Level 3 Applied Science

The units you will study are likely to include:

Core Units:

• Principles and Applications of Science I
• Practical Scientific Procedures & Techniques
• Science Investigation Skills

Specialist Units:

• Laboratory Techniques & Their Applications
• Principles and Applications of Science II
• Investigative Project
• Contemporary Issues in Science
• Physiology of Human Body Systems
• Human Regulation and Reproduction
• Microbiological Techniques
• Electrical Circuits and their Application
• Genetics and Genetic Engineering
• Practical Chemical Analysis
• Biomedical science
• Applications of Organic Chemistry
• Applications of Inorganic Chemistry

All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.

This course is ideal for you if you have an interest in progressing to Higher Education to study a science-based degree or to employment in a related area such as:

• A materials testing laboratory in an industry such as construction, paper or plastics manufacture
• A school or college laboratory
• An environmental science laboratory
• Forensic science -health care/nursing -Paramedic science/Physiotherapy/Occupational health -Food industry -Petrochemical/Chemical industry

The course is assessed via assignments set within the college. There are two examinations during year one for the science units and exams in maths or English should you be re-sitting those. There are two exams in the second year which rely on students applying their knowledge and understanding to areas across the science field.

If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme this could be a vocational or technical qualification. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can.

Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career.

If you have chosen to study for a T Level qualification, this will involve college-based theory and practice lessons along with relevant work placement to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.

Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.

All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses).

• The quality procedures relevant to the workplace
• How to recognise problems and apply appropriate scientific methods to identify causes and achieve solutions
• The foundations of health and safety including responsibility for health and safety under Health & Safety at Work Act (HASWA).

• Prepare for, and perform, laboratory experiments, tests or tasks

• Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instruments and equipment

• Keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results.

• Effective teamwork

• Ability to work independently and take responsibility for initiating and completing tasks

• Time management and ability to complete work to agreed schedule.

There may be trips/visits planned during the year. Details of these will be posted to you as part of your induction pack. You will need specific equipment and kit to study on the course including a lab coat, safety glasses and a scientific calculator.

If you would like to continue your studies, you could go to university and study biology, chemistry, forensic science or material science or join an apprenticeship programme. Alternatively, you could apply to work in:

• A research laboratory in pharmaceuticals
• A quality control laboratory in a hospital or manufacturing

Note: You cannot easily progress to University to study Medicine, Veterinary science, Pharmacy or Dentistry from this qualification but there are some Universities that now offer a Gateway programme which may enable certain students to apply. These pathways will be discussed in September with those students who may qualify and who may wish to research. However, all student on the course can enter related degrees in Medical, Veterinary Science and Health. Some subjects, such as Physics, Chemistry and Physiotherapy may require extra qualifications along side the BTEC.

4 GCSEs at grade 4 which must include science at grade 4 and maths or English must be at grade 4, with the other being at least a grade 3.

We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply. These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.