BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science

BTEC Level 3 Extended certificate is a two-year course and is equivalent to 1 A Level. The course content includes both mandatory and optional units, of which some are assessed externally and some internally. The course develops a sound foundation through the study of fundamental biological, chemical and physical principles whilst exploring applications of medical science.

This course gives you a mix of practical and coursework skills. There will be a written exam and a practical exam as the external assessment. The internally assessed units are based upon practical skills, that will be transferrable to future careers and other subjects. This is not just for those who wish to pursue Science as a career but also for anyone who wishes to improve their IT and report writing skills and the ability to analyse and evaluate data.

Mandatory units:

1. Principles and Application of Science I (externally assessed during Year 1)
2. Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
3. Science Investigation Skills (externally assessed during Year 1)

Optional units (only 1 is selected), such as:

• Physiology of Human Body Systems
• Human Regulation and Reproduction
• Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways
• Genetics and Genetic Engineering
• Diseases and Infections

Unit 1

What's Assessed:

• A – Periodicity and properties of elements
• B – Structure and functions of cells and tissues
• C – Waves in communication

Assessed:

• Written exam: 3 x 40-minute papers
• 90 marks

Questions:

• Multiple-choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions.

Unit 2

What’s Assessed:

• 4 coursework assignments on topics including titration and colorimetry

Assessed:

• Internal assessment by teachers and moderated.

Coursework:

• Practical based scientific reports or research assignments.

Unit 3

What’s Assessed:

• A – Planning a scientific investigation
• B – Data collection, processing and analysis
• C – Drawing conclusions and evaluation
• D – Enzymes in action
• E – Diffusion of molecules
• F – Plants and their environment
• G – Energy content of fuels
• H – Electrical circuits

Assessed:

• Part A – Practical Exam: 180 minutes
• Part B – Written Exam: 90 minutes
• 60 marks

Questions:

• Analysis of graph, short open-response, calculations and extended writing questions.

Unit 4

What’s Assessed:

• 3 to 4 coursework assignments depending on option choice

Assessed:

• Internal assessment by teachers and moderated.

Coursework:

• Practical based scientific reports or research assignments.

To study BTEC Applied Science, students on either the Combined Science or Separate Science GCSE programmes will be considered.

If students study Combined Science, they must achieve a 5-5 Grade or above.

If students study Separate Sciences, they must achieve a Grade 5 or above in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Students must also obtain a Grade 5 or above in GCSE Mathematics and a Grade 5 or above in English Language / Literature.

For students from other schools, equivalent Science GCSE courses will be considered.

Successful completion of the course can lead to employment, college or university. Whatever your grade or aim at the end of the course you will have gained a great deal of information about Applied Science. Previous students have gone into a wide range of courses, including Biomedical Science, Forensics, Psychology and Nursing.