Subject Intent: Why Applied Science?
Applied Science is an Applied General qualification for students who want to continue their science education. The course allows students progression onto science courses in Higher Education and jobs in this sector without achieving an A-level qualification in a science subject.
In addition to organisation skills and analytical skills developed in preparation for exams, students will develop skills including how to plan investigations, collecting, analysing, and presenting data and communicating results which support some of the skills students need to progress to higher education, employment, self-employment or training. The qualification can be taken as part of a diverse programme, leaving progression options fully open. For example, taken alongside Mathematics, Physics and Design and Technology to progress to engineering related courses. Health and Social Care to progress to nursing or midwifery courses. The optional Unit studied is Chemistry based, this will support students application onto Biomedical Science or Forensic Science courses at University.
What will I study?
- Fundamentals of science: You will study topics ranging from cells, atomic structure and bonding to forces and circuits.
- Science in society: you will examine how science is communicated to a variety of different audiences.
- Investigating science: you will develop your scientific skills including planning, recording and interpreting data and analysing and evaluating your own scientific findings.
- Applied Science: two units in which you further develop your theory and practical skills.
Applied Science
Please note: Subject videos have been filmed from colleges across our Trust.
What are lessons like in this subject?
Applied Science lessons include a mixture of both theory and practical methods. The theory lessons present new knowledge in small chunks with a focus on how to apply your knowledge and incorporate retrieval practice using online tools such as Kahoot and Seneca. For the practical aspect of the course you will use equipment such as burettes, volumetric flasks to make and test your own solutions, colorimeters and chromatography to test the purity of solutions and components such as diodes, thermistors and LDRs to make and test electrical circuits. You will also venture outside to collect biological data to apply statistical tests learnt to real-life situations.
What our
students
I really enjoy the very practical BTEC Applied Science course. I think coursework is a great alternative for people who work better doing it than exams.
Emily Louise Taylor, Ossett Academy
