BTEC Applied Science:

Subsidiary Diploma and Diploma Course Summary

There are two BTEC Applied Science qualifications on offer: 1. BTEC Applied Science Subsidiary Diploma 2. BTEC Applied Science Diploma BTEC Applied Science Subsidiary Diploma This is equivalent to one AS level at the end of the first year of study ( lower sixth ) and equivalent to one A level at the end of two years of study ( upper sixth ). Students taking the Subsidiary Diploma will typically also be studying 2 or 3 AS levels in addition in year one, and 2 A levels with the Subsidiary Diploma in year two. The BTEC Applied Science Subsidiary Diploma is a combined science course, with a particular focus on the more Biological units: Units studied:

1. Fundamentals of Science 2. Working in the Science Industry 3. Scientific Investigations 4. Scientific Practical Techniques 5. Perceptions of Science 6. Using Mathematical Tools in Science and Using Statistics in Science

BTEC Applied Science Diploma This is equivalent to one A level at the end of the first year of study ( lower sixth ) and equivalent to two A levels at the end of two years of study ( upper sixth ). Students taking the Diploma will typically also be studying 1 AS level in addition in year one, and 1 A level with the Diploma in year two. The BTEC Applied Science Diploma is a combined science course, with a particular focus on the more Biological units. The Diploma covers the same 6 units as the Subsidiary Diploma but also includes the following

1. Physiology of Human Body Systems 2. Biochemistry and Biochemical Techniques

3. Genetics and Genetic Engineering 4. Microbiological Techniques 5. Physiology of Human Regulation and Reproduction 6. Forensic Evidence Collection and Analysis

Assessment Both BTEC courses are assessed via continuous assessment ( coursework ). There are no examinations in either BTEC option. As the BTEC is designed to be more vocational in approach, students learn not only scientific theory, but will develop other skills to help pursue a scientific career, in particular with regard to experimental techniques, research, presentation, IT, problem solving and team working. BTEC: Grading and University Points Each unit that a student completes will be assessed as a Pass (P), Merit (M) or Distinction (D). All unit grades are then combined to give an overall grade. The overall A level grade equivalents and university ( UCAS ) points are summarised below. Subsidiary Diploma

BTEC grade A level grade equivalent UCAS points

Distinction* A* 140 Distinction A 120 Merit C 80 Pass E 40

Diploma

BTEC grade A level grade equivalent UCAS points

Distinction*Distinction* A*A* 280 Distinction*Distinction A*A 260 Distinction Distinction AA 240 Distinction Merit AC 200 Merit Merit CC 160

Progression Routes BTEC Applied Science courses when combined with A levels offer an excellent route to university for a variety of science based degrees. These include: Radiography, Paramedic, Nursing, Forensic Science, Midwifery, Laboratory Technician and Pharmaceutical based degree courses. Alternatively, students may gain employment directly from college. As the course is vocational many employers recognise that a student leaving college with a good grade will have had a good

basic training in laboratory techniques. Employers are therefore more willing to give that student employment in a laboratory based job. Suggested Preparation for September Students could research into preferred career pathways. Whilst it is not compulsory to undertake work experience placements, students are strongly encouraged to do so. Support and guidance is available to students dent with regard to securing a suitable work placement. Two useful websites that students could visit to help with academic and career choices are: www.prospects.ac.uk – this site gives useful information on careers after graduation from university. It includes job descriptions and degree choices that may increase your chances of success in chosen career paths. www.ucas.com – this site allows students to search for chosen degree subjects and identifies those universities that offer that subject. Entry requirements for courses are also shown. HOD contact details

• Lindsey Abbott • Abbott_a@sjd.ac.uk

Subject Leader Details

• Sarah Bunting • Bunting_s@sjd.ac.uk