Course Details

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. Employers and professional bodies have also been involved and consulted to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for students planning to enter employment directly in the applied science sector.

Modules Studied

Students will study three mandatory units:

• Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science
• Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
• Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills

Staff teaching the course will choose one optional unit which has been designed to support choices in progression to applied science courses in higher education. Optional units include:

• Unit 8: Physiology of Human Body Systems
• Unit 10: Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways
• Unit 13: Applications of Inorganic Chemistry
• Unit 15: Electrical Circuits and their Application

What can I do after I have completed this course?

The requirements of the qualification will mean that students develop the transferable and higher order skills which are valued by higher education providers and employers. For example, when studying Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills, students will develop skills including how to plan investigations, collecting, analysing, and presenting data and communicating results which support some of the skills students need to progress to higher education, employment, self-employment, or training. The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses if taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two-year programme of learning, including, but not exclusively, those which are science-related. The qualification can be taken as part of a diverse programme, leaving progression options fully open. It can also give context to subjects which would benefit from some scientific background. This will depend on the combination of qualifications chosen.