Level: Level 3 Vocational

Duration: 2 Years

Qualification:
AAQ BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Science (2 year)

Entry Requirements:
A minimum of Maths and English grade 5, Plus: Combined Science grade 5:4 or Triple Science grade 5 in two of either Biology, Chemistry or Physics

Contact our Head of Faculty Mr B. Delve - b.delve@kenstimpson.org.uk

Engaging and inspiring, this work-related qualification will provide a practical, real-world approach to scientific learning and will give you the skills you need to either move on to higher education or go straight into employment.

Key features of the Level 3 AAQ BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Science are:

• Learners will acquire technical skills, knowledge and understanding enabling them to enter employment in the science sector.
• Learners are given the opportunity to develop a range of practical skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.
• The course is 50% portfolio based and 50% examinations. The portfolio work is assessed continuously throughout the course, allowing the students to gauge their own performance on a continuing basis, just like in a real workplace. Students are more engaged and motivated as a result, as they can see and measure their own progress throughout the course.

The Level 3 AAQ BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Science is a 2 year course.

Over the two years students must complete 5 units:

• Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Biology (External)
• Unit 2: Principles and Applications of Chemistry (External)
• Unit 3: Principles and Applications of Physics (External)
• Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (Internal)
• Unit 6:  Contemporary issues in Science (Internal)

On completion of the course you will be awarded a Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* based on your overall performance. 

The Level 3 AAQ BTEC National Extended Certificate is broadly equivalent to 1 GCE A Level qualification.

The Level 3 AAQ BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Science can lead to a variety of scientific careers such as:

• Working as a quality control technician/analyst
• Laboratory carrying out analytical tests using modern instrumentation, ICT and data interpretation
• Working in a hospital as a medical technician
• Working in a research laboratory in the development of new drugs
• Working in the chemical industry, involved with testing materials
• Working with the forensic science service or using their analytical skills in the chemistry industry