The team

Miss T Byrne                                    Teacher of Science

Mr M Cartledge                              Head of Science

Mrs C Cooper                                  Teacher of Science

WHY STUDY BTEC IN APPLIED SCIENCE?

For anyone who sees their future career in science, the Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science is an excellent starting point. It covers a wide range of topics across Biology, Chemistry and Physics and will allow you to acquire a high level of practical laboratory skills from which the theory is then drawn.

This BTEC course is very practical with plenty of opportunities to implement the theory that you learn. It is mainly coursework based, which means that you have a very clear understanding of your progress throughout the course, to help you plan and achieve your next steps. Taught by subject specialists, with laboratory experience, you will learn by completing laboratory-based practical assignments, supported self-study assignments, presentations and discussions that are based on real workplace situations, activities and demands. The course covers a wide range of subjects including physiology and industrial applications, as well as using statistical and mathematical tools required for science.

FURTHER ACADEMIC AND CAREER PATHWAYS

BTEC Applied Science is a course highly respected by many of the UK’s leading universities. University of Manchester, University of Surrey, Kingston University, University College Birmingham and Harper Adam University are just a few of the universities which recognise Applied Science qualifications as fulfilling entry requirements to a range of higher education courses. These universities have recruited students with Pearson BTEC National qualifications in Applied Science on to degree programmes such as nursing, midwifery, paramedic science, biological sciences, biomedical science, pharmacology, forensic science, psychology and civil engineering. Level 3 vocational qualifications can be studied instead of, or in combination with, A Levels. At Level 3, BTEC Applied Science qualifications are awarded UCAS points for entry to higher education.

COURSE CONTENT

Students will be studying the Pearson Edexcel syllabus 

Year 12

Unit 1 – Principles and Applications of Science I 

Chemistry: Periodicity and properties of elements 

Biology: Structure and functions of cells and tissues 

Physics: Waves in Communication

Unit 2 – Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques : Introduction to standard laboratory equipment and techniques (titration, colorimetry, calorimetry, chromatography, calibration procedures and laboratory safety). Be able to use instruments/sensors for scientific investigations

Year 13

Unit 3—Science Investigation Skills : Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts, procedures , processes and techniques. Interpret and analyze qualitative and quantitative scientific information. Evaluate practical investigative procedures. Be able to make connections between different scientific concepts, procedures and techniques to write a plan for a practical investigation

Unit 8- Physiology of human body systems: Understand the impact of disorders of the musculoskeletal system and their associated corrective treatments. Understand the impact of disorder on the physiology of the lymphatic system and the associated corrective treatment.

OR

Unit 15- Electrical circuits and their applications: Understand electrical symbols, units, definition and properties of circuit components. Construct series and parallel circuits. Examine the uses of transducers, sensors and other measurement devices. 

WHAT DOES THE QUALIFICATION COVER?

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. In addition, employers and professional bodies have been involved and consulted, in order to confirm that the content is also appropriate and consistent with current practice for students planning to enter employment directly in the applied science sector.

Everyone taking this qualification will study three mandatory units:

• Principles and application of science

• Practical scientific procedures and techniques

• Science investigation skills

• Students choose one option unit from a group, which has been designed to support choices in progression to applied science courses in higher education. The option units cover content areas such as:

• Physiology of human body systems

• Biological molecules and metabolic pathways

• Applications of inorganic chemistry

• Electrical circuits and their application

ASSESSMENT

The two main forms of assessment are two external written exams and an internally marked assignment. During the second academic year of your studies, you will complete an internal assignment which will be decided based on your future education/career choices, this will give you a fantastic opportunity to develop the skills which are most relevant to you.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

You should have a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above - these GCSEs must include Mathematics and English Language and at least a grade 5–5 is required for GCSE Combined Science.

DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONAL FILM