Applied Science
CAMTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Equivalent to 1 A Level)
When do I start studying for this qualification? January 2018. For how long will I study? For two years. What is this course about? This practical, work-related course allows you to study aspects of biology, chemistry and physics to an advanced level. You will complete practical and theoretical assessments in all three sciences. What topics will I study? In year 1, for the BTEC Level 3 Certificate there are two units: • Unit 1 - Science Fundamentals • Unit 2 - Laboratory Techniques In year 2 you complete the internally assessed units which are: • Unit 6 - Control of hazards in the laboratory • Unit 18 - Microbiology • Unit 21 - Product Testing Techniques Biology covers aspects such human body systems, microbiology, genetics and cell biology.
Chemistry covers aspects such as practical chemical analysis and lab techniques, the periodic table and industrial applications of chemistry. Physics covers energy and the structures, properties and uses of material. How will my work be assessed? The whole course is 50% exam and 50 % coursework, with Year 1 being when you do your exams. Can I do this course alongside Science A Levels? It depends! While CAMTEC Applied Science is very different from Science A Levels, there is sometimes a lot of overlap in subject matter, so they are not always compatible. You would not usually do this course alongside A Level Biology or Chemistry. Combining CTEC Applied Science with Maths courses or A Level Psychology is fine. What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course? You need a good knowledge of GCSE science as well as good numeracy, English and communication skills.
What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed? Good time management, strong practical skills and analytical abilities, independent research skills, good ICT skills, good team-working skills and an interest in the application of science across chemistry and biology.
“It’s not about learning loads of facts, it’s more a question of doing your own research – with some help of course!”
Individual Level 3 subjects may have further entry requirements and these will be advised to you at your Course Guidance meeting once we receive your application.
“With the course work you can see how you’re doing as you go along and choose your own level.” What have I got to do in order to do well? Students need to be well organised and you must be able to keep on schedule with your work. There is a lot of research from the internet and scientific literature, so it helps to be used to working independently. For practical work, as well as good communication skills, students need to enjoy problem solving, be analytical and work well with others.
What are the lessons like? You will carry out many experiments, some of which you will design yourself, learning how to analyse and evaluate your results. There will be lessons where you undertake independent and group research, discuss scientific issues, research information online, revise topics and practice exam techniques. You will develop strong independent study skills throughout your time studying applied science.
Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them? A Level Biology and A Level Chemistry are similar but have different entry requirements. We also offer CAMTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science which is equivalent to two A Levels, and also covers elements of biology, chemistry and physics. Because of the overlap you cannot combine the Diploma with this particular course.
Support is available to all students.
This is usually taken by students who intend to pursue a scientific career, most likely working as a laboratory technician or in other professions allied to health.
Are there any specific entry requirements? You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or A*- C.
What do students say about this course? “I wanted to carry on studying biology but I was most interested in how the human body works – this course gave me just what I wanted.”