and experience.
Please note: this course is subject to final awarding body approval and validation. Please apply as normal. For more information contact Lambeth College.
| ModeFull-time | Duration1 year | Start dateSeptember | Application code5827 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModePart-time | Duration2 years | Start dateSeptember | Application code5828 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.
Register your interest
Entry Level Requirements
- 5 GCSE qualifications at grade A*-C or 9-4 (to include Maths and English)
and
- 2 A-Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant science subject
or
Relevant Level 3 vocational qualification in a science-based discipline:
- Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Applied Science (MP) or Level 3 BTEC Diploma (120) in Applied Science (MP)
- an Access to Higher Education Diploma awarded by an approved further education institution
- or an international equivalent of the above (NARIC confirmation).
and
- related work experience
All students who are non-native English speakers and who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English, must demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5 or equivalent.
Choose your country
Select country here:
Course status
Home/EU applicants
| Mode Full-time | Duration 1 year | Start date September | Application code 5827 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Part-time | Duration 2 years | Start date September | Application code 5828 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
You will study three core units:
- Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques
- Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques
- Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences
And three specialised mandatory units:
- Cell Biology
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Anatomy and Human Physiology
You will also study two further specialist units which could include
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry
- Microbiological Techniques
Careers
What to expect from your career
You will develop your understanding of key concepts, principles, and practices in biology, alongside developing your independent, critical thinking skills through a mixture of group and individual work. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the analytical skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to progress your career or study in biologically based industries.
After successfully passing the Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences, you may wish to consider progressing a Higher National Diploma in Applied Biology or alternative courses at university. You may also consider one of London South Bank University’s degree courses (additional qualifications may be required).
Typical salaries
Teaching and Assessment
How will you be assessed?
Assessment is continuous throughout the course, with a combination of written assignments, external examination, practical tasks (both in the laboratory and in the field), presentations, time constraint assignments.
The assessment is criterion-referenced, and all units will be individually graded as ‘pass,’ ‘merit’ or ‘distinction.’
Both oral and written feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.