What's covered?
Students completing one year of study will be eligible for the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Science. This will either be the Medical Science or Forensic Science options, dependent on the units studied. This qualification is equivalent to one A level. Students completing the full two years of study will be eligible for the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (either Forensic or Medical), which is equivalent to three A levels. In the first year students will study 9 units. Successful completion of 6 units triggers the Subsidiary Diploma Award. Students successfully completing all 9 units will be eligible for progression to the second year. In the second year a further 9 units are studied to complete the Extended Diploma Award. The emphasis of both the forensic and medical options is on biology and chemistry, with some example units being titled Practical Chemical Analysis, Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Chemical Laboratory Techniques and Physiology of Human Body Systems. The Medical Science option has additional medical related units such as Medical Physics Techniques, Diseases and Infections and Microbiological Techniques. The Forensic Science option has additional units such as Forensic Evidence Collection and Analysis, Criminal Psychology and Criminal Investigation Procedures. All units are assessed through assignment based coursework.
What do you need?
Applicants require four GCSEs at grade C or above including Core Science, Additional Science, Maths and English Language. Alternatively, a Merit in BTEC First Diploma in a related subject along with GCSE Maths and GCSE English at grade C or above. Mature students will be considered on the merits of their work experience.
How you are assessed
As stated above, all units are assessed through assignment based coursework. Each unit will have several assignments and as you have 9 units to complete per year then expect to be working on several assignments at various periods through the year.
How Long?
2 years
What course next?
After completing the course students either progress directly into the working environment or progress onto a science based higher education course.
What could this lead to?
Medical Science students can seek employment in the medical science related field eg pathology laboratories. Alternatively they progress onto medical/biomedical science related degree courses in HE. Forensic science students can seek employment in forensic science related field eg the police service. Alternatively they progress onto criminal psychology/forensic science related degree courses in HE.
