Applied Science Level 3

Program Overview

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APPLIED SCIENCE

Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Course Level

Level 3

Duration

2 years full-time

Entry

September

Fees

View Fees

Overview

Develop your practical skills within our brand-new laboratory suite Opportunity to progress onto our higher education engineering and health degrees

Are you fascinated by biology, chemistry and physics and interested in pursuing science-related careers and higher education courses? Do you learn particularly well through experiments, research and coursework?

If you want to delve deeper into key aspects from across the sciences and develop the practical, problem-solving and data skills that are so in demand by employers, BTEC Level 3 Applied Science is for you.

You will revisit and advance your understanding of science topics such as cells and organ systems, chemical bonding and reactions, waves and materials. Within our brand-new laboratories, you will conduct numerous experiments, learning advanced analytical skills, as well as developing excellence in laboratory practice. You will explore and debate contemporary issues in science and will have the exciting opportunity to conduct your own research into a scientific area that you find especially interesting.

Our applied science course is studied over two years, leading to a highly- valued National Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A-levels). It is an exciting course that offers you the opportunity to continue to study all three sciences with emphasis on practical and coursework. On completion, you will be ready to pursue a career or degree in the applied science sector.

Why choose this college course?

• PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Experience applied sciences first-hand by visiting our state-of-the-art Health Skills and Simulation Suite and robotics labs
• INNOVATIVE LEARNING – Enjoy learning using the latest in education technology from VR-modelling of health scenarios to interactive body-sized digital anatomy tables
• MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY – Want to keep studying at a higher level? This college course will support your progression to relevant degrees at university

Our facilities

Our applied science college students will learn in brand-new chemistry, biology and physics laboratories, plus you will get to experience applied sciences first-hand in our state-of-the-art Health Skills and Simulation Suite, used by our nursing and physiotherapy degree students, and our robotics labs, where our engineering students do their practical training. You will also have access to our award-winning university support services.

Course breakdown

You will study core topics which will include:

• Biology: Cells, neurones and muscles and the cardiovascular, breathing and excretory systems
• Chemistry: Atomic structure and bonding, periodic trends, properties and reactions of substances, energy changes
• Physics: Waves and electromagnetic spectrum, materials, fluids and thermal physics
• Practical techniques of titration, colorimetry, chromatography, and colorimetry
• Investigations into enzymes, plants, diffusion, fuels and electrical circuits
• Laboratory practice including health and safety, manufacturing techniques, data storage and informatics
• Contemporary issues in science

You will also study six optional topics:

You will study six optional topics chosen from a wide range that includes forensics, genetics, disease, physiology, microbiology, organic and industrial chemistry, astronomy, medical physics and cryogenics.

Investigative project

You will also be able to explore an area of particular interest to you by completing your own investigative project.

Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change

You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.

Entry requirements

Our college tutors are looking for students who are committed, enthusiastic and have a desire to excel in the science industry, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below.

Academic requirements

• 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade D) or above, including English (Language or Literature), Maths and Science.

English and maths

If you do not have a grade 4/C or above in English and maths and you are under 19 , you will be required to study these subjects alongside your vocational subject. After enrolment you will complete an assessment with our teaching team so we can ensure you receive appropriate English and maths support.

Applicants over 19 are not required to complete maths and English.

Supporting documents required

• School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
• If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.

Guaranteed progression

Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.

Key information

Teaching and assessment

Two of the four applied science units are assessed by a written exam, the other two units are assessed as coursework.

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our **Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy **.

Uniform and kit costs

This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £30, depending on the items you purchase. (Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.)

Career opportunities

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

• Data scientist: Average Salary: £55,000
• Forensic Scientist: Average Salary: £30,000
• Climate scientist: Average Salary: £35,000
• Research scientists: Average Salary: £39,000
• Product/process development scientist: Average salary: £32,000 - £40,000
• Sports scientist: Average Salary: £26,500

Aspiring to a higher level career? Complete this course and you could progress onto our Electromechanical Engineering ,Computer Science ,Adult Nursing orPhysiotherapy degree programmes.

Program Outline

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Applied Science Level 3 National Extended Diploma at University College Birmingham

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Degree Overview:

• Overview:
This two-year program offers a thorough exploration of scientific principles through practical experiments, research, and coursework. It delves into core scientific topics like cells, chemical reactions, and physics principles while emphasizing practical skill development.
• Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue careers or further education in applied science fields. It fosters problem-solving, data analysis, and laboratory practice abilities.
• Description:
You will revisit and deepen your understanding of biology, chemistry, and physics. You'll conduct numerous experiments in brand-new laboratories, honing your analytical skills and laboratory practice expertise. You'll also explore and discuss contemporary scientific issues and have the opportunity to conduct independent research in an area of your interest.

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Outline:

• Content:
You will delve into core topics including:
• Biology:
• Cells
• Neurones and muscles
• Cardiovascular, breathing, and excretory systems
• Chemistry:
• Atomic structure and bonding
• Periodic trends
• Properties and reactions of substances
• Energy changes
• Physics:
• Waves and electromagnetic spectrum
• Materials
• Fluids and thermal physics
• Practical techniques:
• Titration
• Colorimetry
• Chromatography
• Calorimetry
• Investigations:
• Enzymes
• Plants
• Diffusion
• Fuels
• Electrical circuits
• Laboratory practice:
• Health and safety
• Manufacturing techniques
• Data storage and informatics
• Individual Modules:
• Core modules (mentioned above)
• Six optional modules chosen from a wide range covering areas such as:
• Forensics
• Genetics
• Disease
• Physiology
• Microbiology
• Organic and industrial chemistry
• Astronomy
• Medical physics
• Cryogenics
• Investigative project on a topic of your choice

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Assessment:

• Methods:
Assessment methods include:
• Written exams for two core modules
• Coursework for the remaining two core modules and optional modules
• Investigative project
• Knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts
• Practical skills and laboratory techniques
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Communication and research skills

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Teaching:

• Methods:
• Interactive lectures
• Hands-on laboratory sessions
• Group discussions and projects
• Independent research
• Faculty:
Experienced and passionate science teachers with expertise in their respective fields.
• Unique Approaches:
• Use of state-of-the-art technology, including:
• VR-modelling of health scenarios
• Interactive body-sized digital anatomy tables

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Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Data scientist
• Forensic scientist
• Climate scientist
• Research scientist
• Product/process development scientist
• Sports scientist
• Opportunities:
This program opens doors to various career opportunities in diverse scientific fields and research areas.
• Outcomes:
Graduates can pursue careers directly or further their studies with relevant degrees at universities, including programs offered by University College Birmingham.

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Other:

• Facilities:
Students benefit from access to:
• Brand-new chemistry, biology, and physics laboratories
• State-of-the-art Health Skills and Simulation Suite
• Robotics labs
• Progression:
Strong performance in this program guarantees a place on relevant degree courses at University College Birmingham.