Level 3 Applied Science

If you are curious about the world around, you and want to develop your knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and how they are applicable in the real world then choosing BTEC Applied Science will give you plenty of laboratory experience and opportunities to practically apply the science knowledge that you will gain throughout the course

Studying Applied Science lets you actively investigate from cells and how they function in Biology, to molecules and how they make reactions occur in Chemistry right down to individual particles and how they interact in our modern lives in Physics.

Using our fully equipped Science laboratories you will get hands-on and carry out detailed investigations in cells and tissues, investigating the microbial world, making and purifying different molecules and studying quantum effects on molecules

You will acquire knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, gaining extensive laboratory experience and training as you proceed through the course. As it is Applied Science you will build your practical skills based on knowledge you have acquired during taught sessions leading to planning, risk assessing, carrying out your own investigations and producing a scientific report of your findings.

In addition to experienced tutors, we have had substantial investment in our Scientific equipment so you will have access to a new suite of practical chemical analysis instrumentation to investigate topics and experiment using equipment found in industrial laboratory or academic research settings.

We recently partnered with Agilent Technologies to provide our college with state-of-the-art Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer, UV/Visible spectrometer and a fully automated Infinity 1220 High Performance Liquid Chromatography system giving our learners unique access to high calibre instrumentation.

This course provides the same UCAS points as 3 A levels so fulfils the entry requirements to all UK Universities. A large proportion of our students go on to university for further study in areas such as Biomedical Sciences, Zoology, Forensic Science and Phytochemistry. In addition, we have apprentices studying with us from companies including Astra Zeneca and Manchester University and Liverpool Hospitals

Studying three sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, you will study fascinating topics such as:

• Principles and Applications of Science I (externally assessed)
• Physiology of the Human Body
• Diseases and Infections
• Science Investigation Skills (externally assessed)
• Laboratory Techniques and their Application
• Principles and Applications of Science II (externally Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques
• Contemporary Issues in Science (externally assessed)
• Investigative Project
• Applications of Organic Chemistry
• Medical Physics

The course is assessed via assignments, practical assignments and external assessments, which are completed over the duration of the course.

Work experience is also an integral part of our course giving you opportunity to apply your acquired knowledge to real life situations in addition to developing your interpersonal skills which are valued by employers.

A career in Science will open up a world of opportunities, whether you wish to work in a laboratory, hospital, industry, environmental, research or forensics. Now more than ever we need more scientists, the course has been developed in partnership with employers so that learners will develop the skills they will need in a future career whilst they are in college. The Science industry is fast-paced and ever growing, so if you’re looking for a career that could make a huge difference to the problems facing society today, this could be the course for you.

Studying Science gives you key transferable skills in areas such as analytical thinking, logic-based problem solving, and planning complex processes that can be applied to many areas outside of science such as management, production and engineering.

You can progress onto a range of science related careers for example a Science Technician (industrial or medical) Alternatively, you could go on to study for a Higher Education qualification at College or University.

This course will prepare you to take higher education courses (degree / HND) within or related to:

• Chemistry
• Physics
• Biology
• Microbiology
• Forensics

Our team of dedicated tutors work with countless local industries to broaden our students’ perspectives. Science is expanding and we currently have students from companies including Astra Zeneca and Manchester University with more companies joining us shortly.. In order to enhance your employability or university prospects upon leaving the course, you will complete one week’s work experience for every year of your course. Previous students have gained exciting opportunities, for example at NHS Pathology, Biochemists, Robotics labs, Undertakers, United Utilities labs and PQ Corporation. Students have even been offered full time roles following their placements as an alternative to university.

You will be allocated a progress coach who will provide you with support to help you succeed on your study programme and progress on to your chosen career or progression path. We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if required, as well as a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed. Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help them during their time at college.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support

During your time at the college you will have the opportunity to take part in activities that will enrich your time here alongside your course. You can actively participate in activities to boost your skills in equality and diversity, confidence, leadership, teamwork, health and wellbeing, and self-motivation, which can all help to enhance your employability.

Our science laboratory is reserved exclusively for our Applied Science students.

Trips and visits are an integral part of this course. Examples of previous trips are Liverpool Clinical Laboratories and Postmortem Live. You will also have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers regularly in the college to further your academic experience along with input from local employers’ forums which inform the college of the requirements of local industry.

Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Maths, English and Science, or you will have needed to have successfully completed a Level 2 course and have GCSE English and/or maths at grade 4 or above . If you have not already achieved a grade 4 in your either your GCSE English or maths and you wish to study at Level 3, you will be required to work towards GCSE English or maths as part of your qualification.

Applicants who do not meet these entry requirements will be assessed on an individual basis by the Curriculum Manager and Curriculum Director.

Costs will be kept to a minimum however you should expect to contribute to trips and visits, and you will be required to wear a lab coat during practical sessions with suitable eye protection worn throughout, the cost of which is £10-£15. You will also need stationary, scientific calculator and money for printing. Trips costs are payable by students but may be subsidised

Second year fees may apply.