BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science

Course Leaders: Miss Sarah Horne

For anyone who sees their future career in Science the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science is an excellent starting point. It 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.  Most assessment is by course-work but some units have external assessments.  You will have a very clear understanding of your progress throughout the course, to help you plan and achieve your next steps.

Taught by subject specialists, with laboratory experience, 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. The course covers a wide range of science subjects and includes industrial applications, as well as using statistical and mathematical tools required for science.

Who would the course be suitable for and what are the entry requirements?

This course is ideal for students who are interested in continuing with a science based course, but may not want to specialise in biology, chemistry or physics.  It is also ideal for students who may not be predicted to get the grades for those courses. 

Entry requirements are:

At least a Grade 4 in English, Maths and Science.

What will I learn on the BTEC Course? 

There are three mandatory units that must be studied on the BTEC course:

•              Principles and Applications of Science

•              Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques.

•              Science Investigation Skills

A further unit will be chosen for the class from options that include:

•              Medical Science

•              Genetics

•              Human Physiology

•              Industrial Applications

How will I be assessed?

• 1.5hr exam
• A practical task set by the exam board, which has to be carried out and written up
• Internal assessment of coursework
   
  What can I do with a BTEC in Applied Science? 
• Higher Education:
  This BTEC course can be used to provide UCAS points to help access university courses.
• Careers: All careers that are associated with: agriculture, paramedics, health, environment, sport, teaching, animal health, biomedical science, pharmacology, forensics, zoology, botany, biotechnology, genetics, microbiology, food science, horticulture, forestry, fish-farming, nature conservation, the water industry, research technicians.   Plus many others.

Is there anything else I need to know?

This will be a new course for WSC in September 2021, numbers dependant.  Because of this, a number of finer details have not yet been finalised.  There are a number of members of the science team who have experience of teaching this course at other schools, and there are also experienced BTEC teachers in the team.

For More information on the Pearson website:  https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-nationals/applied-science-2016.html

Who can I contact for further information?  Miss Horne, Head of Science  Sarah.Horne@WestSomersetCollege.org