Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science
BackExam board: Edexcel (Pearson)
What is the Applied Science course about?
BTEC Applied Science is designed to provide a more practical, real-world approach to learning alongside a clearly explained and structured theoretical background. This will help you to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to prepare you to meet the needs of employers as well as supporting your progression to university or an apprenticeship.
Applied Science students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning and be keen and well organised. You should enjoy having more freedom, while knowing you can still ask for help or support if you need it.
Duration of course:
2 years.
Why should I study Applied Science?
You will be studying the Biological Science pathway, which is for those students interested in either working in the science/medical field or wishing to progress to higher education or apprenticeship in the area. The course is equivalent to three ‘A’ levels and allows excellent progression to a wide range of Science degrees. The course consists of 13 units which are spread evenly across the two years, and the units cover the basic principles and applications of biology and chemistry together with general sciences and maths.
What units/topics will be studied?
These are some of the units covered in the course:
Unit 1 – Principles and Applications of Science
Unit 2 – Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
Unit 3 – Science Investigation Skills
Unit 4 – Laboratory Techniques and their Application
Unit 7 – Contemporary Issues in Science
Unit 8 – Physiology and Human Body Systems
Unit 9 – Human Regulation and Reproduction
Unit 10 – Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways
Unit 11 – Genetics and Genetic Engineering
Unit 12 – Diseases and Infections
Unit 20 – Biomedical Science
What can I do to prepare myself to study this subject?
All the resources you will need can be found here: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-nationals/applied-science-2016.html
The course textbook is: BTEC National Applied Science Student Book 1(Pearson); Joanne Hartley, Frances Annets, Chris Meunier, Roy Llewellyn, Sue Hocking, Alison Peers, Catherine Parmar.
Where can this lead me?
Students who complete the course successfully can enter higher education or employment.
In the past students have gone on to study Biomedical sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical science, Applied medical sciences, Biological sciences, Pharmacology and physiology, Medical biochemistry, Midwifery, Paramedic science, Microbiology, Food nutrition, Nursing and Radiography. There is also opportunity to progress into more diverse and competitive courses like: Veterinary Nursing, Criminology and Psychology, Neuroscience, Petroleum Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Marine Biology (Including Year Abroad).
What are the enrichment opportunities as part of this subject?
Additionally to the Applied Science course, at LSC you can enrol in pathways to extend your interests and skills, like modern languages or Core Maths; you can also become an ambassador for the college or even obtain a Duke of Edinburgh qualification.
We have our newly developed Ecology garden where we will need a team to help maintain it over the year. We also offer a series of talks and opportunities related to Science along the year and external visits where you will have the opportunity to learn more about the subjects you are studying and understand the variety of careers in Science.
To develop your technical skills, all students will complete meaningful week experience as part of the course.
How will you be assessed
You will have a mix of internal and external assessments. Most units are internally assessed, where you will be set and assessed on assignments that provide the final summative assessment for each unit and external. You will also have some units that are externally assessed through examinations, set tasks and performance.
