Applied Sciences

Course summary

Applied Science BTEC is a challenging and interesting qualification for students with an interest in science, particularly from a practical point of view. The course reflects the fact that it is Applied Science by focusing on practical scientific investigation and work-related assignments, rather than a broad range of scientific theory for its own sake. This course allows you to study science beyond GCSE in a way that enables you to succeed and do well, even if you have found it tough to achieve strong results in exam-based courses at GCSE. This is because it is assessed through coursework and exam assignments rather than entirely through exams. The advantage of a BTEC is that you can check your thinking and understanding with your teachers as you go along, rather than being faced with having to learn and memorize a large body of scientific theory and knowledge and then having to apply it under exam conditions to solve problems you will not have seen before. At Esher, we offer two Applied Science BTEC Courses. The Extended Certificate qualification is equivalent to one A Level whilst the National Diploma is equivalent to two A Levels and therefore double the number of lessons, coursework, and UCAS points. The four units covered in the single, Extended Certificate are: • Unit 1 covers the core scientific concepts including cells, tissues, atomic structure chemical-physical properties of substances, waves, and their application in communications. • Unit 2 introduces the students to standard laboratory equipment and techniques, including titration, colorimetry, calorimetry, chromatography, calibration produces, and lab safety. • Unit 3 covers the stages involved and the skills needed in planning a scientific investigation including how to record, interpret, draw scientific conclusions, and evaluate. This unit involves a substantial amount of practical work. • Unit 11 involves studying the basis of life itself by gaining an understanding of the structure of DNA, cell division, and the principles of Mendelian genetics and variation. This unit is subject to change. and UCAS points.