BTEC Level 3 qualifications are designed to provide highly specialist work-related qualifications in a range of vocational sectors.  They give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for employment. The two year course is a nationally recognised qualification equivalent to 1 A* - E grade at A Level.

The teaching for the course will involve a mixture of teaching, practical work, personal research, group research, discussion, and visits to local businesses.  The course consists of an even mix of biology, chemistry, and physics topics. In the first year of study students will complete two mandatory units.  BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Applied Science can be gained at the end of the year pending their successful completion.  In the second year students will go on to complete a further two optional units, successful completion of which will result in achievement of Edexcel BTEC Level 3 extended certificate in Applied Science.

Course content

Year 1

Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Biology – Structure and function of cells and tissues, biological molecules, enzymes and their role in organisms

Unit 2: Principles and Applications of Chemistry – Structure of the Periodic Table and its implications on physical and chemical properties of substances, through analysis of different bonding methods

Unit 3: Principles and Applications of Physics – Waves and their applications; force principles and their application in transportation and construction of electrical circuits

These will be examined externally at the end of the year.

Year 2

Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques – Practical applications across the sciences, including chromatography, colorimetry and electrical circuits.

Unit 5: One of two optional units: Contemporary Issues in Science – Contemporary scientific issues including the reliability of sources of scientific information and their associated validity OR Scientific Investigation Skills – Investigative research, including planning, data collection, analysis and evaluation.

These units are internally assessed via coursework.

 

Exam Board: Pearson

Assessment

 Unit 1- 3 assessed externally in the summer term of year 1

Biology 50min exam

Chemistry 50min exam

Physics 50min exam

Unit 4 and option: Internally assessed coursework set as a series of written tasks

Head of Subject: Dr S Cockbill

Entry Requirements

An average of 5 across the three single sciences or 5, 5 in Combined Science, 4 in English Lit or Lang, 4 in Maths

Are you interested in: Developing your knowledge across all three sciences; using microscopes, lasers and other specialist equipment; dissecting animal and plant systems; learning laboratory techniques; applying scientific principles to personal, social, environmental and economic issues?

Leading to a career in: Biomedical sciences, Technicians and researchers, Hospital laboratory work, Forensics, Agriculture and Animal care, Food Technology, Health and Social Care

BTEC Science is particularly suitable for progression onto vocational, science-based degree programmes such as Nursing or Applied Science.

This subject goes well with: Maths, Psychology, Geography, PE, Art

Student Views

“I enjoy BTEC Science as it combines my favourite subjects with a practical side” Jess Year 13