Applied Science BTEC Extended Diploma

Course code: FTB100

School of Humanities & Science

The Programme

A stimulating, practical course that aims to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding of all aspects of laboratory science. To be successful in this course you need to have a keen interest in investigating science, be able to manage your time effectively and be able to communicate your ideas clearly. The course consists of 18 units studied over two years and combines a mixture of general and specialist units to give you an excellent grounding as a medical science technician. The course includes units in biology, chemistry, physics and maths. The course is entirely assignment based and is assessed in a wide range of tasks. As part of the course, you will be expected to complete lab reports, scientific posters, make presentations and carry out your own investigations. There is a considerable amount of research required throughout this course on a wide range of topics. The course is equivalent to three A Levels and you are marked as Pass, Merit and Distinction.

The Programme Content

Entry Requirements

BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Applied Science (Merit) or a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above including English, Maths, Additional Science, Applied Science or separate sciences.

Costs

You will need a lab coat which costs approximately £12. We will also recommend that you buy a textbook for approximately £20. You will also have to pay travel costs for trips and visits we make as part of the course.

Venue

Barnstaple, Main Site

Progression

Students who successfully complete the course will be well equipped for a career as a medical science technician in the National Health Service or other industry science laboratories. Students who do so often carry on studying at the same time to gain NVQs or professional body qualifications. The course provides an alternative route from A Levels into vocational health careers such as nursing, midwifery or hospital theatre technicians. The course also allows you to progress to BTEC Higher National Applied Science Diplomas or full time degrees in Applied Science. You will normally need a mixture of Merits and Distinctions to progress to degree courses.

Length of Study

Two years.

Academic Year

This course starts in the 2013 / 2014 academic year.