Applied Science (Medical Science) - BTEC National Diploma

Applied Science (Medical Science) - BTEC National Diploma

Course ID:
PC68735

Academy:
Maths, Science and ICT

Introduction:
This BTEC National Diploma course is equivalent to three A Levels and is ideal for students wishing to enter employment as a science technician or progress onto medically related degree courses. You will study biological and medical sciences as well as specialist subjects such as Human Physiology. It is essential that you enjoy science as the course will develop your skills and knowledge in all areas of scientific exploration.

Study Mode & Location:
This two year full-time course will be held at Preston College, Fulwood Campus, St Vincent`s Road, Preston, PR2 8UR.

Course Content:
In the first year you will study half of the units needed for the National Diploma (nine units). In doing this you will be completing a National Award in Applied Science (Applied Chemistry). In the second year you will complete the National Diploma and gain the full award. You will study units chosen from a range of topics covering:

• human physiology
• physcis
• medical techniques
• chemistry for biology techniques
• microbiological techniques
• genetics

Alongside the more specialist units you will study biology, chemistry, physics and maths as they are related to medical science.

Assessment:
Assessment is continuous and by a number of coursework style assignments. These are marked by your tutor and your practical skills will also be assessed throughout the course.

Careers & Progression Opportunities:
Successful completion of this course will allow you to apply for jobs in both medical and industrial laboratories. You can seek training positions in the NHS for medical scientists or progress to university to study a degree in almost any science related area. Previous students have gone to university to study Biomedical Science, Radiology, Nursing and Nutritional Science among others.

How To Apply
To apply for a course at Preston College you will need to complete and return a College application form. Application Forms are available in our school leaver prospectuses or we can send one out to you.

Work Out Your Point Score
You will need to let us know on your application form your predicted exam grades and your point score. To work out your point score, you must use the grades that you get for GCSE Maths and English Language, and then your next best 5 grades. At Preston College, the level of course you start on will depend upon your point score. Your grades are worth the following points:

GCSE Grades

• A* = 8 points
• A = 7 points
• B = 6 points
• C = 5 points
• D = 4 points
• E = 3 points
• F = 2 points
• G = 1 point

(GCSE short courses are worth half the score of a full GCSE. Applied GCSEs are equivalent to two single GCSEs, eg an Applied GCSE at Grade C is worth 10 GCSE points).

GNVQ Foundation Part 1 (Equivalent to two GCSEs)

• Distinction = 8 points
• Merit = 6 points
• Pass = 4 points

GNVQ Intermediate Part 1 (Equivalent to two GCSEs)

• Distinction = 14 points
• Merit = 12 points
• Pass = 10 points

Full GNVQ Intermediate (Equivalent to four GCSEs)

• Distinction = 28 points
• Merit = 24 points
• Pass = 20 points

NVQs
NVQ Level 1 = 8 points. (NVQ Level 1 courses are equivalent to two GCSEs at Grade D and guarantee progression to NVQ Level 2 courses in the same subject area).

Certificates of Achievement
Up to 22 points will be awarded to students with Certificates of Achievement, for example AQA units, Compact 2000 and NPRA units. The Schools` Recruitment Team will inform you if you qualify.

Requirement
You will need to be aged 16 to 18 and have 35 GCSE points. These should include GCSE Core & Additional or Applied Science at Grade CC (a single award is acceptable with other supporting evidence) or GCSE Seperate Sciences at Grade C. A BTEC First Diploma in Science with a merit grade is also acceptable.(Please see the `How to Apply` section on this leaflet, a copy of our school leaver prospectus, or visit the school leaver section of this website for more details).