BTEC Applied Science
Edexcel Course Requirements
5 GCSEs grades 9 – 4 including English and Maths. Minimum grade 4 or higher in GCSE Sciences or Merit or higher in BTEC Science Level 2.
Course Information
Year 1
The course requires students to cover 360 Guided Learning Hours through studying a variety of units. The work is arranged around workplace scenarios to provide the content for the science teaching. There are 2 mandatory units.
Unit 1. Principles and Applications of Science I (externally assessed)
Unit 2. Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (internally assessed).
Year 2
Students complete an additional mandatory unit which is externally assessed called Unit 3 Science Investigation Skills, as well as one more unit from a variety of optional units, including Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Astronomy and Space Science and Applications of Organic Chemistry. These are three examples of the nine units of work available. The actual unit to be studied will be decided on after completion of the three mandatory units and will be based on student preference.
Assessment
There is a mixture of internally and externally assessed units. Of the two externally assessed units, Unit 1 is assessed through a single written exam 1.5 hours in length. Unit 3 is assessed in 2 parts - a task set and marked by Pearson completed under supervised conditions. Part A is 3 hours, Part B is 1.5 hours.
The units of work that are internally assessed have a variety of assessment methods. These could be presentations, practical write ups, extended pieces of written work, photographic evidence etc.
Teaching and Learning Styles
Science is investigative by its nature. There will be opportunities for students to develop their practical skills as well as developing their analytical and thinking skills. Students will be expected to communicate well both orally and in their written work, producing creative presentations of their understanding of the science involved.
Independent Study
Independent work is encouraged and promoted. There is an expectation that students read up on content before the lesson and then use time after the lesson to complete work.
Future Pathways
The course will allow for progression to undergraduate study, enabling students to enter a range of academic and vocational careers in the biological, chemical or physical sciences. For learners wishing to follow an apprenticeship route or those seeking direct entry into a wide range of science careers, this course provides a strong background and progression pathway. It also is designed for learners who are interested in learning about science alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in applied science.