Pearson BTEC Nationals in Applied Science New for 2017 18 applications Guide for Higher Education
Guide to the new BTEC Nationals in Applied Science From 2017, you will start to receive applications from students who have taken the new BTEC Nationals courses which start in 2016. This Guide clarifies: What s changed Page 2 Courses at a glance Page 3 Assessments Page 4 Courses in depth u Mandatory unit breakdown Page 5-6 u Full lists of units Page 7 Contact us Page 8 Why are BTEC Nationals changing? BTEC Nationals prepare many students each year for progression to Higher Education (HE) programmes, in fact UCAS has reported that the proportion of 18 year-olds in England entering HE with a BTEC has more than doubled between 2008 and 2014. The Higher Education Statistics Agency also confirmed that the number of UK students entering HE with a combination of BTEC and A levels increased nearly four-fold in the same period. So to ensure BTECs continue to support progression into Higher Education, we have developed new BTEC Nationals for students starting their courses in September 2016. After over two years working closely with HE professional bodies and industry, we are confident these new qualifications are fit for purpose, delivering university applicants with the right balance of research skills, professional behaviours and up-to-date industry knowledge. 1
What has changed? Changes to the new BTEC Nationals reflect HE requirements for students entering degree-level study: Assessments taken by all students In addition to the traditional BTEC assignments, the new courses include assessments set and marked by Pearson (including written exams, tasks and performances) taken under test conditions. At least 40% of each of the BTEC Nationals in Applied Science courses are assessed in this way. Core of mandatory content There is a larger core of mandatory units which provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for all students. At least 67% of each of the BTEC Nationals in Applied Science courses is mandatory. Research skills The course content and assessments put more emphasis on research skills. English and maths English and maths skills are strengthened in all courses, where appropriate. The qualification titles have changed The same size as: Guided learning hours (GLH) Current title: Pearson BTEC Level 3 New title: Pearson BTEC Level 3 0.5 A levels 180 Certificate in Applied Science National Certificate in Applied Science 1 A level 360 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Science National Extended Certificate in Applied Science 1.5 A levels 510 90-Credit Diploma in Applied Science National Foundation Diploma in Applied Science 2 A levels 720 Diploma in Applied Science National Diploma in Applied Science 3 A levels 1080 Extended Diploma in Applied Science National Extended Diploma in Applied Science The Extended Diploma has a general pathway plus three endorsed pathways as follows: Biomedical Science Analytical and Forensic Science Physical Science 2
Courses at a glance Here is a breakdown of the units for each qualification showing the core of mandatory units and the range of assessment types, ensuring a core of consistency across all students. Certificate 180 GLH Extended Certificate 360 GLH Foundation Diploma 510 GLH Diploma 720 GLH Extended Diploma 1080 GLH TOTAL: 2 UNITS TOTAL: 4 UNITS TOTAL: 6 UNITS TOTAL: 8 UNITS TOTAL: 13 UNITS 2 MANDATORY UNITS 3 MANDATORY UNITS 4 MANDATORY UNITS 6 MANDATORY UNITS 7 MANDATORY UNITS 3. Science Investigation Skills 3. Science Investigation Skills 3. Science Investigation Skills 3. Science Investigation Skills 4. Laboratory Techniques and their Application (90 GLH) 4. Laboratory Techniques and their Application (90 GLH) 4. Laboratory Techniques and their Application (90 GLH) 5. Principles and Applications of Science II 5. Principles and Applications of Science II 6. Investigative Project (90 GLH) 6. Investigative Project (90 GLH) 7. Contemporary Issues in Science 0 OPTIONAL UNITS 1 OPTIONAL UNIT 2 OPTIONAL UNITS 2 OPTIONAL UNITS 6 OPTIONAL UNITS Types of assessment Assignment - Set and marked internally Task - Set and marked by Pearson Written Exam - Set and marked by Pearson 3
A range of vocational assessments The new BTEC Nationals in Applied Science use a combination of assessment styles to give students the study skills needed to continue their learning and also the confidence to apply their knowledge in the workplace. Assignments Tasks Written exams Set and marked by: Centre (school, college or training provider) Verified by: Pearson Set and marked by: Pearson Set and marked by: Pearson What s involved? Students complete a series of activities set in a work-related scenario which may be tailored to local industry needs. What s involved? Students complete, in controlled conditions, a task tackling an everyday challenge; some tasks also draw on pre-released information. What s involved? Students draw on essential information to create written answers to practical questions in test conditions. What s the result? Students generate relevant evidence, drawing on their knowledge, understanding and skills to complete an assignment over a period of time, working either individually or in a team. What s the result? Students show they can apply their learning successfully to situations they could encounter regularly in the workplace or on a higher education course. What s the result? Students can confidently recall and apply technical knowledge, a skill which provides a solid foundation for working life and further study. 123rf/Sebastian Duda 4
Mandatory units a solid foundation for all learners The larger core of mandatory content in the new BTEC Nationals means that you can be confident that BTEC-qualified students are well prepared for higher level study and assessment methods. This table breaks down the mandatory unit content, which combines the development of practical and technical skills together with knowledge and understanding. Unit title What will students study? Assessment 1. Principles and Applications of Science I 2. Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques 3. Scientific Investigation Skills 4. Laboratory Techniques and their Application Students study science concepts, including: animal and plant cells; tissues; atomic structure and bonding; chemical and physical properties of substances related to their uses; waves and their application in communications. Students are required to: demonstrate their understanding of scientific concepts, procedures and processes and their applications analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information to make judgements and reach conclusions apply mathematical concepts and techniques. Students are introduced to standard advanced level laboratory equipment and techniques, including titration, colorimetery, chromatography, and calibration procedures as well as laboratory safety and calculating the concentration of solutions. They discuss and analyse their results and those of the group to gain an understanding of how reliable, repeatable and reproducible various procedures and techniques are. As well as drawing on knowledge and techniques from Units 1 and 2, students develop these skills in the context of additional taught content areas, including enzymes, diffusion and energy, all of which are underpinned by important scientific concepts. This unit covers the stages involved and the skills needed in planning a scientific investigation; how to record, interpret, draw scientific conclusions and evaluate findings. They make and test two organic compounds and explore how industrial production may differ from the process used in the laboratory. Students also investigate how data within an organisation is stored, used and communicated, including the use of large data sets by research organisations. They study a scientific organisation to gain an understanding of how it operates. They also investigate health and safety practices in the organisation s laboratories and consider related legislation. Exam Assignments Practical followed by written task Assignments 5
Unit title What will students study? Assessment 5. Principles and Applications of Science II 6. Investigative Project 7. Contemporary Issues in Science This unit provides further coverage of science concepts, including: properties, uses and production of some inorganic compounds; structures, reactions and properties of commercially important organic compounds; enthalpy changes; the cardiovascular system; ventilation and gas exchange in the lungs; urinary system structure and function; cell transport mechanisms; thermal physics; physical properties of materials; and fluids in motion. Students carry out an investigative project in a topic area of their choosing. They: conduct a scientific literature search and review produce a realistic plan for the investigation undertake the project, collecting, analysing and presenting the results prepare an evaluative report, considering the project outcomes suggest amendments that may have improved outcomes. In this unit, students explore contemporary science and technological issues and their impact on society. They discuss the environmental, ethical, moral, social, political and/or financial impact of scientific and technological developments, including the potential benefits, disadvantages and risks. They further develop their research and critical thinking skills by learning how to assess the reliability of sources of published scientific information. They also evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative evidence supplied to them and justify their own judgments through a reasoned and logical piece of writing. Exam Assignments Research followed by written task Types of assessment Assignment - Set and marked internally Task - Set and marked by Pearson Written Exam - Set and marked by Pearson 6
Courses in depth Here s a complete list of all the units available in the BTEC Nationals in Applied Science courses. You ll be able to see which are mandatory and optional, and how each unit is assessed. Unit (Number&Title) Guided Learning Hours (GLH) Certificate 180 Extended Certificate 360 Foundation Diploma 510 Diploma 720 Applied Science Extended Diploma 1080 Biomedical Science Analytical and Forensic Science Physical Science 2 UNITS 4 UNITS 6 UNITS 8 UNITS 13 UNITS 13 UNITS 13 UNITS 13 UNITS 2 MANDATORY 3 MANDATORY 4 MANDATORY 6 MANDATORY 7 MANDATORY 7 MANDATORY 7 MANDATORY 7 MANDATORY 0 Optional 1 Optional 2 Optional 2 Optional 6 Optional 6 Optional 6 Optional 6 Optional Science I 90 M M M M M M M M and Techniques 90 M M M M M M M M 3. Science Investigation Skills 120 M M M M M M M 4. Laboratory Techniques and their Application 90 M M M M M M 5. Principles and Applications of Science II 120 M M M M M 6. Investigative Project 90 M M M M M 7. Contemporary Issues in Science 120 M M M M 8. Physiology of Human Body Systems 60 O O O OS-1 OS-4 OS-7 OS-9 9. Human Regulation and Reproduction 60 O O O OS-1 OS-4 OS-7 OS-9 10. Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways 60 O O O OS-1 OS-4 OS-7 OS-9 11. Genetics and Genetic Engineering 60 O O O OS-1 OS-4 OS-6 OS-9 12. Diseases and Infections 60 O O O OS-1 OS-4 OS-7 OS-9 13. Applications of Inorganic Chemistry 60 O O O OS-3 OS-5 OS-6 OS-8 14. Applications of Organic Chemistry 60 O O O OS-2 OS-5 OS-6 OS-9 15. Electrical Circuits and their Application 60 O O O OS-3 OS-5 OS-7 OS-8 16. Astronomy and Space Science 60 O O O OS-3 OS-5 OS-7 OS-8 17. Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques 60 O O OS-1 OS-4 OS-7 OS-9 18. Industrial Chemical Reactions 60 O O OS-3 OS-5 OS-7 OS-8 19. Practical Chemical Analysis 60 O O OS-2 OS-5 OS-6 OS-8 20. Biomedical Science 60 O OS-1 OS-4 OS-7 OS-9 21. Medical Physics Applications 60 O O OS-3 OS-4 OS-7 OS-8 22. Materials Science 60 O OS-2 OS-5 OS-6 OS-8 23. Forensic Evidence, Collection and Analysis 60 O O OS-2 OS-5 OS-6 OS-9 24. Cryogenics and Vacuum Technology 60 OS-3 OS-5 OS-7 OS-8 25. Forensic Fire Investigation 60 OS-2 OS-5 OS-6 OS-9 26. Forensic Traffic Accident Investigation 60 OS-2 OS-5 OS-6 OS-9 Types of assessment Assignment - Set and marked internally Task - Set and marked by Pearson Written exam - Set and marked by Pearson Types of unit M Mandatory Unit O Optional Unit OS-1 Optional Specialist Unit Learners must complete a maximum of 3 units from this group OS-2 Optional Specialist Unit Learners must complete a maximum of 3 units from this group OS-3 Optional Specialist Unit Learners must complete a maximum of 3 units from this group OS-4, OS-6, OS-8 Optional Specialist Unit Dependent on the pathway, learners must complete a minimum of 4 units from the relevant group OS-5, OS-7, OS-9 Optional Specialist Unit Dependent on the pathway, learners must complete a maximum of 2 units from the relevant group 7
Contact details If you have any questions or would like further details please contact David MacKay, Head of Awarding Body Stakeholder Engagement, (Higher Education), Pearson UK David.MacKay@pearson.com U780b 8