BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Biomedical Science)
Are you interested in pursuing a career in the ever-expanding field of biomedical science? In this course you will develop your knowledge and application of scientific theory and gain the practical skills needed to progress into employment or further study.
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Develop work related skills
You will be taught by specialist scientists and develop your skills in practical science using a range of specialist scientific equipment which will prepare you for employment or further study.
Excellent advice on careers and progression
Our students progress onto a wide range of careers and university courses including nursing, paramedic science, pharmaceutical science, zoology, biochemistry and psychology. Employment opportunities have included hospital and food and drink laboratories. You will receive excellent advice on applications and the range of possible career opportunities open to you.
Individual project
As part of your course you will complete an individual project similar to the type of work an employer may give you. You will conduct research to plan your investigation, carry it out and analyse and evaluate what you have done.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
This course is designed to give you a detailed understanding of aspects of science with an emphasis on the skills and knowledge used in biomedical science. You will study a range of core scientific units and specialist units with a particular emphasis on the knowledge, skills and techniques used in biomedical science. 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 scientists in the workplace, including the application of modern biological and chemical practical techniques to biomedical science and the knowledge required by biomedical scientists.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
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.
An experienced team of lecturers, many of whom have worked in scientific industries, will support your learning. You will need to be prepared to work hard independently, carry out in-depth research, and use a variety of information sources. You will study a range of core and specialist units over the two years of the course. 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. The course is split into two years, each year being equivalent to 1.5 A levels. At the end of the two year course you will receive a qualification which is equivalent to 3 A levels. Successful completion of Year 1 will enable you to progress onto year 2.
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
Over the two years of study, you will develop the scientific knowledge and practical skills to enable you to progress into employment or onto a range of Higher Education courses. 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 science-based courses at Higher Education including Chemical and Biological sciences, Biomedical Science, Radiography, Nursing, Food and Nutrition and Pharmaceutical Science, as well as related work-based training or employment.
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. 18% of final grade) and a controlled assessment, which are both externally set and marked. 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, Pass, Pass (PPP) to Distinction*, Distinction*, Distinction* (D*D*D*). This grade will be converted into UCAS points at the end of the course. Typical university offers require final grades of Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM) and above.
A minimum of four GCSEs or equivalent at grade 4 including Maths and English. You should also have the following grades in Science: Chemistry (4), Biology (4) and Physics (4) or Combined Science (4,4).
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 12 hours of independent study time per week. There is a wide range of support material available in the Learning Resource Centres and on the course Moodle site. You will also regularly review your own performance in 1:1 sessions with your tutor. 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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