Applied Science
Applied Science
Why Applied Science?
The Applied Science course offered here at SBU is designed to offer academic and vocational experiences to prepare students for both higher education and health-centred careers.
Studying a BTEC National Extended Certificate or BTEC National Diploma in Applied Science will provide students with a range of knowledge around working in science and science related organisations including animal and plant cells, tissues, atomic structure and bonding, chemical and physical properties of substances related to their uses, waves and their applications in communications. The course offers you the opportunity to be introduced to laboratory equipment and how to use this equipment safely along with the chance to develop your investigative skills with a specific focus on scientific and enquiry-based learning.
Career opportunities:
95% of universities and colleges in the UK accept students that have successfully completed a BTEC qualification including competitive Russell Group universities. There are many career pathways that you can follow with a qualification in Applied Science including forensic scientist, science technician, medical sciences, biochemical sciences or environmental sciences. Other possible career paths could include NHS careers, engineering and education.
Entry requirements
- GCSE English level: 4
- GCSE Maths level: 4
- Other requirements: Grade 5 in GCSE Science.
Structure of the course
This course is equivalent to 1 A Level.
The course consists of 4 units, 3 of which are mandatory and 2 are externally assessed units:
- Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science 1 – externally assessed.
- Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques – internally assessed.
- Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills
- Unit 4: Optional unit. Units available include physiology, regulation and reproduction, biological molecules, diseases and infections and genes and genetic engineering.
Includes opportunities to discuss the operations of laboratories, pharmaceutical and bulk chemistry industries and carry out your own investigative project in collaboration with the department.
This course is equivalent to 2 A levels.
The course consists of 8 units, 6 of which are mandatory and 3 are externally assessed units:
- Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science 1 – externally assessed.
- Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques – internally assessed.
- Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills
- Unit 4: Laboratory Techniques and their Application – internally assessed
- Unit 5: Principles and Applications of Science 2 -external assessment
- Unit 6: Investigative Project
- Unit 7/8: Optional units
