Course overview
Pearson Level 3 BTEC National in Applied Science (Extended Certificate) City of Bristol CollegeThe qualification has been developed in consultation with Higher Education representatives and sector experts from associated professional bodies to ensure students have the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to progress to, and thrive, in a science-based academic journey.
The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics:
– Principles and Applications of Biology
– Structure and function of cells and tissues, biological molecules, enzymes and their role in organisms
– Principles and Applications of Chemistry
– Structure of the Periodic Table and its implications on physical and chemical properties of substances, through analysis of different bonding methods
– Principles and Applications of Physics
– Waves and their applications; force principles and their application in transportation and construction of electrical circuits
– Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
– Practical applications across the sciences, including chromatography, colourimetry and electrical circuits
Optional unit:
– Scientific Investigation Skills
– Investigative research, including planning, data collection, analysis and evaluation
Additional information
Who is this course for?
The Pearson Level 3 BTEC National in Applied Science (Extended Certificate) is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in all sciences who may have to retake one GCSE, such as English, to undertake the T Level Science route or the Extended Diploma in Applied Science route.
Equivalent to one A Level in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in Applied sciences. The qualification has been developed in consultation with Higher Education representatives and sector experts from associated professional bodies to ensure students have the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to progress to, and thrive in, Higher Education.
What you'll learn
Students will develop the following knowledge and skills from the mandatory units:
– Fundamental scientific principles and applied knowledge relating to biology, chemistry and physics
– Laboratory techniques, including health and safety assessment, and associated professional practice
– Problem solving
Students will develop the following knowledge and skills from the optional units:
– Scientific Research skills including researching and planning methodologies, primary data collection and analysis, and drawing justified conclusions
– Secondary research skills including collecting information from a range of sources, its evaluation and interpretation, and its use to draw reasoned conclusions
– Transferable skills such as critical thinking, taking personal responsibility and written communications
Students develop the ability to practically apply scientific concepts, which is beneficial to the analytical approach of related degrees. Critical thinking and independent learning help students to be better prepared for the self-directed learning approach used in Higher Education and become more open-minded to learning.
Research and extended writing skills with other skills, create a good foundation for academic success. Principles and Applications of Biology, Principles and Applications of Chemistry, Principles and Applications of Physics, Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
Optional unit:
– Science Investigation Skills
Course entry requirements
5 GCSEs at Grade 4, including Maths and science. English Language can be a Grade 3 and retaken alongside this programme.
How is the course delivered and assessed?
Three units are an externally assessed exam, and the remainder are assessment-based, internally through written work and practicals.
Future career and study opportunities
T Level Science or move into an A Level provision.
