Medical Science. Level 3 AAQ (Extended Certificate - single award)

We will offer the Extended Certificate AAQ in Applied Science. It is equivalent in size to one A level and UCAS points awarded as with A levels. Assignments, units and final marks will be awarded as: Pass (E), Merit (C), Distinction (A), and Distinction* (A*). 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. 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.

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.

There are a variety of assessment methods including; examinations, written coursework, presentations and practical experiments. You will be assessed throughout the year with assignments that must be completed and passed.

Grade 5,5 in Combined Science, if triple award Biology and Chemistry must both be at least a Grade 5, and Grade 5 in Maths.

TO ENSURE YOUR SUBJECT CHOICES FIT INTO THE TIMETABLE PLEASE SEE OUR BLOCKING TIMETABLE BY CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW TO GO TO OUR WEBSITE. SUBJECTS SHOULD BE CHOSEN IN DIFFERENT BLOCKS TO AVOID CLASHES.

Sixth Form option blocks

This extended certificate course is the equivalent of one A-Level and worth up to 56 UCAS points depending on your grades. This allows progression to related degree programmes at universities across the country. Alternatively, you may seek employment in the industry.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 other level 3 qualifications.