BTEC National Medical Science (AAQ)

Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Medical Science (Extended Certificate) is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in medical sciences and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment. Equivalent to one A Level in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in medical sciences as part of a study programme alongside two level 3 qualifications, such as physical education and sport, sociology, chemistry and psychology.

Students will develop knowledge and understanding of human physiology, anatomy and pathology. Secondary research skills including collection and interpretation of data from valid sources and drawing reasoned conclusions. Practical skills in microbiology and their application in the diagnosis of disease and develop critical thinking. As this is a vocational course, there will be opportunities to take part in external visits and workshops including university lab sessions.

The course involves a combination of internally and externally assessed components. The first year includes a unit that develops their core and specialist medical science knowledge ready for an external exam. The qualification has three mandatory units covering the following topics:

• Human Physiology, Anatomy and Pathology – Human body systems, cell ultrastructure, and how substances are transported

• Health Issues and Scientific Reporting – The immune system, its dysfunction and genetic technologies; the validity and reliability of information used in health science reporting

• Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases – Methods of pathogenicity and infectious agents, growth of microorganisms and health and safety in a laboratory environment.

Students have a choice from three optional units covering the following topics:

• Diseases, Disorders, Treatments and Therapies – Principles of physiological diseases and disorders and their associated drug and medicine development

• Biomedical Science – Biomedical science techniques and their clinical application

• Human Reproduction and Fertility – Reproductive science including causes of infertility and associated impacts on health and well-being.

A combination of internally assessed assignments and externally assessed exams. For each unit a Pass, Merit or Distinction grade can be achieved.

Unit 1: Principles of Human Physiology, Anatomy and Pathology, an external examination

1 hour and 30 minute paper made up of a number of short- and long-answer questions. The questions will assess knowledge and understanding of the underpinning principles of human physiology, anatomy and pathology, as well as the ability to apply your knowledge to new situations and will also test the skills of analysing and interpreting data and information from graphs, diagrams or text.

Unit 2: Health Issues and Scientific Reporting

The unit will be assessed through one examination of 80 marks lasting 2 hours. Students will be assessed through a number of short- and long-answer questions. Students will need to explore and relate to contexts and data presented. The questions will assess understanding of health issues and associated initiatives and reporting.

Unit 3: Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

The unit will be assessed by four assignments internally mark including practical based procedures and techniques. In this unit, you will carry out your own investigation into the effect of antimicrobial agents on the growth of microorganisms. This will enable you to begin to understand the role of clinical microbiologists. The investigation within this unit will benefit progression to higher education. It requires you to work independently to bring together understanding of scientific principles with practical skills to conduct an investigation to achieve a purpose, drawing on your understanding of cells, tissues and biological molecules gained in Unit 1, and your knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods gained in Unit 2.

You will need a grade 5 in Science or a Merit grade at BTEC Science Level 2. You will also require at least a grade 5 in Maths and English Language or Literature. Students will need to be enthusiastic and have a keen interest in the applications of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. You must have good time management, organisation and an ability to work independently in order to succeed on this course.

This qualification offers an alternative route into the medical sciences and for those students aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment. Equivalent to one A Level in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in medical sciences as part of a study programme alongside two level 3 qualifications, such as physical education and sport, sociology, chemistry and psychology.