BTEC
Course Overview
Aimed for students looking for a career where they can make a difference to the and lives of others and the environment.
This course provides a broad understanding of scientific principles predominantly in Chemistry, Biology and general science, including medical applications such as drug synthesis, disease, diagnostic and analytical techniques, and treatments. During the course you will develop knowledge and understanding of Biology, Chemistry and Physics concepts and develop skills such as practical techniques, testing methods and using literature. You should choose the Sixth Form College as we offer the chance to work in laboratory facilities similar to those of a university and access to many types of practical equipment. We also have a large cohort with enthusiastic specialist staff who have a high level of teaching expertise and experience in dedicated BTEC units.
ASSESSMENT
Internal Assessment: 60%
External Assessments: 40%
Awarding Body: Pearson Edexcel
COURSE TOPICS
The course is made up of seven mandatory units:
- Principles and Application of Science I
- Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
- Science Investigation Skills
- Laboratory Techniques and their Application
- Principles and Application of Science II
- Investigative Project
- Contemporary Issues in Science
Additional units studied are:
- Physiology of Human Body Systems
- Human Regulation and Reproduction
- Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways
- Applications of Organic Chemistry
- Industrial Chemical Reactions
- Medical Physics Applications
BEGIN - IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?
Do you love science, enjoy practical work, and aspire to a career in a scientific field? This course gives you the chance to develop a broad range of knowledge and skills across biology, chemistry, and physics, preparing you for the world of science now and in the future.
Successful learners are motivated, organised, and hardworking, with clear goals such as progressing to university, apprenticeships, or employment. You’ll build vital skills including teamwork, leadership, laboratory techniques, scientific writing, higher-level maths, and problem solving – all essential for further study and future careers.
Topics covered include molecular biology, organic chemistry, medical applications of physics, human biological systems, and practical chemical analysis. If these areas interest you and align with your ambitions, this is the course for you.
Belong - Why study with us?
The course provides transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, research, and analysis, which are valued in both higher education and the workplace.
The transferable skills that universities value include:
- The ability to learn independently
- The ability to research actively and methodically
- Being able to give presentations and being active group members
BTEC learners can also benefit from opportunities for deep learning where they are able to make connections among units and select areas of interest for detailed study. The course provides a vocational context in which learners can develop the knowledge and skills required for particular degree courses, including:
- Reading scientific and technical texts
- Effective writing
- Analytical skills
- Practical skills
- Preparation for assessment methods used in degrees
The course offers a diverse range of progression routes within the applied science, biomedical science, forensic science and health care sector. During the course, there are opportunities to improve your grades by re-sitting external assessments. Assessment is continuous throughout the two years, rather than examination based at the end of year 2. If you are organised and enjoy the opportunity to complete coursework then this is the course for you.
Studying BTEC at SFC will help you to boost your CV by developing your skills as the BTEC units offer opportunities during the teaching and learning phase to give you practice in developing employability skills such as:
- Cognitive and problem-solving skills: use critical thinking, approach non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions
- Interpersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing intrapersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development, self-presentation.
beyond - where can this course take me?
This qualification will primarily prepare you to move on to a degree course, or a foundation degree. It can also lead to further technical qualifications, higher (level 4+) apprenticeships or level 3 apprenticeships. The qualification can also lead directly to employment, as the transferable knowledge, understanding and skills will give you an advantage when applying for a range of entry level industry training programmes and/or Higher Apprenticeships in areas such as laboratory technician, industrial technician and medical technician.
The vast majority of universities in the UK accept BTECs. The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by HE providers as meeting admission requirements for a range of courses such as:
- Pharmacy
- Medicine with Foundation Year
- Veterinary Science with Foundation Year
- Dentistry with Foundation Year
- Applied Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Chemical Engineering
- Nursing
- Radiography
- Environmental Science
- Forensic Science
- Animal Biology
- Paramedic Science
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Biomedical Sciences
Many students progress to local universities such as Keele, Staffs and Derby, and popular courses with the College’s Applied Science students are Pharmacy, University, Biomedical Sciences and Radiography. Previous students have excelled on the course, and have progressed on to study Veterinary Medicine at the Royal Veterinary College, London or Foundation Medicine at Keele.
Testimonials
The college staff have been consistent champions whilst I was studying BTEC Applied Science, this has helped me to get to the next step in my educational journey after being accepted in to the Royal Veterinary College to study Veterinary Medicine.
Lucy Somogy
Previously: Blythe Bridge High School
Studying: BTEC Applied Science & Core Maths
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