It is a highly applied course in which practical work plays a major role. It equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in most areas of biology, in industry or public service and is also intended to be a stepping stone to other degree courses. The latter takes over from the HNC in Applied Biology. In addition, there are modules in relevant areas of statistics and information technology. The second year expands on material introduced during the first year with particular emphasis on applied topics.
Students also carry out a research project or dissertation in the second year.
The course gives an important qualification in its own right, but is also designed as an entry route onto the department's honours degree courses. Students successfully completing the UFD are then qualified to progress onto the second year of a BSc degree course, allowing them to achieve an honours degree in a futher two years. Students with an outstanding academic performance in the first year of the UFD may exceptionally be invited to transfer directly onto the second year of a degree course. There may be the opportunity for some students to undertake an industrial placement. Selection Process Selection is by application form.