Btec nat ext dip in applied science

2. Course description The course consists of 18 units; six core units plus twelve specialist units, and is taken over two years. It is equivalent to 3 A Levels. In biology you will study topics such as cell structure, immunology, disease, body systems, biochemistry, reproduction and physiology, gene technology etc and undertake practical experiments. In chemistry you will study organic and inorganic processes and reactions. You will learn about atomic structure, bonding, rates of reaction, enthalpy and entropy as well as gaining experience in the laboratory. You will also learn to analyse experimental information including ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy, use of the Beer-Lambert law etc. The units in physics cover electrical circuits and energy, sources of energy as well as the development of new/alternative energy sources. You also study medical physics, including ultrasound, diagnostic imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiotherapy. In unit 20 astronomy and cosmology are studied. For mathematics you will learn new statistical techniques. In unit 6 and 8 you will develop your understanding of statistics including Chi square, t-testing, regression correlation. In unit 7 you will use trigonometric methods to solve scientific problems and look at the applications of calculations such as circular measure (e.g.) objects undergoing circular motion such as the planets, the London Eye etc; The structure of the course means that students with appropriate GCSE qualifications can also take an (AS) subject alongside their main BTEC programme. Subjects that students tend to take are: Maths, Psychology, Sociology, Classical Civilisation and Art - or GCSE Maths / English if necessary.