Qualification: Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC Applied Science
Awarding Body: Pearsons
Length of Course: 2 Years
About the Course
This level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science is equivalent in size to one A-Level. It is designed to be taken alongside A Levels and is suitable for students that wish to progress into higher education or as a pathway to employment. This course will prepare you well for many science-based careers including Nursing, Paramedic Science, Occupational Therapy, Public Health, Primary Teaching, Childcare, Sports Management, Animal Behaviour, Biochemistry, Physiotherapy and Biomedical Sciences.
What will I study?
This course enables you to study the principles and applications of biology, chemistry and physics, as well as practical scientific procedures and techniques. You will also have the opportunity to develop their investigation skills and explore contemporary issues in science. The course consists of the following units:
- Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Biology – Structure and function of cells and tissues, biological molecules, enzymes and their role in organisms. This unit is assessed by an external exam.
- Unit 2: Principles and Applications of Chemistry – Structure of the Periodic Table and its implications on physical and chemical properties of substances, through analysis of different bonding methods. This unit is assessed by an external exam.
- Unit 3: Principles and Applications of Physics – Waves and their applications; force principles and their application in transportation and construction of electrical circuits. This unit is assessed by an external exam.
- Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques – Practical applications across the sciences, including chromatography, colorimetry and electrical circuits. This unit is internally assessed by a Pearson set assignment (coursework).
- Unit 6: Contemporary Issues in Science – Contemporary scientific issues including the reliability of sources of scientific information and their associated validity. This unit is internally assessed by a Pearson set assignment (coursework).
Why should I study Applied Science?
As a student of Applied Science you will have the opportunity to develop the following knowledge and skills:
- Fundamental scientific principles and applied knowledge relating to biology, chemistry and physics
- Laboratory techniques, including health and safety assessment, and associated professional practice
- Problem solving
- Scientific Research skills including researching and planning methodologies, primary data collection and analysis, drawing justified conclusions.
- Secondary research skills including collecting information from a range of sources, its evaluation and interpretation, and its use to draw reasoned conclusions.
- Transferable skills such as critical thinking, taking personal responsibility and written communications.
Entry Requirements
Two grade 5s in GCSE Physics / Biology / Chemistry or Grade 5’s in Combined Science (Trilogy) plus Grade 5 in Maths.
Future Careers
This course will prepare you well for many science-based careers including Nursing, Paramedic Science, Occupational Therapy, Public Health, Primary Teaching, Childcare, Sports Management, Animal Behaviour, Biochemistry, Physiotherapy and Biomedical Sciences. Students could choose degree pathways or take apprenticeships in fields such as laboratory work and Engineering.