Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science
The BTEC qualifications in Applied Science enable students to achievea nationally recognised level 3 vocationally-specific qualification. They are designed to provide specialist work related programmes of study that cover the key knowledge and practical skills required in the science sector. They provide an excellent route to employment in the science industry or within organisations which make use of science.
The course aims to teach you scientific principles and how to work in a laboratory situation with both chemicals and live organisms. This is a practically based course and the underpinning scientific theory is taught at an academic level.
Minimum Entry requirements:
2 GCSEsScience at grade C or above, or both BTEC L2 Principles and Applications of Science to at least merit level.
What will I learn?
The qualification 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. Taught by subject specialists 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.
Over the 2 years you will study 6 mandatory units worth 55 credits and a further 7 optional units worth 125 credits. The qualification is worth the equivalent of 3 A levels.
The mandatory units are:
Unit 1: Fundamentals of science
Unit 2: Working in the science industry
Unit 3: Scientific investigations
Unit 4: Scientific practical techniques
Unit 5: Perceptions of science
Unit 6: Using mathematical tools in science
Examples of optional units:
Unit 15: Microbiological techniques
Unit 20: Medical physics techniques
Unit 28: Industrial applications of organic chemistry
Unit 44: Astronomy
How will I be assessed?
There are no external exams as it is assignment based, which means that you gain a very clear understanding of your progress throughout the course, which will support you to plan and achieve. To complete each unit, your work is assessed along the way, pulling together skills, knowledge and understanding. Each unit incorporates a number of pass, merit and distinction tasks organised into assignments. All students are given the opportunity to achieve Distinction level in each unit.
Where will it take me?
You will havethe opportunity to enter employment in the science sector
You can progress to vocational qualifications such as the Edexcel BTEC Higher Nationals in Applied Biology, Applied Chemistry or health-related or other science-related qualifications
You can progress to a higher education foundation degree, HND or other professional development programme.
Careers
Units within the qualification cover areas of laboratory science, forensic science, medical science, environmental science and biological, chemical and physical science to provide a route to employment in the science industry or within organisations that use science.