The structure of the new BTEC Firsts in Applied Science is designed to reflect the unique nature of science learning - in particular, the fact that content must span three disciplines (physics, chemistry and biology) rather than just one.
BTEC First Awards in Applied Science
To ensure sufficient breadth and depth, instead of a single 120-GLH (guided learning hours) Award, Applied Science has two 120-GLH Awards:
- Principles of Applied Science Award (120 GLH)
- Application of Science Award (120 GLH)
Visit the more details page to learn more about each award.
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120 GLH (Equivalent to one GCSE) |
120 GLH (Equivalent to one GCSE) |
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Unit 1: Principles of Science * |
Unit 5: Application of Chemical Substances |
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Unit 2: Chemistry and our Earth |
Unit 6: Application of Physical Science |
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Unit 3: Energy and our Universe |
Unit 7: Health Applications of Life Science |
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Unit 4: Biology and our Environment |
Unit 8: Scientific Skills * |
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* Unit is externally assessed |
* Unit is externally assessed |
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30 GLH per unit |
30 GLH per unit |
Mandatory unitsTo ensure our new suite of BTEC Level 2 Firsts delivers a robust, broad-based introduction, units in both Awards are mandatory. For the Principles of Science Award, these are units 1-4, covering the Programme of Study. For the Application of Science Award, units 5-8 are also mandatory to ensure a broad base of knowledge across the sciences is taught.
No optional units are available in either Award. This means that employers and education professionals can be confident that learners achieving a BTEC Level 2 First have gained a solid grounding in the essential knowledge and skills, and can progress into further or higher education, or into employment.
BTEC First Extended Certificate in Applied Science
The Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Extended Certificate in Applied Science (360 GLH) has eight mandatory units and a further four units from a choice of optional specialist units.
This qualification has been designed primarily for young people aged 14-19 who may wish to explore a vocational route throughout Key Stage 4.
It provides an engaging, robust, broad-based introduction to applied science principles.
The underpinning knowledge, understanding and practical skills that make up this qualification reflect the needs of employers and higher and further education professionals. This gives full-time learners the opportunity to enter potential employment within a wide range of science sectors, such as process, industrial, medical, or forensic.
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Unit 9: Practical Scientific Project |
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Unit 10: World Energy |
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Unit 11: How Scientific Theories are Organised |
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Unit 12: The Living Body |
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Unit 13: Monitoring the Environment |
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Unit 14: Growing Plants for Food |
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Unit 15: Investigating a Crime Scene |
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Unit 16: Science in Medicine |
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Unit 17: Understanding Human Behaviour |
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Unit 18: Designing and Making Useful Devices in Science |
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Unit 19: Chemical Analysis and Detection |
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Unit 20: Exploring our Universe |
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Unit 21: Electronics in Action |
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Unit 22: Biotechnology Procedures and Applications |
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Unit 23: Further Chemistry |
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Unit 24: Further Physics |
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All units are 30 GLH each, and are all internally assessed. |