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The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level and aims to give a coherent introduction to study of the applied science sector. It is a vocational qualification with the following aims:
50% external assessment, with opportunities to take examinations in January and May in Years 12 and 13.
Units 1-3 are assessed in Year 12 with three 50 mark examinations
50% internal assessment in Years 12 and 13.
Unit 4 requires learners to complete practical tasks and produce four written reports.
Unit 5 requires students to research, plan, carry out and write a report on a practical investigation.
Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction, Merit, Pass and Unclassified.
The qualifications is graded using a scale of P to D*
Course Outline
Units 1-3 Principles and Applications of Biology, Chemistry and Physics
This unit covers some of the key science concepts in biology, chemistry and physics.
Unit 4 Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
Students will be introduced to quantitative laboratory techniques, including chromatography, colorimetry and laboratory safety, which are relevant to the scientific laboratory environments.
Unit 5 Science Investigation Skills.
This unit enables students to gain an understanding and the skills required to undertake an investigative project.
Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Biology A1 Structure and function of cells and tissues Unit 2: Principles and Applications of Chemistry A: Atomic and electronic structure Unit 3: Principles and Applications of Physics | Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Biology A1 Structure and function of cells and tissues Unit 2: Principles and Applications of Chemistry B: Bonding and structure Unit 3: Principles and Applications of Physics | Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Biology B: Structure and function of biological molecules Unit 2: Principles and Applications of Chemistry C: Periodicity Unit 3: Principles and Applications of Physics | Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Biology C: Cellular transport and enzyme activity Unit 2: Principles and Applications of Chemistry D: Physical chemistry Unit 3: Principles and Applications of Physics | Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Biology C: Cellular transport and enzyme activity Unit 2: Principles and Applications of Chemistry E: Organic chemistry Unit 3: Principles and Applications of Physics | Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques B: Undertake biological procedures to investigate concentration and distribution of biological components Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques A: Undertake techniques to prepare solutions and determine concentrations and purity Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques C: Undertake physical procedures to examine energy transfer |
Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques B: Undertake biological procedures to investigate concentration and distribution of biological components Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques A: Undertake techniques to prepare solutions and determine concentrations and purity Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques C: Undertake physical procedures to examine energy transfer | Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques B: Undertake biological procedures to investigate concentration and distribution of biological components D: Review personal development of scientific skills for laboratory work. Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques A: Undertake techniques to prepare solutions and determine concentrations and purity D: Review personal development of scientific skills for laboratory work. Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques C: Undertake physical procedures to examine energy transfer D: Review personal development of scientific skills for laboratory work. | Unit 5: Science Investigation Skills | Unit 5: Science Investigation Skills | Revision | Exams |
Please see attached Key Stage 5 Learning Journey for Applied Science.
The requirements of the qualification will mean that learners develop the transferable and higher order skills which are valued by higher education providers and employers. For example, when studying Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills, learners will develop skills including how to plan investigations, collecting, analysing, and presenting data and communicating results which support some of the skills learners need to progress to higher education, employment, self-employment or training. The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses if taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two-year programme of learning, including, but not exclusively, those which are science-related. The qualification can be taken as part of a diverse programme, leaving progression options fully open. It can also give context to subjects which would benefit from some scientific background. This will depend on the combination of qualifications chosen. For example, taken alongside:
• A Levels such as Mathematics, Physics and Design and Technology to progress to engineering related courses.
• A Levels in Geography and Computing to progress to geography or environmental science courses.
British values feature in a number of aspects of the BTEC qualification that we provide. Limitations on freedom through health and safety legislation and the rules of the laboratory to ensure safe practice are considered. The approaches to solving scientific problems require students to show tolerance and mutual respect in relation to creating a safe working environment and analysing other learner’s data. The Rule of Law is considered when discussing risks, benefits and ethical issues and regulations associated with medical treatments.