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Applied Science

BTEC

It’s fab to be in the lab. Join us for an experiment you’ll never forget...

The course begins with an exciting introduction into everyone’s favourite aspect of science, practicals! 

We’ll introduce you to laboratory equipment and techniques, you’ll be doing lots of experimenting and researching while developing your skills as a scientist.

By doing loads of problem solving and analysis and get a sense of what it’s like to be a trainee laboratory technician in fields such as biochemistry, forensic science and environmental science.

You’ll follow written scientific procedures making sure that all your equipment is calibrated correctly and that all research is conducted in a safe manner.

What follows will be an exciting and inspiring introduction to the sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. After studying Science at GCSE you’ll recognise and be familiar with many of the core concepts. Gaining this solid grounding in Biology, Chemistry and Physics will give you a great appreciation of the different fields of science – and where you might be headed in your career.

We’ll learn about cells and tissues, atomic structure and bonding, substances’ chemical and physical properties, and how waves have changed our world.

  • Without understanding cells, we couldn’t heal bodies. Viruses couldn’t be cured. And we couldn’t produce crops resistant to pests and drought.
  • Understanding atomic structure is vital to understand how substances will interact and react.
  • Imagine you’re building skyscrapers. Knowing the physical properties of concrete and metal is essential so they don’t fall down.
  • Knowing how waves work made mobile phones possible.

The Year One external assessment will demonstrate your science knowledge and project management skills. In this test you’ll work as a research scientist, conducting an investigation before analysing the results and drawing conclusions.

Choose the Diploma or Extended Diploma and you’ll:

  • Dive deeper into lab techniques, sampling and testing substances using sophisticated instruments and sensors 
  • Develop an extended understanding of key science concepts relating to chemicals, the human body, behaviour of materials in different conditions, and how energy is transferred to develop machines and engines
  • Research contemporary issues in science, such as how the bee population is threatened by the use of pesticides

Science facilities at Xaverian are excellent. But you’ll work way beyond the realms of your classroom.

There will be trips to a number of different types of laboratories to show how scientists work in a range of environments.

You’ll visit a University of Manchester laboratory where DNA is analysed using genetic engineering techniques.

Second year students spend a day at a local blood transfusion centre learning about lab safety and information management.

And if you’re studying towards the Extended Diploma, you’ll also enjoy a week’s work placement in a lab or medical practice putting into practice what you’ve learned, in a real-life scientific environment.

Why BTEC?

A-levels are assessed mainly through exams at the end of your second year at Xaverian. BTECs are assessed throughout your course through coursework, projects and externally marked tests.

Consider a BTEC qualification if you prefer to show your progress through regular practical work rather than exams.

If you’re considering higher education…

  • Remember BTECs focus on a specific area. If you’re considering the National Diploma, be sure this subject is the focus of your degree ambitions.
  • BTECs are very hands-on. While we cover plenty of theory on this course, you’ll need to spend time independently levelling up on advanced study and research skills, such as essay writing, that don’t form part of the BTEC syllabus – so you’re ready for a very different way of learning at university.

LESSON TIME!

We’ll first talk you through the BTEC Applied Science course options and the units you’ll study.

One of the units focuses on disease and infection. On today’s lesson we’ll conduct biochemical tests that form part of this unit, analysing urine samples for different medical conditions.

Urine analysis can identify a wide range of medical conditions, including kidney infection and diabetes.

Watch as Xaverian students take you through this research and deliver their findings.

Play Video

What’s next?

Accordion Content

Thanks to the breadth of knowledge you’ll acquire on this course, a wide range of science-based careers will be available to you following further study.

You might wish to work in the commercial sector – with chemical, pharmaceutical, materials, aerospace and automotive organisations.

Or if you’re looking to enter healthcare, compatible roles include:

  • Registered nurse
  • Physical therapy assistant
  • Occupational therapy assistant
  • Dental hygienist
  • Medical assistant
  • Radiology technologist
  • Medical laboratory technician

Set your heart on life as a lab technician? Maybe you want to earn as you learn, a degree apprenticeship in Laboratory Science might be the right choice for you.

Or you may wish to specialise at degree level in other directions, after your BTEC Applied Science course piques interest in areas such as:

  • Applied chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Environmental science
  • Forensic science
Extended Certificate (1 A Level equivalent)

You will complete 4 units of study: 3 mandatory, 1 optional

Extended Diploma (3 A Level equivalent)

You will complete all the above units – plus extra units over the two year period.

Entry requirements:

Six passes at GCSE including two at grade 6 or above

Course specific entry requirements:

Grade 5 from Mathematics and Science recommended

Grade 4 in English

Course duration:

2 years

Assessment methods:

Coursework and exams

Course type:

BTEC Advanced

Exam board:

Edexcel

The work involves a degree of taught input from the teacher. Guidance and practice for examined component will be given for unit 1. The bulk of the work is based on the student working independently to complete a number of tasks in each unit.

This will involve tasks such as independent research, presentation of information, practical write-ups and data analysis. There is a heavy practical bias and students will be exposed to a wide range of experimental techniques and equipment. IT will be used extensively during the course.

I chose to come to Xaverian as it’s a good college that provides you with insights into possible career paths you might want to take. As well as enjoying my science course, I also love the extracurricular activities provided, because it’s an opportunity to learn new skills, and I made many new friends.

Ayesha Naeem, Science BTEC

RELATED COURSES

If you’re considering APPLIED SCIENCE you might also want to check out:

COMPLEMENTARY COURSES

YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING COURSES ALONGSIDE ANCIENT HISTORY:

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