Applied Science BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma

The qualification will give an understanding of the essential skills and attitudes to begin a professional career or move on to further education. Employment opportunities available to science technicians will be highlighted, so that you can progress into a specific area of work, and if already in employment, move on to a more responsible job within the industry. Over the two years pupils will undertake practical tasks and research tasks that will give them an overview into many different areas of Science. All three Sciences are well covered. This is an option that would suit someone who wanted to keep going with their studies in all three Sciences who does not want to specialise in one area and look at Science in a more vocational work related way.

 

What will I study?

 

The course is designed to be flexible so that it can reflect individual interests and career aspirations. The focus of this qualification is to provide students with the opportunity to specialise in Applied science, and specific areas within this, such as: Criminology/Psychology, Scientific Investigation or Mathematics/Statistics, Biochemistry, Human Physiology and Organ Systems and Chemical analysis techniques.

 

This BTEC is a 60 credit and 360 guided learning hour qualification that consists of three mandatory units plus optional units that provide for a total of 60 credits (where at least 45 credits must be at Level 3 or above).

 

Three mandatory units are completed in the first year of study (Year 12), they are:

 

Unit 1 Fundamentals of Science: 10 Credits at Level 3

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to develop practical techniques necessary to pursue a career as a laboratory technician. Learners will investigate the quantities necessary in chemical reactions, the structure and the function of cells, the calorific values of fuels and develop skills in communicating scientific information.

 

Unit 2 Working in the Science Industry: 10 Credits at Level 3

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to gain the knowledge and skills that an employee in the science industry needs to be an effective, efficient and safe member of a team. Learners will know communication practices, how laboratories are designed and how to work safely in a scientific workplace.

 

Unit 4 Scientific Practical Techniques: 10 Credits at Level 3

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to use a range of practical techniques used in Science such as the analysis of substances, the separation of substances and the use of instruments/sensors. The variety of techniques in the content allows the unit to be tailored to reflect the focus of different areas of study e.g. Applied science, biology, chemistry, physics, electronics and environmental science.

 

The optional units studied in Year 13 are currently:

 

Unit 11 – Physiology of Human Systems

This unit explores the bodies systems and their functions including the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and lymphatic systems.

 

Unit 12 – Physiology of Human Regulations and reproduction

In this unit learners will find out about how the human body is regulated in a variety of ways as well as reproduction and a study of the nervous system.

 

Unit 27 – Chemical Periodicity and its Applications

This unit looks in detail at the Elements of the Periodic Table and their compounds, trends, patterns and properties are examined alongside human chemistry in commercial uses. There are also detailed analysis of redox reactions and reactors of Transition Metal Ions.

 

How will I be assessed?

 

Learners are assessed by a programme of practical and theoretical assignments.

 

Entry Requirements

 

Route 1 – Not available

Route 2 – A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, or BTEC/OCR at Merit or above

Route 3 – A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, or BTEC/OCR at Merit or above

Route 4 – Not available

 

Career Opportunities

 

Scientists work in industry, the health service, government establishments and educational institutions. Fields of work include research and development and scientific analysis, and there are job opportunities in almost every industry, from food and drink to pharmaceuticals. There are also many transferable skills developed through learning the scientific method which can be applied to a whole range of careers that may not directly use science.