Applied Science (Blended)  

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

What Will You Learn?

The BTEC Applied Science Double Diploma is the equivalent of 2 A Levels and will offer you a great
opportunity to develop your practical skills within the laboratory and learn how science is carried out in industry.
Unlike single science options this course places less emphasis on examination, and because it is a varied and
wide ranging course, the skills you will acquire are more like those required for university study.
You will encounter all three sciences through core units , with slightly more emphasis on biology and chemistry when the specialist units are encountered. If you are interested in science as a prime area of study, but want to blend your programme with another course from a different discipline, then this course offers great flexibility.

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 8 Physiology of Human Body Systems

In this coursework unit, you will study how the digestive, lymphatic and musculoskeletal systems function in health and disease.

• 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

• A hands-on course which gives real insight into working in scientific industries and prepares students well for university style assignments and coursework.
• Allows progression onto a huge range of scientific degree programmes including, Pure Sciences (biology, chemistry, physics), Biomedical Science, Healthcare Science, Pharmaceutical Science and many more.
• Year 12 will have the opportunity to complete a week of work experience in a scientific field.

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.