Science is about finding patterns and relationships between variables. It is about making predictions, testing them or finding explanations for observations that go against our current understanding.
Courses Offered
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science (Edexcel).
Equivalent to 1 A level.
Syllabus Breakdown
You will study 3 mandatory units and 1 optional unit.
Mandatory units:
-
Principles and Applications of Science.
-
Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques.
-
Science Investigation Skills.
Optional Unit from:
-
Physiology of Human Body Systems.
-
Human Regulation and Reproduction.
-
Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways.
-
Genetics and Genetic Engineering.
-
Diseases and Infection.
-
Applications of Inorganic Chemistry.
-
Applications of Organic Chemistry.
-
Electrical Circuits and their Application.
-
Astronomy and Space Science.
Subject Key Concepts
Subject Key Concepts
#1 DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENTIFIC THINKING
#2 EXPERIMENTAL SKILLS AND STATEGIES
#3 SCIENTIFIC VOCABULARY
BIOLOGY
#1 CELL BIOLOGY #2 ORGANISATION (ORGANS) #3 INFECTION AND RESPONSE #4 BIOENERGETICS
#5 INHERITANCE, VARIATION AND EVOLUTION #6 ECOLOGY #7 BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES
CHEMISTRY
#1 MATTER #2 REACTIONS #3 ENERGY
#4 QUANTITATIVE #5 INDIVIDUAL, SOCIAL AND SOCIETY
PHYSICS
#1 FORCES #2 ENERGY #3 ATOMIC STRUCTURE AND RADIOACTIVITY
#4 PARTICLE MODEL #5 SPACE
Please click here for Subject Key Concepts.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Our general Sixth Form entry requirements of a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
Why Study Applied Science?
BTEC Nationals have always required applied learning that brings together knowledge and understanding with practical and technical skills. This is achieved through learners performing vocational tasks that encourage the development of appropriate vocational behaviours and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are valued in both higher education and the workplace.
We are increasingly being exposed to large amounts of information on a day to day basis, much of which is potentially fake news and designed to negatively influence our life choices. The study of Science develops our ability to analyse and question this information, enabling us to make better decisions.
The Applied Science course will enable you to study topic areas from across the three normal science disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics in a very hands-on way. All BTEC Nationals provide transferable knowledge and skills that prepare learners for progression to university. The transferable skills that universities value include:
-
the ability to learn independently
-
the ability to research actively and methodically
- being able to give presentations and being active group members.
BTEC Nationals provide a vocational context in which learners can develop the knowledge and skills required for particular degree courses, including:
- reading scientific and technical texts.
-
effective writing.
-
analytical skills.
-
practical skills.
-
preparation for assessment methods used in degrees.
Wider Opportunities
Students will be encouraged to make links with local companies, exploring the employability skills they wish to develop over the two years.
What Can I Do Next?
Scientists will have developed many skills that make them desirable employees in a diverse range of industries such as the research and development sector, financial sector, engineering and construction, and computing. Level 3 Science qualifications will open the doors to many exciting careers and degree courses.
The requirements of the qualification will mean that learners develop the transferable and higher order skills which are valued by higher education providers and employers. For example, when studying Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques, learners will develop laboratory skills, including collaboration and teamwork which support some of the skills learners need to progress to higher education, employment, self-employment or training.
The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many relevant courses if taken alongside other Level 3 qualifications as part of a programme of learning. Learners will be able to choose a wide range of degree programmes to progress to, depending on the other qualifications they have taken. For example, taken alongside:
-
A-Levels in Geography and Economics, and an AS Level in Mathematics to progress to geography courses
- A-Levels in Business, Mathematics and Economics, or Psychology to progress to business or economics courses
Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes, with specific higher education providers.
