APPLIED SCIENCE Level 2 First Extended Certificate

Level 2
Further Education
Armagh Campus
Pearson

Overview

The Pearson BTEC Level 2 First Extended Certificate is a one year course that has been developed to:

Exemplify scientific principles in vocational contexts, leading to an understanding of how those principles are applied in practice, and can facilitate a move either on to further periods of study or into employment.
Give learners the opportunity to gain a broad understanding and knowledge of science principles and practice.
Give learners the opportunity to develop a range of related skills and techniques that are essential for successful performance in working life.
Give opportunities for learners to achieve a nationally recognised level 1 or level 2 science qualification.
Support progression into a more specialised level 3 vocational or academic course or into an apprenticeship.
Give learners the opportunity to enter potential employment within a wide range of science sectors such as process, industrial, medical, or forensic.

This course is appropriate for learners of all abilities who will benefit from a practical and applied approach to learning in a vocational context.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July 2024.
The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 2 qualification.
Applicants must hold a minimum of a full Level 1 qualification (4 GCSEs at grades D-G, including English and Mathematics at grades D-F or equivalent qualification profile from the Register of Regulated Qualifications). Applicants presenting with a Junior Cert qualification should have attained a majority of higher-level subjects.
All applicants must be able to demonstrate at interview that they have a satisfactory level of fluency in English – both written and spoken. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English language or literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.
During the Pre-Entry Advice Sessions which may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft Teams), applicants will be expected to demonstrate that they are committed and motivated to the programme.
The College may also use other evidence provided as part of the application process.

The course consists of twelve mandatory modules: 

Principles of Science (externally assessed examination unit)
Chemistry and our Earth
Energy and our Universe
Biology and our Environment
The Living Body
Investigating a Crime Scene
Applications of Chemical Substances
Applications of Physical Science
Health Applications of Life Science
Scientific Skills (externally assessed examination unit)
Science in Medicine
Practical Scientific Project

Students will be assessed using a range of internal and external assessment methods. Internally assessed modules include presentations, booklets, case studies and essay type assignments.

This course is an ideal starting point for studying applied science and progressing to the Level 3 Advanced Technical Award in Applied Science offered at the College. It also allows progression to the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Investigation.

One of the main purposes of BTEC qualifications are to help learners to progress ultimately into employment. The vast majority of employers require learners to have certain technical skills, knowledge and understanding to work in a particular sector, but they are also looking for employability skills to ensure that employees are effective in the workplace. Throughout the BTEC First Extended Certificate in Applied Science, learners will develop a range of employability skills.