Applied Science Level 3

For anyone who is interested in a scientific career then the Extended Diploma in Applied Science is an excellent place to start. Equivalent to 3 A levels, it covers a broad range of subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths. You will have the opportunity to develop relevant practical skills in these areas and to apply your knowledge to different situations in a mature learning environment that is different to school.

External speakers are invited in to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for science and introduce you to the range of careers that are open to you. Trips are also organised to help you access specialist practical resources. These have previously included Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University, Biochemistry department at Cambridge University and Babraham Institute at the Research Campus.

We have specialist, well equipped labs for Chemistry, Biology and Physics. Our staff are very well qualified and
passionate about delivering practical science - the chemistry lecturer is a former winner of STEM ENTHUSE award for science teaching in FE!

Over the two years there are broad range of units covered. These include:
7 core units (compulsory)
• Principles and Applications of Science I (exam: externally marked)
• Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
• Science Investigation Skills (practical assessment and write up - externally marked)
• Laboratory Techniques and their Application
• Principles and Applications of Science II (exam: externally marked)
• Investigative Project
• Contemporary Issues in Science (practical assessment and write up - externally marked)

Students are expected to supplement their College attendance with at least ten hours of private study per week. It is an academic course and 100% attendance to classes is expected. Tutorial support is given on 121 basis and targets set electronically and reviewed regularly.

The Extended Diploma is assessed by a range of methods including practical exercises, essays, projects and externally assessed examinations. Most will involve written and practical work which you will have to complete by strict deadlines. This means it is very important to organise your time and spread your workload so that all deadlines can be met.

The assignments will be divided into a series of set tasks along with a clear explanation of what has to be achieved in order to obtain one of the following grades: Distinction* (highest grade), Distinction, Merit, Pass, Referral or Fail.

One of the following:

• 5 GCSEs at grade 9 - 4 (A* - C) to include GCSE Maths and double science. It is strongly recommended that you also have GCSE English at grade 9 - 4 (A* - C).

Or

• Merit grade in an OCR or BTEC Certificate in related area (60-credit qualification) along with GCSE Maths and English at grades 9 - 4 (A* - C)

The Extended Diploma is equivalent to 3 A levels achieved over 2 years or 1 .5 A level if Foundation Diploma is taken over year.

A firm offer of a place on the course is conditional on you:

• Attending a Welcome Event (a presentation and formal interview)
• Attending two compulsory Taster Days (week commencing Monday 28th June 2021)
• Achievement of GCSE results at the correct level (as stated above)
• A satisfactory reference.
In addition to the entry qualifications listed, the offer of a place on the course is subject to the outcomes of initial assessment, which will be taken at the College as part of the admissions process. Please note that entry criteria may vary quite significantly between courses at the same level. This is to take account of the specific skills needed for success on particular courses, the length of the course and the requirements for progression to the next level. Entry criteria are given as a guide, and the exact requirements in order to obtain a place on a particular course will be confirmed following attendance at a Welcome Event/Interview.

As this qualification is equivalent to A levels, it allows similar progression routes to both University and into
employment. Students in the past have progressed on to a broad range of Universities in many different areas of science including biochemistry, biomedical science, radiography, nursing, microbiology, genetics, physics, computing and biology.

Alternatively, if you do not wish to progress to University, support is provided to help you find alternatives such as employment or apprenticeships.

For example you may wish to consider applying for a Level 4 HNC Diploma in Applied Science (Biology), which you could study in college either full time (2 days per week) or part time as part of an apprenticeship.