Course overview
Science facilities in Bios
Check out our state-of-the-art facilities in Bios, with cutting-edge labs for science students in the School of Health & Life Sciences.
Completion of this Cert HE will help you with any future UCAS application* to study one of our specified courses leading to eligibility for professional registration. Offers are made to eligible candidates on a competitive basis following a selection process.
*A place is not guaranteed – please check the full entry criteria, including any Level 2 (for example GCSE) requirements, for your chosen pre-registration course.
Our Cert HE Health Sciences (with Foundation Year) includes an integrated foundation year if you are not eligible to join Level 4 (Year 1) of our Cert HE directly.
Top reasons to study this course:
- Prepare for future study: gain the relevant knowledge and skills to apply for advanced entry on our specified health or science-related courses.
- State-of-the-art facilities: study in our £36.9m Bios facility, featuring cutting-edge labs equipped with the latest technology, allowing you to engage in hands-on experiments and research that reflects current industry practices.
- Experienced teaching team: work alongside experienced faculty and industry professionals, enhancing your learning and giving you valuable insights into the latest advancements and challenges in biosciences.
Course details
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
You gain a basic knowledge of human body structure and to relate this knowledge to both the understanding of the mechanisms associated with the control and regulation of physiological processes of the major organs systems of the body. This will allow you to develop ability to apply, evaluate and interpret the knowledge to solve problems in the discipline. You also develop applied contexts of the knowledge such as the construction of biological profiles for human identification including sex, age at death, stature determination and biological affinity. The module will be delivered through lectures, computer- aided learning via interactive web-based activities and labs.
Application of Health Sciences
You study the breadth of health science, clinical and non-clinical support services within the National Health Service in the delivery of high- quality, person-centred care.
You learn through a variety of teaching methods, including lectures to provide the core underpinning knowledge, seminars, group work, and role play to develop your knowledge, understanding and confidence.
Service user/carer involvement provides you with a valuable insight into personal experience of current healthcare provision.
This is a 20-credit module.
Biochemistry and Chemical Science
You will develop an understanding of key concepts necessary to underpin subsequent studies in chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical sciences and molecular biology. Building of the underlying principles of chemistry is essential to understand complex biological systems. This module will introduce the fundamentals of chemistry and link them to the key biomolecules and biochemical processes which form the basis of life.
This is a 20-credit module.
You increase your understanding of biological processes at the cellular level. You explore eukaryotic cell architecture and function with a molecular and mammalian focus. You learn about cell division, the cell cycle, genetic organisation of cells, DNA replication and gene expression.
This is a 20-credit module.
You are introduced to a range of microscopic organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. You explore microbial cell structure and function, microbial growth, microbial diversity, and the importance of microbes in the environment, industry and human health.
You gain an overview of normal histology and cytology of major organs and systems of the human body and molecular and cellular factors underpinning the pathology of common diseases. The causes, mechanisms and extent of disease are examined, as well as adaptations to injury, such as apoptosis and necrosis (death of living cells or tissues), autophagy, inflammation, wound healing, and neoplasia (abnormal new growth of cells).
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
There is a strong emphasis on practical work (lab and field-based) and other forms of experiential learning to develop knowledge, understanding and skills essential to a biological sciences graduate. You are also supported by our virtual learning environment (VLE).
You learn through a range of methods including:
• lectures with integrated seminars
• practical lab sessions
• computer laboratory-based sessions
• group projects
• an optional work placement year
• your final year independent research project.
How you are assessed
The course assessment strategy is designed to test your subject knowledge, independent thought and skills acquisition, and provides you with information useful to employers. Assessment methods include:
• written exams (formal exams including 'unseen' and ‘seen’ exams with a range of question types/tasks)
• coursework (including essays, reports, practical work reports, computer-based assessments, the creation of online resources, work-based assessments, work placement reports and independent research dissertations based on capstone projects)
• practical exams (oral presentations and assessments of practical skills or competence).
Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services
Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
We are committed to widening participation and encourage all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us. We operate a flexible admissions policy taking into consideration individual circumstances, including personal achievements, relevant experience, personal qualities, as well as qualifications and grades.
Year 1 entry
96-112 UCAS tariff points
You must have GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 (grade C) or equivalent and have studied at least one relevant subject at Level 3. Eligible subjects include:
Applied Science
Biology
Health Sciences
Typical Level 3 qualifications include:
A levels (within a minimum of grade C from one relevant subject)
BTEC Extended Diploma
Access to HE Diploma
Alternative equivalent UK and international qualifications and subjects are also considered. If you are not eligible for Year 1 entry, we also offer this course with an integrated foundation year.
Applicant Days
If you receive an offer to study with us you may be invited to attend one of our Applicant Days. This is a great opportunity to learn more about studying at Teesside by exploring our campus, seeing our excellent facilities, meeting staff and students, and finding out more about your course.
The Applicant Day provides you with information, guidance and advice to help you make the right choice. Even if you have attended an Open Day we encourage you to attend the Applicant Day - we are confident you will find your visit a useful experience.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements.
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country.
You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL
Employability
Career opportunities
This course leads to a range of study routes and career opportunities.
On completion, you are qualified to apply for entry to the second year of study (advanced entry) for the following courses:
• BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult, Child, Learning Disabilities or Mental Health)
• BSc (Hons) Midwifery
• BSc (Hons) Biology
• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
• BSc (Hons) Nutrition
• BSc (Hons) Food Science and Technology
• BSc (Hons) Health Sciences.
Alternatively, completion of this course can help you in a new application for one of our pre-registration health courses:
• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
• BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
• BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
• BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice Studies
• BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practice
• BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy
You are required to submit a new application through UCAS, normally at the beginning of your Level 4 studies (Year 1 of the course). Applications are subject to the normal selection processes.
Your time spent studying this course helps you in your new application by building your knowledge in fundamental key subjects and developing your competencies in a range of relevant skills. Your course tutors are there to advise you on your personal development in preparation for your application and interview.
If you are thinking about transferring to a new course after one or more years of study on your course then you are strongly advised to read the guidance on student loan eligibility for transferring students provided by Student Funding England, and to seek individual advice from the Student Loan Company to satisfy yourself that you will have access to sufficient funding to enable you to complete your studies.
Find out more
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
Select your country:
Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.
