Science (Applied, Forensic & Medical Science) (BTEC Level 3)

Specific Entry Criteria

Grade C in GCSE English and grade C in both the Core and Additional Applied Science GCSE or a grade CC in Double Award Applied Science GCSE or a pass in the BTEC Level 2 Diploma or Certificate in Science. GCSE Maths at grade D or above is also required.

About the Subject

The college offers applied science options which are equivalent to one, two or three AS/A levels. All are based around developing an understanding of the fundamentals of science, the work of scientists and the science industries and are excellent qualifications for student seeking to move on to higher education in a range of science related degree courses, or looking to pursue careers in areas such as hospital laboratory work and health related professions.

Teaching on the course involves a mixture of lectures, practical work, personal and group research, discussion and visits to local businesses.

Course Content

The two year courses offered include:

The Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Science (medical science) is equivalent to one AS/A level and can be taken as part of a mixture of A level courses in order to give a science element to a broad programme which might include sport, psychology or health and social care courses. The core science units covered in year one are developed to look at human physiology and biomedical science techniques in year two. The Diploma in Applied Science is equivalent to two AS/A levels and the Extended Diploma in applied science (with forensics) is equivalent to three AS/A levels. These courses are suitable for students wishing to study science as the main element of their advanced level programme. The courses build on the core science units to develop an understanding of applied sciences such as biochemistry techniques, microbiology, chemical and forensic analysis techniques. Students taking these courses need a strong interest in practical science and would be looking at progressing to work or higher education in a scientific discipline.

The specific range of units covered is currently subject to further development and includes for example: The Fundamentals of Science; Working in the Science Industry; Scientific Practical Techniques; Physiology of the Human Body; Microbiology Techniques, Using Statistics in Science; Biochemical Techniques, Medical Physics Techniques and Genetics & Genetic Engineering.

Assessment

There are no external examinations; the course is assessed through assignments in each unit of work which build into a portfolio. Students must complete and pass half of the units in year one of the course in order to progress to year two of the course.

For the Subsidiary Diploma a total of six units are taken, for the Diploma twelve units and for the Extended Diploma eighteen units.