- Location
- Langside Campus
- SCQF Level
- 4
- Start Date
- 27 Jan 2025
- Qualification Type
- NQ
- Course Type
- Short Full-Time
- Duration
- 18 Weeks (January to June)
Introduction to Science is a short 18-week course which provides a basic introduction to biology and chemistry and is designed to help you to progress to study Applied Science (Level 5) or other related Science courses.
This course is aimed at both recent school leavers and those returning to education after a break and is ideal for anyone who enjoys learning about the world around them, problem solving and with a keen interest in developing practical laboratory skills.
Successfully completing this course could be your first step into an exciting career in life science and related industries.
What will I learn?
During the Introduction to Science course you'll study:
- National 4 Biology units to allow you to build up knowledge of cells, multicellular organisms and ecology.
- Some of the National 4 Chemistry units to build up your basic chemistry skills like writing formulae and balancing equations.
- You'll also develop your practical laboratory skills as well as numeracy and basic physics.
Entry requirements (minimum)
- You don't need to have studied any science courses previously but should have National 4 Maths and English*
- If your first language is not English you should have National 5 ESOL at Grade A/B
- Please outline in the personal statement section of the application form why you would like to complete the course, why you think you are suitable for the course and what you hope to progress to once you have completed this course.
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications (SCQF) Framework can help you to check if you're choosing the right level of study. Take a look at the SCQF Interactive Framework here.
*If you do not meet the entry criteria for your chosen course, you may be offered an alternative course in the same subject area or Gateway to College / Adult Returner courses.
Jobs and further study
Successful completion of this course is the stepping stone to further study of Applied Science, beginning with NQ Applied Sciences - Level 5 starting in August at Glasgow Clyde College.
Once you complete HNC Applied Science - this opens doors to further study at university (Biomedical Science, Forensic Science, Life Science etc) or to employment in the life science industry.
Take a look at the course progression map for science courses.
I've applied — what happens next?
When you apply
You will receive an automated email confirming that we have received your application (remember to check your SPAM folder).
Your application will be reviewed by the Science team and you will either be will be processed as follows:
- Review of Application - your application form will be reviewed and if successful, you will be sent an unconditional offer for the course. At this stage we will look at your past education, personal statement, relevant experience and your chosen career path. It is therefore important that your application form is completed fully.
- Information Session - you will be invited to an information session which will take place on campus in learly December / January.
- Advised that your application is unsuccessful – you have not met the entry requirements for this course and are advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
- We aim not to reject an application and if you don’t meet the entry requirements you may be referred to a different course or level.
If you are invited to an information session, you will be informed of the outcome of your interview by email within 14 working days. The outcome will be one of the following:
- Unconditional offer of a place – you have met all the entry requirements and your place is guaranteed. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your place.
- Conditional offer of a place – your place is secured pending you meeting the entry requirements. This may mean achieving school or college qualifications which you may not be able to provide to us yet. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your conditional place. Once your conditions are met this will change to an unconditional offer of a place which you must accept before you can enrol on the course.
- Waiting list – you have met all entry requirements, and have been interviewed however, the course is now full so you have been placed on a waiting list. If any spaces become available you may be contacted, usually around the course start date. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Reserve list – following your interview, you have unfortunately not been successful in this round of recruitment. We have placed your name on a Reserve list and your application may be reconsidered at a later date. This could happen any time up to the start date of the course but it is very possible that you will not be offered a place. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Unsuccessful – your interview has been unsuccessful. You may be offered a place on a course at a different level, or advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
Once an offer is received, you must reply within 14 working days or risk losing your place, as the system will automatically decline your offer after 14 days.
Once you have accepted your offer, you will be sent out instructions about student funding and learning inclusion. This will normally be sent out in December / January.