EDEXCEL Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Applied Science (QCF)
Qualification summary
The Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Applied Science is drawn from the Level 3 BTEC Applied Science sector suite of units. The Level 3 BTEC Diploma is a work related qualification that focuses on the development of practical skills and underpinning knowledge in the science industry. It is designed for learners in full and part time education in further education colleges.
The Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Applied Science provides underpinning knowledge in science required for industry recognised qualifications. Units are signposted to National Occupational Standards for this purpose.
Within the Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Applied Science, mandatory units contain practical skills and underpinning knowledge judged to be essential whilst the structure allows learners maximum flexibility in selecting specialist optional units, so that particular interests and career aspirations within science can be reflected in the choice of unit combinations. The qualification has been developed in the areas of Applied Science (generic pathway), Medical Science and Forensic Science, providing the education and training necessary for science technicians who are employed in a variety of types of technical work, such as: quality control, medical laboratory analysis, materials testing, forensic science analysis, soil analysis, pilot scale, research, education etc
The units are designed to develop underpinning knowledge in job roles identified in the SEMTA sector qualification strategy and to support learning of the Diploma through Additional Specialist Learning. The units are structured to enable the most appropriate and realistic forms of assessment to be utilised.
The units have been developed to assess personal learning and thinking skills across the qualification. Opportunities for developing Functional Skills have been signposted in units.
Qualification details
Accreditation start date:
Operational start date in centres:
For information on the approval of qualifications for funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see the links to DCSF, DIUS, DCELLS, DELNI and DENI below.
When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
For further information on 14-19 qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DCSF
Section 96 website.
For further information on 19+ qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DIUS
Section 97 website.
For further information on Wales, visit the
DCELLS website.
For further information on Northern Ireland, visit the
DELNI and
DENI websites.
Learners can progress from the Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Applied Science onto the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science or into industry recognised occupational qualifications such as National Vocational Qualifications. Learners may also progress onto higher education programmes including BTEC Higher Nationals, foundation degrees and honours degrees in science related subjects.
Analytical Chemist
Anatomical Pathology Technician
Bacteriologist
Biochemist
Biologist
Biomedical Scientist
Biotechnologist
Chemical Engineering Technician
Chemist
Clinical Research Associate
Clinical Scientist
Consumer Scientist
Crime Scene Investigator/Scenes of Crime Officer
Criminal Intelligence Analyst
Education Lab Technician
Environmental Scientist
Food Scientist/Technologist
Forensic Crime Analyst
Forensic Scientist
Geneticist (Clinical Laboratory Specialist)
Geophysicist
Laboratory Technician
Materials Scientist
Materials Technician
Measurement and Control Technician
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Medical Photographer
Medical Physicist
Microbiologist
National Criminal Intelligence Service Officer
Newspaper Editor
Pharmacy Technician
Physicist
Plastics Process Operative
Polymer Technician
Polymer Technologist
Private Investigator
Proofreader
Radiographer
Recycling Operative
Research Scientist
Risk Manager
Sterile Services Technician
Technical Support Person
Toxicologist
Waste Management Officer
Water Distribution/Sewerage Process Operator
Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Zoologist
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02 Science and Mathematics
Aural Examination
Coursework
E-assessment
Multiple Choice Examination
Oral Examination
Portfolio of Evidence
Practical Demonstration / Assignment
Practical Examination
Task-based controlled assessment
Written Examination
The Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Applied Science consists of 6 mandatory units plus optional units that provide for a combined total of 120 credits and 720 guided learning hours (GLH) for the completed qualification. Learners can complete a general Applied Science pathway or alternatively, the qualification provides pathways to the following endorsed titles:
Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Applied Science (Medical Science)
Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Applied Science (Forensic Science)
This structure allows the flexibility to import standard BTEC units (QCF) at Levels 2, 3 or 4 to meet local needs. This is limited to a total of 15 credits and can not be at the expense of the mandatory and mandatory specialist units in this qualification.
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A -
Mandatory Units
Learners must complete the 55 credits from this group of units.
Credit Value required: Minimum 55.
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B -
Optional Units
Learners must choose a minimum of 65 credits from optional units within one of the three pathway groups
Credit Value required: Minimum 65.