Choosing to study BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science is a great decision to make for lots of reasons. More and more employers are looking for well-qualified people to work within the fields of science, technology and engineering. The course offers a varied approach to your studies including assignments, practical tasks and written tests. This balanced approach will allow you to showcase to future employers how you can apply your learning to practical everyday workplace challenges and it will also sharpen your skills for further study, making you highly employable.
The BTEC Extended Certificate course is a single award, equivalent to 1 A Level. This course will give you flexibility and freedom to study other BTEC courses or A Levels.
You must complete a range of mandatory and optional units. These could include the following: Principles and applications of science, Practical scientific procedures and techniques, Science investigation skills, Laboratory techniques and their application, Investigative projects, and Physiology of human body systems.
The course is suitable for students who would like to work as technicians in laboratories, either in educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities), in industry (engineering works, paint manufacturers, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, etc.) or in the health service (pathology, radiography, etc.)
Learners wishing to pursue a career in science will need a general understanding of all the main sciences, including basic practical techniques. The applied sciences offer a wide variety of careers, such as sports fitness, drug research, science technician and many more. Your BTEC will also sharpen your skills for further study.
Successful students could progress to study a variety of courses at university, which may include Human Biology, Biomedical Science and a variety of other science related degrees.
Assessment will be in the form of assignments, practical tasks and externally assessed written exams. Students should have a genuine interest in science as much of the course will involve linking the theoretical aspects of the course through practical experiments and investigations.