BTEC Level 3 National
Diploma in Applied Science is a qualification for post-16 learners. The qualification is equivalent in size to two A Levels, and it has 6 mandatory units to do and another 2 which you choose. This totals to 8 units.
The six mandatory units are:
• Unit 1: Principles and Application of Science I
• Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
• Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills
• Unit 4: Laboratory Techniques and their application
• Unit 5: Principles and Applications of Science II
• Unit 6: Investigative Project.
The two units you choose have been designed to support progression to the range
of sector-related courses in higher education and to link with relevant occupational areas.
Optional units include:
• Unit 8: Physiology of Human Body Systems
• Unit 11: Genetics and Genetic Engineering
• Unit 13: Applications of Inorganic Chemistry
• Unit 15: Electrical Circuits and their Application
• Unit 22: Materials Science
• Unit 23: Forensic Evidence, Collection and Analysis
BTEC Level 3 National
Extended Diploma is equivalent to 3 A-levels. It has 7 mandatory units and then you are given the opportunity to explore, through the optional units, a particular area of
science if you wish, to support progression to applied science courses in higher education, and to
link with relevant occupational areas. The particular scientific areas covered are:
• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Biomedical Science) –
optional units cover topics such as physiology, microbiology, and diseases and infections
• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Analytical and Forensic
Science) – optional units cover topics such as chemical analysis, applications of organic
chemistry, and forensic evidence collection and analysis
• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Physical Science) – optional
units cover topics such as materials science, astronomy and electrical circuits.
You can also choose options across the disciplines, rather than focus on a particular one.
Unis are starting to look at BTECs to be at the same level as an A-level so I wouldnt worry much about it.
Hope this helped you