Course Overview
Entry Qualifications
In addition to the standard college entry criteria (see below) you should have either Grade 4 in GCSE Combined Science or Pass in BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Applied Science (Merit recommended).
What will I study?
BTEC L3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science (equivalent to 1.0 A-level). There are three mandatory units and one optional unit:
Unit 1: Principles and Application of Science I
Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills
Unit 8: Physiology of Human Body Systems
BTEC L3 Diploma in Applied Science (equivalent to 2.0 A-levels). There are six mandatory units and two optional units:
Unit 1: Principles and Application of Science I
Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills
Unit 4: Laboratory Techniques and their application
Unit 5: Principles and Applications of Science II
Unit 6: Investigative Project (Assignment, internally marked)
Unit 8: Physiology of Human Body Systems
Unit 9: Human Regulation and reproduction
Optional units may be taken from a range of units such as: Physiology of Human Body Systems; Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways; Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques; Applications of Inorganic Chemistry; Practical Chemical Analysis.
How will I study?
A very wide range of teaching styles are used on the course. There is a big emphasis on practical work. As you will need to see the work of scientists and technicians, a number of visits to medical and industrial labs are planned. The course will give you the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills so that you can present your work.
How is the course examined?
There is a mixture of types of assessment in the courses. Units 1 and 5 will be assessed by written examinations in June. Unit 3 consists of a Practical task set by the board, followed by a written examination paper. You will make use of results from a practical investigation that you carry out before the assessment. Units 8, 9 and the optional units will be assessed by Assignments that are set and marked by staff at the college.
Where next?
This course will equip students for employment in a variety of scientific settings at technician level. Many work sectors will require you to have higher level qualifications and the course is also a good preparation for moving into higher education in many science courses including Biomedical Science.
This would not be the course of choice for some of the more competitive courses (Medicine, Pharmacy and some of the top science courses).
What does the course combine well with?
Maths, Health and Social Care or any other level 3 subjects.
Equivalents:
This course is equivalent to one A-Level and has comparable UCAS points.
College Entry Requirements
A minimum of five GCSEs, or equivalent, at grade 4 – 9, including English Language and Maths.
