To provide practical experience of the bench techniques and analytical skills required by laboratory personnel employed in a rapidly developing biological industry. To develop the students' skills and personal qualities relevant to working life. To maximise the students' educational and academic potential. The course is designed for students already in relevant employment and runs on one day and evening per week. Currently this is Thursday for first year and Monday or Tuesday according to optional modules for final year students.
Students carry out an extended full-time research project during the final year.
This has often occurred via the Departments part-time degree in Biological Sciences for which the HNC is an entry requirement. In the first year, students study five compulsory modules, two of which are taught by distance learning and select one other from two. In the final year, students do a project and take four other modules, choosing one of two possible pathways. The project is often carried out at their place of work. DL denotes study by distance learning.