Applied Science

Why Choose this course?

Students experience some of the transferable and higher order skills that are highly regarded by both HE and employers. For example, when studying the practical scientific techniques unit, students will develop laboratory skills, including collaboration and team working, which support some of the skills students need to progress to higher education, employment, self-employment or training.

Combines well with many subjects e.g. Applied business, IT, DT, Geography, Music, Philosophy etc.

Most students enjoy Applied Science and retain this interest.

Prospects

The applied science sector is diverse and wide-ranging, including, for example, biomedical, forensic, physical and chemical sciences. There are approximately 5.8 million people employed in applied science occupations in the UK. This equates to approximately 20% of the workforce. The applied science sector has a crucial role to play in delivering economic growth in the UK and allowing companies to compete in a rapidly enlarging global market.

This qualification, when studied with other level 3 qualifications, is primarily designed to support progression to employment, after further study at university. It can also support progression into apprenticeships programmes in many sectors, depending on the other qualifications being studied alongside the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Applied Science.

NOTE - 2024 Update - The Government are conducting a review of Applied BTEC subjects and as such changes may be made to this course. Once the review is complete, we will update the Course content to reflect the updated qualification.

Course Content

Year 12 - Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science
This is an externally assessed unit that gives your learners the knowledge and understanding that underpins progression in the science sector and on to science higher nationals and degrees.

Topic A - Periodicity and properties of elements
Topic B - Structure and function of cells and tissues
Topic C - Waves in communication

Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
The unit will be assessed using four assignments, one per learning aim. Learning aims A, B and C involve practical work.

Learning aim A - Undertake titration and colorimetry to determine the concentration of solutions

Learning aim B - Undertake calorimetry to study cooling curves

Learning aim C - Undertake chromatographic techniques to identify components in mixtures

Learning aim D - Review personal development of scientific skills for laboratory work

Year 13 - Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills
This is essentially a skills-based unit in which learners will gain all the skills necessary to plan and carry out a scientific investigation, and to process and analyse the results:

Enzymes in action
Diffusion of molecules
Plants and their environment
Energy content of fuels
Electrical circuits

Optional final unit:
8 Physiology and Human Body Systems
9 Human Regulation and Reproduction
10 Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways
11 Genetics and Genetic Engineering
12 Diseases and Infections
13 Applications of Inorganic Chemistry
14 Applications of Organic Chemistry

Course Opportunities/ Activities

Developing links with STEM
Links with King's College London.

Support and Challenge

After school study sessions in the run up to exams and mocks.
Live document support via One Drive for coursework.
High level of challenge in lesson within a supportive atmosphere.
Embedded career links in lessons.
Regular assessments within Learning Aims to help with progress.
Expert and experienced teaching.

Student Comment

The teachers are kind, friendly and very helpful

The teachers are supportive and encouraging

The teachers make the learning environment comfortable and fun while pushing you to attain your full potential. The course is very practical and you get understanding of real life concepts which is helpful in the outside world.