Applied Science: BTEC
Qualification: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel
Entry Requirements: Grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths and Grade 5 or above in all three GCSE Science subjects or a 5-5 or above in GCSE Combined Science.
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An exploration of applied science
This course is aimed at students who want to continue to study all three sciences: biology, chemistry and physics.
The course is assessed using a mixture of coursework and examination and there is a large focus on practical skills. It is a vocational course that links directly to scientific careers e.g. healthcare, lab work, environmental science etc. It’s also suitable for students who aim to progress to higher education and is equivalent in size to one A-level.
The course
Unit 1 Principles and applications of science.
- Chemistry - Periodicity and properties of elements
- Biology – Structure and function of cells and tissues
- Physics – Waves in Communication
Unit 2 Practical scientific procedures and techniques.
- Undertake titration and colorimetry to determine the concentration of solutions
- Undertake calorimetry to study cooling curves
- Undertake chromatographic techniques to identify components in mixtures
- Review personal development of scientific skills for laboratory work
Unit 3 Science investigation skills.
- Planning a scientific investigation
- Data collection, processing and analysis/interpretation
- Drawing conclusions and evaluation
- Enzymes in action
- Diffusion of molecules
- Plants and their environment
- Energy content of fuels
- Electrical circuits
Optional Unit: In addition, students will also study one of the following optional units:
- 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
Beyond the classroom
The Science Department is very active, running numerous clubs and activities for students across all years.
Progression
Paired with another subject such as maths, PE, health & social care or geography, students completing the BTEC Applied Science course can go on to study courses in engineering, sports psychology, nursing and environmental science at university to name a few.