Applied Science (Blended)  

•  Assessment
• Year 1 & 2
  46% Exam; 54% coursework
• Exam board
  Edexcel (BTEC - Double Diploma)

What Will You Learn?

You will follow a practical and balanced science programme covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics. You will visit real scientific workplaces and have the opportunity to  go on a work placement.  As assessment will be a combination of examined and internally assessed (coursework) units, you will learn to work independently and in groups. Your subject tutors will motivate you to analyse and improve your own performance.  You will study a whole range of units, including Human Physiology, Medical science techniques and Chemistry practical.

Modules

Year 1

• Unit 1 Principles and Applications of Science I

This is an examined unit and contains core topics from Chemistry, Physics and Biology. You will study cells and tissues, learn about the structure of the periodic table and the properties of elements in different groups and also  study the use of waves in communication. 

•  Unit 2 Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

This coursework unit introduces you to standard laboratory equipment and techniques, including titration, colorimetry, calorimetry, chromatography, calibration procedures and laboratory safety. Through the practical tasks in the unit, you will develop proficiency in some of the quantitative analytical techniques.

• Unit 3 Science Investigation Skills

In this unit, you will plan and carry out experiments across all science subjects and then you will learn how to process and evaluate your data and experimental method. It will be assessed with a written exam.

• Unit 4 Laboratory Techniques and their Application

In this coursework unit, you will investigate a scientific organisation to gain an understanding of how it operates. You will investigate health and safety practices in the organisation’s laboratories and consider related primary and secondary legislation.

• Unit 5 Principles and Applications of Science II

This is an examined unit and contains core topics from Chemistry, Physics and Biology. You will study how to monitor the health of the human body by taking measurements, examining properties and the use of substances and thermal physics materials and fluids.

• Unit 6 Investigative Project

In this coursework unit, you will have the opportunity to independently plan and carry out your own scientific investigation.

• Unit 21 Medical Physics Applications

In this internally assessed unit, you will learn about the principles of ionising radiation, MRI and ultrasound and how they are used in hospitals to allow correct diagnosis and treatment of illnesses.

Special Features

• Our superb laboratory facilities mean that you will have the opportunity to gain a wide range of practical and analytical skills in the fields of Chemistry, Physics and Biology.
• You will have the opportunity to help out in the OSFC Regional Science Centre and get involved with primary science, Nuffield placements and STEM activities during British Science Week.
• All students studying a science course are able to become a Science Ambassador. This allows students to take part in events both at college and external trips to local universities and to promote science to younger students from local secondary and primary schools.

Where Will This Lead?

Former Applied Science students have progressed to HE courses such as Chemistry with Forensics, Forensic Science, Pharmaceutical Management, Teaching, Nursing, Chemistry, Biology, Radiography , Optometry and Biomedical Sciences. There are also a wide variety of careers available for you to explore such as medical physicist, medical laboratory assistant or chemist.