BTEC FIRST AWARD LEVEL IN PRINCIPLES OF APPLIED SCIENCE

Key features of BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science  BTEC stands for the Business and Technician Education Council.  The BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science is new for September 2012.  Recognised within national achievement and attainment Tables  75% internally assessed (all coursework is marked by the teacher and checked by other teachers in the school) and 25% externally assessed exam.  BTEC is a work related/based learning that mirrors working in the science industry (or organisation). LSA Technology and Performing Arts College BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science This study source was downloaded by from CourseH on :49:37 GMT -05:00  BTEC encourages the development of scientific vocational skills where learners simulate or work towards the role of being employed as a working scientist/technician during their coursework.  BTEC is taught with the emphasis on a practical based learning style.  Learner assignments are written with a work based scenario e.g. as an assistant forensic scientist you have been asked to analyse materials from a crime scene and produce a scientific report for a press release.  Work will be related to local/regional industry - involvement of industry e.g. fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, horticulture, polymers, food manufacturing, medical science in hospitals, forensic science. Progression to further education and work related learning • A BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science allows progression to: BTEC First Award in Application of Science, BTEC Nationals (A-level equivalent) e.g. Applied Science; Beauty Therapy Sciences; Sports and Exercise Science etc. • BTEC Nationals are on the UCAS (University entrance) Tariff. The course contents and unit outline The 120 Guided Learning Hours BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science course structure is based on 3 internally assessed units and 1 externally assessed exam. Unit 1: Principles of Applied Science (30 Guided Learning Hours) EXAM UNIT This unit will be assessed via an externally assessed exam. You will have time in lessons to go through the exam content and then have a 1hr externally assessed exam. In this unit you will:  Explore cells, organs and genes  Explore the roles of the nervous and endocrine systems in homeostasis and communication  Explore atomic structure and the periodic table  Explore substances and chemical reactions  Explore the importance of energy stores, energy transfers and energy transformations LSA Technology and Performing Arts College BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science This study source was downloaded by from CourseH on :49:37 GMT -05:00  Explore the properties and applications of waves in the electromagnetic spectrum. You will be asked to apply knowledge and understanding of these learning aims in familiar and unfamiliar contexts to solve mathematical and non-mathematical problems. Unit 2: Chemistry and Our Earth (30 GLH) This unit enables learners to acquire knowledge of fundamental chemistry concepts and the environmental effects of human and natural activity related to chemistry. Learners will develop skills that underpin applications of chemistry in the manufacturing and service industries. In this unit you will:  Investigate chemical reactivity and bonding  Investigate how the uses of chemical substances depend on their chemical and physical properties  Investigate the factors involved in the rate of chemical reactions  Understand the factors that are affecting the Earth and its environment. Unit 3: Energy and Our Universe (30 GLH) The aim of this unit is to enable learners to develop knowledge and skills related to fundamental physical concepts, so that they can investigate energy transformations, radiation and their applications, and gain knowledge of waves, how electrical energy is transferred for various applications and how our universe has evolved. In this unit you will:  Understand ionising radiation, its uses and sources  Know how electrical energy produced from different sources can be transferred through the National Grid to homes and industry  Know the components of the Solar System, the way the Universe is changing and the methods we use to explore space. Unit 4: Biology and Our Environment (30 GLH) This unit will enable learners to develop knowledge and skills related to fundamental concepts in biology. Learners will investigate living organisms, how humans impact on the environment, the factors that affect human health and how to treat diseases. In this unit you will:  Investigate the relationships that different organisms have with each other and with their environment  Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of human activity on the environment and how these effects can be measured  Explore the factors that affect human health. Assessment  You will be assessed by undertaking a number of assignment tasks and taking an externally assessed exam.  The exam will be taken during year 11 Grading LSA Technology and Performing Arts College BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science This study source was downloaded by from CourseH on :49:37 GMT -05:00  When your coursework is returned to you there will marks and clear comments on each assignment and an action plan that can be used to improve your work if necessary. On completion of an assignment your work will be graded as follows:  Unclassified  Level 1  Pass  Merit  Distinction. For each assignment the criteria for each level will be specified e.g. P = Pass In order to be awarded a grade for each unit you MUST provide evidence that meets ALL the grading criteria for that grade.  To gain a level 1, all level 1 criteria must be met.  To gain a pass, all pass criteria must be met.  To gain a merit, all of the pass and all of the merit criteria must be met.  To gain a distinction, all of the pass, all of the merit and all of the distinction criteria must be met. Each 10 GLH has the available points: Level 1 = 2; Pass = 4; Merit = 6; Distinction = 8 So a 30 GLH unit at pass level will be 12 points. Extra help BTEC catch up sessions  BTEC catchup sessions will take place after school for an hour between 3:10 - 4:10. Your teacher will tell which day they are LSA Technology and Performing Arts College BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science This study source was downloaded by from CourseH on :49:37 GMT -05:00 available to help you to catch up with your work or help you if you are trying to achieve a higher grade. General rules Falling behind with work  If your work is falling behind your target grade your parents/guardian will be contacted (phone/letter) and made aware of your progress. You will be asked to come to BTEC catch up sessions after school until you have caught up. Attendance/punctuality  Attendance is a very important part of the course. Some assignments will involve group work and as such if you are absent you may let other member of your group down.  Punctuality is equally as important part of the course. Lateness has a negative effect and therefore you must attend classes on time.