EDEXCEL Level 5 BTEC Higher National Certificate in Applied Biology
Qualification summary
The BTEC Higher Nationals in Applied Biology have been developed to focus on:
• equipping individuals with knowledge, understanding and skills for success in employment in biologically-based industries
• enabling progression to an undergraduate degree or further professional qualification in applied biology or related areas
• providing specialist studies relevant to individual vocations and professions in which learners are working or intend to seek employment in the biological sciences and their related industries
• developing the learners’ ability in the biological sciences’ environment through effective use and combination of the knowledge and skills gained in different parts of the programme
• developing a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life, thereby enabling learners to make an immediate contribution to employment
• providing flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for future studies and career development – an educational foundation for a range of careers in biological sciences and their related industries
• providing opportunities for learners to focus on the development of the higher level skills in a science and technological context
• providing opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques and attributes essential for successful performance in working life
Qualification details
5 (Current NQF Level)
4 (Original NQF Level)
Accreditation start date:
Operational start date in centres:
For information on the approval of qualifications for funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see the links to DCSF, DIUS, DCELLS, DELNI and DENI below.
When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
For further information on 14-19 qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DCSF
Section 96 website.
For further information on 19+ qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DIUS
Section 97 website.
For further information on Wales, visit the
DCELLS website.
For further information on Northern Ireland, visit the
DELNI and
DENI websites.
The 10-unit BTEC Higher National Certificate in applied Biology provides a specialist work-related programme of study that covers the key knowledge, understanding and practical skills required in the sector and also offers particular specialist emphasis through the choice of specialist units.
BTEC Higher National Certificates provide a nationally recognised qualification offering career progression and professional development for those already in employment and opportunities to progress into higher education. The qualifications are mode free but they are primarily undertaken by part-time learners studying over two years. In some sectors there are opportunities for those wishing to complete an intensive programme of study in a shorter period of time.
The BTEC Higher National Certificate in applied Biology mainly offers a progression route for learners who are employed in the applied biology and related sciences industries.
No specific job occupation
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02 Science and Mathematics
Coursework
Portfolio of Evidence
The specifications and associated support material for all BTEC qualifications will provide guidance on the assessment strategies to be adopted by centres. They will also set out the quality assurance processes that will be used by Edexcel to ensure that assessment decisions are confirmed, before certification is authorised. Work from all learners will be subject to objective assessment by a nominated individual who will be independent of the centre and the learner. Edexcel will approve the arrangements established by each centre and review its operation to ensure continuing effectiveness.
The BTEC Higher Nationals will normally include an integrative project unit in the Core units and it is likely that this would provide a suitable focus for the independent assessment. The appropriateness of this project unit for independent assessment will be reviewed on a sector by sector basis and where appropriate alternative proposals will be made in the qualification submission.
The BTEC Higher National Certificate in Applied Biology is a 10-unit qualification of which six are core units.
Candidates must complete all six core units from group A plus four optional units from group B.
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A -
Mandatory Units
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B -
Optional Units