Medical Science BTEC National

Medical Science (BTEC National)

MEDICAL SCIENCE

BTEC National Award (year 1)

BTEC National Certificate (year 2)

Campus: Cheadle

(16.03.09)

Course outline

This course is course aimed at thosestudents who would like to study Science in a vocational or work related context. It will provide the underpinning knowledge and experience for those wishing to enter the medical-related professions e.g. Medical Laboratory Technician or progress to university and a related degree such as Biomedical Science.

The first year of the course covers basic scientific concepts, analytical techniques, medical physics, human physiology, genetic engineering and biochemical analysis. This will enable students to gain a BTEC National Award in Medical Science which is

equivalent to one A Level.

In the second year students will study Science in the workplace, mathematics and statistics, biomedical techniques and microbiology, as well as how Science is perceived by non-scientists. This will enable students to gain a BTEC National Certificate in Medical Science which is equivalent to two A Levels.

Special entry requirements

You should have at least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including Science.

You will need to be interested in Science and be able to work independently. You will also need to be organised and motivated to produce a portfolio of work for assessment.

How you will learn

You will be taught by experienced and enthusiastic teachers who will use a variety of teaching methods, including practical work, class discussions, presentations, visits and individual research.

At our Cheadle campus there are a number of large and well equipped specialist classrooms available for all the Science subjects.

How you will be assessed

You will be assessed continuously on the work you produce in assignments and other activities. Some assessment will be practical and carried out in lesson time. For this reason good attendance is essential.

There are no examinations in this course and so would be well suited to students who are good at coursework.

Other complementary subjects

You will be expected to take other subjects alongside the BTEC in Medical Science. Depending on your career aspirations you could, for example, choose an A Level from over 30 subjects on offer.

AS qualifications in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology are popular options to combine with this BTEC course.

What you can do after this course

This course provides the necessary qualification and experience for a career in the medical-related professions e.g. medical laboratory work, such as specialising in haematology.

You could also progress to a range of linked degree courses at university that include Applied Biology or Biomedical Science. This course will not qualify you to progress to university to study to become a doctor. To do this you will normally need to study a more traditional A Level subject combination.

What the students say

Its interesting to see how science can be used

There is a lot of practical work which is fun

You have to be really organised to keep up with the assignments