Applied Science BTEC 90 Credit/Extended Diploma Level 3

A minimum of 4 subjects at grade 4 or above including English, Maths and Science. Level 2 qualifications such as BTEC or Functional Skills will also be considered as part of the entry requirement.

You will continue your study of science, building on what you have learnt in GCSE Science. Students will study all three sciences with an emphasis on practical lab-based biology and chemistry. The course is designed to allow you to develop your knowledge and skills in science as well as transferable and higher order skills required by universities and employers.

Much of the work you do will have a practical start point. You will be set assignments that have a real-world context so that you can see how the science you are studying is used in industry, medicine or other settings.

Year One

During first the year you will develop your practical and investigative skills. You will learn how to work safely and competently in a lab as well as analyse and evaluate data. You will look at a range of scientific topics including microbiology and industrial chemical reactions.

Year Two 

Students who successfully complete the second year will be awarded a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science. This is equivalent to 3 A Levels.

You will develop your knowledge of science further, with topics such as genetics and genetic engineering, biological molecules and metabolic pathways, organic chemistry and applications of medical physics.

Lessons take place in purpose-built science labs with modern facilities and good equipment. You will be taught by subject specialists in each area of the course with at least one tutor for each of biology, chemistry and physics. Your tutors will guide you in developing the necessary practical skills as well as learning the theoretical concepts and applications. There is a lot of practical work which often forms part of your course assessment, so good attendance is vital.

You will be assessed mainly by continuous assessment throughout the two years. This includes completing lab books while carrying out practical work and coursework submitted to agreed deadlines.

There are three short exams at the end of each year which test your knowledge and application of theory.

At the end of the first year, you will do a written practical assessment, this will be based on practical work you are familiar with.

In the second year there is an assessment around how science is presented in society to different audiences e.g. comparing how science is presented in a newspaper or a scientific journal.

This is a full-time course. It is not possible to combine this course with other Vocational, Apprenticeship or A Level programmes.

The Applied Science course will provide you with many transferrable skills that are valued by employers and universities alike. These include, problem solving, team work, communication, presentation, meeting deadlines, application of theory to real-world problems.

Most Applied Science students progress from the course to study at university. The course will provide you with the grades or UCAS points required to study a range of HE courses.

In the past, students have gone on to study in a variety of different areas including biology, marine biology, chemistry, biomedical science, radiology, forensic science and paramedic science.

Other students have progressed into employment or an apprenticeship. The course equips you with many transferrable skills that are highly sought after by universities and employers alike.