BTEC First Certificate Applied Science

Schedule of Units to be covered

Year 10 11 (2008 - 2009)
Rationale of the BTEC First Certificate and Diploma in Applied Science
This qualification offers an approach based on the learner taking on the role of being employed within the science
industry. Teaching strategies reflect the nature of the work within sciencebased industries, using a series of assignments
and activities encouraging learners to take responsibility and ownership for their learning. The qualification is 100 per
cent internally assessed.
Learners can progress to the BTEC Nationals in Applied Science (Industrial and Laboratory Science), Applied Science
(Forensic Science), or Applied Science (Medical Science). Learners can also progress to GCE in Applied Science and to
a range of BTEC Nationals in applied sciences such as Food Science, Beauty Therapy Sciences, Sport and Exercise
Sciences, Pharmacy Services, Polymer Technology or Dental Technology.
This qualification provides a route to employment as a science technician or assistant practitioner working in a wide
variety of roles in the science industry or in organisations that use science.
These can include roles such as:

a quality control technician/analyst, where the employee works in a production plant laboratory carrying out
analytical tests using modern instrumentation and ICT and interpreting data

working in a hospital as a medical physics technician supporting the use of X-ray and other imaging/scanning
instruments

working in a research laboratory in the development of new drugs, managing projects which include setting up
apparatus, measuring and handling chemical substances, following procedures, carrying out observations and
measurements, separating out and analysing products

working for a scientific magazine or journal, editing and proofreading articles on issues such as implications and
applications of new scientific discoveries/developments.

BTEC First Certificate and School and College Achievement and Attainment Tables points
BTEC First Certificates attract points for the DfES School and College Achievement and Attainment Tables
(formerly Performance Tables). The qualification attracts the same points as two GCSEs at A* C, and contributes
40 per cent towards the threshold. For the detailed point scores for a pass, merit, distinction, and distinction*,
please see the QCA Openquals website at: www.openquals.org.uk
BTEC grade BTEC First Certificate grade
boundaries
1829
3041
4248

Pass
Merit
Distinction

P
M
D

SCAAT points and

GCSE grade
equivalence
CC
BB
AA

4954

Distinction*

D*

A* A*

Assessment: Grading criteria

Learners need to provide evidence to meet the
grading criteria shown in the assessment
evidence grids.
To pass - every pass criterion must be met.
To gain a merit all the pass and merit
criteria need to be achieved.
To gain a distinction all the pass, merit
and distinction criteria need to be achieved.

Structure of the qualification

The Edexcel Level 2 BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science consists of three core units that provide a combined
total of 180 guided learning hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.
Unit

Core units

Chemistry Applications
Physical Science
Applications
Biological Systems

4
5

Number of
assignments
6
5
7

GLH

Level

60
60

2
2

60

Teacher
Dr Sadjadi (ASa)
Mrs Davies (MDa)
Miss Bhatt (TBh)

Unit Grading
Criteria

Teacher Start Date Week

Beginning:

Hand in Date - Week

Ending:

Teacher to mark
by:

Internal Verifier

3
3
3
3
3
3

P1, M1, D1
P2, M2, D2
P3, M3, D3
P4, M4, D4
P5, M5, D5
P6, M6, D6

ASa
ASa
ASa
ASa
ASa
ASa

3rd September 2008

20th October 2008
6th January 2009
23rd February 2009
20th April 2009
8th June 2009

17th October 2008

19th December 2008
13th February 2009
2nd April 2009
5th June 2009
17th July 2009

24th October 2008

9th January 2009
27th February 2009
24th April 2009
12th June 2009
17th July 2009

MDa
TBh
TBh
TBh
TBh
MDa

4
4
4
4
4

P2, M2, D2
P3, M3, D3
P5, M5, D5
P4, M4, D4
P1, M1, D1

MDa
MDa
MDa
MDa
MDa

3rd September 2008

20th October 2008
23rd February 2009
20th April 2009
1st June 2009

17th October 2008

23rd February 2009
20th April 2009
1st June 2009
13th July 2009

24th October 2008

27th February 2009
24th April 2009
5th June 2009
17th July 2009

ASa
TBh
ASa
TBh
TBh

5
5

P3, M3, D3
P1, M1, D1

TBh
TBh

3rd September 2008

20th October 2008

17th October 2008

14th November 2008

MDa
ASa

P2, M2, D2
P4, M4, D4
P5, M5, D5
P6, M6, D6
P7, M7, D7

TBh
TBh
TBh
TBh
TBh

17th November 2008

6th January 2009
23rd February 2009
20th April 2009
1st June 2009

19th December 2008

23rd February 2009
20th April 2009
1st June 2009
13th July 2009

24th October 2008

21st November
2008
9th January 2009
27th February 2009
24th April 2009
5th June 2009
17th July 2009

5
5
5
5
5

Incorporated into the assignments, will be the opportunity for students to achieve the following key skills:
Application
Communication
Information Communication Technology (ICT)
Improving own learning and performance
Working with others

MDa
MDa
MDa
ASa
ASa

Unit 3: Chemistry Applications

Learning outcomes:
On completion of this unit a learner should:
Know how atomic structure relates to the properties of the elements and compounds
Understand the factors involved in chemical reactions
Know the importance of organic chemistry
Understand the importance of the factors involved in the earth and its environment.

Unit 4: Physical Science Applications

Learning outcomes:
On completion of this unit a learner should:
Understand the importance of energy and energy transfer
Understand applications of waves and radiation
Understand applications of electricity
Understand methods used in astronomy to explore the universe, its galaxies, planets and
stars.

Unit 5: Biological Systems

Learning outcomes:
On completion of this unit a learner should:
Understand the diversity of living organisms and how they are classified
Be able to investigate how living things interact with each other and their environments
Understand that genes are responsible for inheritance, and variations within species, leading
to evolutionary change
Understand the factors that may affect human health and the ways human health is
controlled.