Science - National Extended Diploma in Applied Science L3

This course helps you to build the skills and techniques necessary for a successful career in science or higher education. This qualification is the equivalent of three A Levels and is suitable for students who have studied GCSE sciences at school including single sciences at GCSE, or double award as well as BTEC First Applied Science.

What you will study

Seven Mandatory Units (Including externally assessed examinations):

• Principles and Applications of Science I (Exam)

• Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

• Science Investigation Skills (Exam)

• Laboratory Techniques and their Application

• Principles and Applications of Science II (Exam)

• Investigative Project

• Contemporary Issues in Science (Exam)

Plus, six specialist units, which may include some of the following:

• Physiology of Human Body Systems

• Human Regulation and Reproduction

• Genetics and Genetic Engineering

• Diseases and Infections

• Applications of Inorganic Chemistry

• Applications of Organic Chemistry

• Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques

• Industrial Chemical Reactions

• Practical Chemical Analysis

• Biomedical Science

• Medical Physics Applications

The optional units are subject to change.

If you gain entry to the course with Level 2 qualifications other than a GCSEs in English Language or Maths you will be required to take GCSE English or Maths alongside the main programme.

The course will be assessed through a mixture of externally assessed exams (40%) as well as internally marked assignment work .

The internally assessed units will typically be assessed through four written assignments. These are likely to include tasks such as the write up of a practical investigation including a full analysis of results, short answer questions, research questions and occasionally an individual or group presentation.

N.B Resubmissions for assignments can only be granted if deadlines are met by the student.

4 GCSEs at grade 9-4 including English and maths, plus Science at grade 5 – (Combined Science 5,4 or Triple Science 5,4,4).

Applications with functional skills qualifications in English will also be considered.

Further study

Many of our student’s progress to university to study degrees such as forensic science, biomedical science, applied biology, biochemistry, microbiology and combined science. However, you could also progress to a HNC in Applied Biology at Wakefield College .

Career opportunities

Areas of employment include technical roles, quality control, medical laboratory analysis, materials testing, biomedical science, forensic science analysis, medical photographer, anatomical pathology technician, medical physics technician, and soil analysis.