BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Human Biology
Are you interested in developing your knowledge and understanding of Biology, in the context of human physiology and disease? In this course you will cover a broad syllabus of human biology topics and practical work. You will be assessed through a combination of external exams and coursework.
Why Choose This Course?
Equivalent to one A Level, (and therefore an option to be taken alongside two A Levels), this course is a good alternative to A Level Biology for students who would like a balance between coursework and external examinations. The course is 42% coursework and 58% exams, meaning that there is a less heavy reliance on examination technique. This is also a great opportunity to develop assignment writing skills, which are crucial for university.
This course is designed to give you a detailed understanding of aspects of human biology with an emphasis on the skills and knowledge used in healthcare and disease management. You will study one core biological unit with an excellent breadth and depth of content, and specialist units with a particular emphasis on the knowledge, skills and techniques required to progress to higher education and employment. Throughout the course, you will develop your scientific understanding and practical skills through a series of assignments and challenging investigations, which utilise some of the techniques used by biologists in the workplace, including the application of modern microbiological and genetic techniques in the two highly specialised assignment-based units.
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Start date: 08/09/2025
What Will I Learn?
Content is largely similar to A Level Biology, but more applied to human biology and health. It gives a broad overview of biology, including biochemistry, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and disease. The two coursework units focus on microbiology and genetics, including a great deal of practical work and the chance to design and carry out your own investigative project. The course aims to give you a varied learning experience and will be a combination of a student-centred approach to learning, involving research for assignments, visits, guest speakers, lectures, group work and discussions. You will be supported by a highly experienced team of lectures. You will need to be prepared to work hard independently, carry out in-depth research, and use a variety of information sources. The specialist units have been carefully selected to keep your options for further study as broad as possible whilst giving you specialist knowledge of key areas, following consultation with health professionals working in the NHS and with several universities. At the end of the two-year course, you will have completed four units (see below) and will receive a qualification which is equivalent to 1 A level.
Unit 1: Principles of Applied Human Biology.
A broad range of biological content, assessed by external exam:
Cells, tissues and biological molecules; Nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and excretory systems; Cellular injury and repair; Diagnostic techniques; Immune response and dysfunction; Genetic expression and disorder.
Unit 2: Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
An exciting assignment-based microbiology unit with a wealth of practical work:
Characteristics and classification of different microorganisms; Methods of pathogenicity; Classification, transmission, progression, treatment, and progression of infectious diseases; Safe microscopy, culture, and quantitative analysis of microorganisms; Independent investigation, analysis, and evaluation.
Unit 3: Human Biology and Health Issues
A highly applied and synoptic unit, assessed by external exam:
Contemporary health issues; Interpretation, analysis and evaluation of scientific research and information; Reporting of health initiatives and issues.
Unit 6: Genetics and Genetic Technology
An exciting assignment-based genetics unit with a wealth of practical work:
Nucleic acids, DNA replication, protein synthesis, and mutation; Human chromosomes and cell division; Classical genetics and inheritance; Advanced genetic technologies.
Where Will It Take Me?
Over the two years of study, you will develop the biological knowledge and practical skills to enable you to progress into employment or onto a range of Higher Education courses, as well as apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships. Scientific skills are always in demand in the workplace and a wide range of careers are possible. Career options include working in hospital laboratories, research laboratories, school or college laboratories or quality control laboratories (for example in the food and drink industry). The course can lead to a variety of courses at Higher Education and offers UCAS points equivalent to one A level.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grades 4 or above including Biology Grade 5 or Combined Science Grades 55, English Grade 5 or a Humanities subject Grade 5, and Maths Grade 5.
Assessment Arrangements
Assessment is mixture of continuous assessment (i.e. assignments), approx. 42%, and exams, approx. 58%, throughout the two years. Your achievement in this subject is dependent upon excellent attendance, punctuality and effort. You will learn in a friendly atmosphere, using a variety of assessment methods. Assessment is by a combination of assignments and controlled assessments. Assignments are internally set by the team and externally moderated by Pearson (Edexcel). There will be an examination for one unit each year (approx. 58% of final grade). Assignments are graded at pass, merit and distinction level and may take any of the following formats: written practical reports, portfolios of work, presentations, written research assignments and individual practical investigations. There is a strong emphasis on the acquisition of skills that will prepare you to study at university or enter employment. The grades awarded are given points and are converted into a final grade at the end of the course which will range from a Pass (P) to Distinction* (D*). This grade will be converted into UCAS points at the end of the course.
Information & Support
We encourage all students to read widely and conduct their own research into the topics they are studying. You will be expected to undertake at least 4.5 hours of independent study time per week. There is a wide range of support material available in the Learning Resource Centre, SharePoint, and your course resources. You will also regularly review your own performance in 1:1 sessions with your lecturer. Throughout the year you will be able to access additional support through drop-in sessions, dedicated revision workshops, tailored 1-to-1 provision, as well as a variety of additional opportunities to stretch and challenge the most able students. We encourage you to proactively engage with the support available in order to reach your full potential.
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What you could earn
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