BTEC level 3 Applied Science Information about the

BTEC level 3 Applied Science Information about the course Also click on this link for a video of Mr Boddaert explaining the course in more detail. https: //youtu. be/P 0 t. ER 17 s 3 yc

How to succeed in Applied science… When asked this question most students say “work hard”. As you have chosen to study Applied Science that is a given especially with the continual assessment for assignments. The minimum expectation is that you will complete all work set on time. Here are some other tips. 1. Stay organised – Organisation is a huge problem for some students and a reason why many struggle. The key tip is start off well and keep it up. Bring your folder to every lesson and keep your notes complete, well presented and in order. File dividers will be provided to help. 2. Play an active part in lessons – Learning is very much an active process. Take a leading role in group activities and practical experiments. Participating in discussions and asking lots of questions will also help. Simply turning up to lessons will not help you progress. 3. Be proactive – never be content if you do not fully understand something you have covered in lessons or in your homework. There are lots of things you can do - read your notes, ask other members of your class to explain it to you, ask the teacher to explain it again in a different way. Look at You. Tube videos, online support. 4. Don’t leave gaps – Related to number 3, if you don’t get a concept or question don’t leave it. You will still not understand it when writing up assignments or in an exam! Ask for help preferably before the work is due to be handed in. 5. Ask for help –You can come and get help any lunch time or after school. If you are stuck on a question at home also feel free to e-mail for help. 6. If you have no work to do ask for more or find some! There always things you can do to help you progress in Applied Science. Look through your PLC (personalised learning checklist) and identify topics you found more difficult and look over these again. 7. Ensure Assignments are the best you can make them!! 42% of your course is assessed internal through a series of assignments. You overall gain the lowest grade of your assignments, not your average. You could have 3 assignments at Distinction grade and one at pass grade and you end up with a pass grade overall. I think this is very unfair, but is the rule across all BTECs. You need to be aiming to achieve Distinctions in all your assignments by: • Keeping clear notes as you cover the topic/practical work relevant to the assignments you will carry out. Ask questions and check you really understand it, as once the assignment brief is given you to complete, you are on your own!! • Write up assignments as you go along, keeping a detailed skills log producing your best work from the start! • Ensure you stick to the deadline for first submission and hand in the best work you can achieve. • Listed carefully and act on advice given to improve your assignments before the final submission. Students who work hard do exceptionally well in Applied science

About the course: In year 12 you complete: Unit 2: Practical scientific procedures and techniques – (25%) This unit consist of a series of 4 assignments test your understanding of key practical procedures used in lab work and techniques to analysis the results. They are assessed internally against strict grading criteria and a chosen selection moderated externally by the exam board. The first 3 assignments A, B and C are practical based and D is a skills based log covering assignments A, B and C. A: Undertake titration and colorimetry to determine the concentration of solutions. (Chemistry) B: Undertake calorimetry to study cooling curves (Physics) C: Undertake chromatographic techniques to identify components in mixtures. (Biology/Chemistry) D: Review personal development of scientific skills for laboratory work. (General) Unit 1: Principles and applications of Science – 25% This unit covers key aspects of A-level Science in Biology, Chemistry and Physics We will cover the Biology and Chemistry parts of unit 1 in Year 12. You cover the Physics content in year 13. In January of Year 13 you have your Unit 1 theory exams covering this content. There are 3 x 45 minute exams, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Together they are worth 25% of the course. Biology: Chemistry: Physics: • • B 1 Cell structure and function B 2 Cell specialisation • • A 1 Structure and bonding in applications in science A 2 Production and uses of substances in relation to properties • • • C 1 Working with waves C 2 Waves in communication C 3 Use of electromagnetic waves in communication

In year 13 you complete: Unit 8: Physiology of Human Body Systems– (16. 7%) In this unit you will focus on the physiological make up of three human body systems (musculoskeletal, lymphatic and digestive), how the systems function and what occurs during dysfunction in this unit. This links really well with those doing BTEC or A-level PE. It will be assessed internally, like unit 2 with 3 assignments: A Understand the impact of disorders of the musculoskeletal system and their associated corrective treatments B Understand the impact of disorders on the physiology of the lymphatic system and the associated corrective treatments C Explore the physiology of the digestive system and the use of corrective treatmentsfor dietary-related diseases. Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills - External exam 33. 3% This unit covers theory, but most importantly all the practical investigations and techniques needed to investigate the following topics. It is heavily practically based. Parts A, B and C are general aspects for all investigation work. D to H are the actual topics studied and you will have a change do complete all relevant practical investigations in these subject areas. A. Planning a scientific investigation B. Data collection, processing and analysis/interpretation C. Drawing conclusions and evaluation D. Enzymes in action (Biology) E. Diffusion of molecules (Chemistry) F. Plants and their environment (Biology) G. Energy content of fuels (Physics/Chemistry) H. Electrical circuits (Physics) It is examined through a 3 hour practical to collect data used in the written exam and a 1 hour 30 minute written paper in May of year 13. This paper includes planning your own investigation based on one of the topics above, so it is vital you experience as many practicals and techniques possible.