Applied Science (Vocational)  

•  Assessment
• Year 1 & 2
  42% Exam; 58% coursework 
• Exam board
  Edexcel (BTEC - Extended Diploma)

What Will You Learn?

The BTEC in Applied Science offers you the chance to continue your studies of all three sciences but in vocational
scenarios, with less emphasis on examinations than the A Level sciences. The course has a strong focus on
developing practical skills within the laboratory and learning how science is carried out in industry. This is underpinned by the study of the key theoretical concepts and scientific principles common to all science courses. The Applied Science course covers a variety of general units from across all sciences, through to more specialised units like physiology of human body systems, medical physics applications and industrial chemical reactions.
As a wide ranging and varied course, the options for progressing into higher education and employment are also extremely varied. You will gain valuable organisational, time management and study skills to equip you well to continue your learning on higher education courses and throughout your career. This 3 A Level equivalent course is a full time course, so if you are a person who wants to immerse themselves in all things scientific this could be the perfect course for you

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 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 15 Electrical Circuits and their Applications

In this internally assessed unit, you will learn about the basic components of electrical circuits and the health and safety aspect of the use of electricity in domestic and industrial applications. You will also learn how to construct basic series and parallel circuits.

 Year 2

• 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 7 Contemporary Issues in Science

This unit will give you an insight into the importance of science reporting and investigation. You will consider some current issues in science from a social, ethical, environmental and economic viewpoint. This unit will be assessed by an external examination.

• Unit 11 Genetics and Genetics Engineering

In this internally assessed unit, you will learn how DNA is responsible for our characteristics and how these are passed onto the next generation. You will also have the opportunity to extract DNA from tissues and learn how it can be analysed using a variety of techniques.

• Unit 14: Applications of Organic Chemistry

In this internally assessed unit unit, you will study a number of key classes of organic compounds that are important industrially, and will collect information about them, including their naming, reactions and properties.

• Unit 18: Industrial Chemical Reactions

This internally assessed unit involves multiple aspects of physical chemistry including thermodynamics, rates of reaction and chemical equilibrium. Additional to the theory of these concepts, this unit links the theory to industrial applications and uses.

• 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

• Prepares you very well for university style assignments and coursework.
• A hands-on course which gives a real insight into working in scientific industries. For example, year 12 will have the opportunity to complete a week of work experience in a scientific field.
• 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.

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.