Entry requirementsEntry requirements 4 GCSEs A-D in Double Science, Maths and English. Or in the case of mature students: the experience necessary to cope with the demands of the course, as judged by the Head of School.
Academic titleBTEC First Diploma in Applied Science
Course descriptionGeneral information
This course is designed to provide opportunities for full-time students to gain a nationally recognised, vocationally specific qualification to enable them to enter employment as a science technician in a hospital or pharmacy or progress to a higher qualification such as the BTEC National in Medical Science. It can also provide opportunities for laboratory assistants in employment to gain underpinning knowledge and provide an insight into the role of a technician working in the science industry.
The BTEC First Diploma in Applied Science (Medical Science) is a nationally recognised vocational alternative to GCSE Science. It places the emphasis fully on to assessment by coursework and it has proved to be a valuable starting point in a variety of scientific careers.
Course content
Students are required to obtain credit in a total of 6 units. Each unit requires a work input of at least 60 hours. As well as a basic science content, the course contains opportunities for learning and using a wide range of essential skills. The students will also gain an insight into scientific careers.
Unit Titles:
* Chemistry Applications
* Physical Science Applications
* Biological Systems
* Scientific Principles
* Science and the World of Work
Specialist Units:
* Human Anatomy & Physiology
* Science in Medicine
In addition, full time students study Key Skills and Maths.
Teaching and assessment
An external assignment set by BTEC is used to assess one of the units, but the other units are assessed by college devised and marked assignments. Each unit is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction according to the quality of the coursework produced by the student.
Progression
Students with a Merit grade in this First Diploma and a recognised qualification in Maths & English may progress to the National level course.