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1 Science Department Student Handbook 2015-16 BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Applied Science BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Science BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Applied Science BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science Science BTEC Coordinator: Mrs Purtell Quality Nominee: Mr Miller Student Name ________________________ Class ____________ Teacher Name ________________________

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Page 1: BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Applied Science BTEC Level 3 ... · BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Applied Science BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Science BTEC Level 3 90-credit

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Science Department

Student Handbook 2015-16

BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Applied Science BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Applied

Science BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Applied

Science BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science

Science BTEC Coordinator: Mrs Purtell

Quality Nominee: Mr Miller

Student Name ________________________

Class ____________

Teacher Name ________________________

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CONTENTS

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Induction check list: .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Qualification details .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Programme Overview & Unit Details ................................................................................................................................................................ 3

BTEC Qualifications - What is BTEC equivalent to? ........................................................................................................................................... 4

How will my learning be assessed? .................................................................................................................................................................. 5

What can I do after this course? ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Year Plan ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Homework and Independent Learning ............................................................................................................................................................. 5

Unit Summary ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Assignment briefs ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 7

Assessment ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Deadlines .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Recording Student Marks ................................................................................................................................................................................. 7

Storage of Student Evidence ............................................................................................................................................................................ 7

What if I move part way through the course? .................................................................................................................................................. 7

What you can expect from us ........................................................................................................................................................................... 7

What we expect from you ................................................................................................................................................................................ 8

Information, advice and guidance .................................................................................................................................................................... 8

How we can support your learning ................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Your health and safety ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

What if things go wrong? ................................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Appeals ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9

Transferable Skills ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 9

Registration and Certification information ....................................................................................................................................................... 9

Setting up References and Quotations ........................................................................................................................................................... 10

Referencing sources online ........................................................................................................................................................................ 10

General quotations .................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Plagiarism ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

BTEC Booklet induction session form ............................................................................................................................................................. 11

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INTRODUCTION

The vision for the Edmonton County Science department includes a section that says every student has the opportunity to

succeed in Science. We are here to help you achieve your goals and qualify in BTEC Applied Science.. We are here to help

you achieve your goals and qualify in BTEC Applied Science.

The purpose of this handbook is to inform you, the learner, of how the BTEC in Applied Science course operates and how

you can make the most of your valuable learning time. We have responsibilities to you, and you also have responsibilities to

us. This pack will outline what both sides can expect from each other.

If you have any questions or concerns about the BTEC course please do not hesitate to talk to any of the Science Staff.

Mrs Purtell

BTEC Coordinator

INDUCTION CHECK LIST:

Read this booklet thoroughly with your teacher.

Sign the Plagiarism information page.

Complete the induction form on the last page, sign and return it to your teacher.

QUALIFICATION DETAILS

BTEC qualifications have been developed to provide specialist work-related qualifications in a range of areas. The course

offered is practical and will give you the opportunity to complete assignments and activities based on realistic situations

linked to working in a variety of science related environments. It will give you a good feel for what it will be like to be at

work as well as developing your communication, numeracy, IT, time management and teamwork skills. There are no formal

exams.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW & UNIT DETAILS

Across the year, you will be given the opportunity to complete a number of units. Depending on the number of units that

are completed, different qualifications are achieved.

To achieve the BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Applied Science, you must complete the following units to achieve 30 credits:

Unit Name of unit How the unit is assessed? Number of credits

1 Fundamentals of Science Internally assessed through assignments 10

2 Working in the Science Industry Internally assessed through assignments 10

4 Scientific Practical Techniques Internally assessed through assignments 10

To achieve the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Science, students must complete a total of 60 credits. This

means that you must complete all of the units required for the Certificate (above), as well as the following units:

Unit Name of unit How the unit is assessed? Number of credits

5 Perceptions of Science Internally assessed through assignments 10

11 Physiology of Human Body Systems Internally assessed through assignments 10

22 Chemical Laboratory Techniques Internally assessed through assignments 10

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To achieve the BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Applied Science, a further 30 credits (4 modules) must be completed in

addition to those completed for the Subsidiary Diploma. They are outlined in the table below:

Unit Name of unit How the unit is assessed? Number of credits

3 Scientific investigations Internally assessed through assignments 10

6 Using Mathematical Tools in Science Internally assessed through assignments 5

8 Using Statistics in Science Internally assessed through assignments 5

13 Biochemistry and Biochemical Techniques Internally assessed through assignments 10

To achieve the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science an additional 30 credits (3 modules) must be completed in addition

to those completed for the 90-credit Diploma.

Unit Name of unit How the unit is assessed? Number of credits

15 Microbiological Techniques Internally assessed through assignments 10

18 Genetics and Genetic Engineering Internally assessed through assignments 10

20 Medical Physics Techniques Internally assessed through assignments 10

BTEC QUALIFICATIONS - WHAT IS BTEC EQUIVALENT TO?

You can use the table below to convert the qualification you achieve into UCAS points. A comparison table for AS and A2

qualifications is included for your information.

Tariff points Certificate Subsidiary Diploma

90 credit Diploma

Diploma AS Levels A2 Levels

420

400

380

360

320

280 D*D*

260 D*D

240 DD

210 D*D*

200 D*D DM

180 DD

160 DM MM

140 D*

120 D MM MP A

100 MP B

80 M PP C

70 D*

60 D PP A D

40 M P C E

20 P E

To work out what level you are working at overall, you need to look at the mark that you have achieved for each unit. You

use the information in the following table to work out how many points you have overall:

Points per credit

Pass Merit Distinction

Level 3 7 8 9

For example, if you achieved a pass in unit 1 (which is worth 10 credits) you would achieve (7x10=) 70 points towards your

overall qualification.

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Once you know your total number of points, you can then use the qualification grade tables to calculate your overall grade.

Certificate Subsidiary Diploma

210 Pass 420 Pass

230 Merit 460 Merit

250 Distinction 500 Distinction

260 Distinction Star 520 Distinction Star

90 credit Diploma Diploma

630 Pass-Pass 840 Pass-Pass

660 Merit-Pass 880 Merit-Pass

690 Merit-Merit 920 Merit-Merit

720 Distinction-Merit 960 Distinction-Merit

750 Distinction-Distinction 1000 Distinction-Distinction

770 Distinction Star-Distinction 1030 Distinction Star-Distinction

790 Distinction Star-Distinction Star 1060 Distinction Star-Distinction Star

HOW WILL MY LEARNING BE ASSESSED?

100% of the course is assessed internally through assignments. It is essential that you keep a portfolio of evidence of all of

your achievements. This includes the coursework you produce, such as items, photographs, video footage, assignments,

computer print-outs, questionnaires, check lists, or projects, etc. It shows you and your tutor what you have learnt and will

be looked at during marking and moderation.

WHAT CAN I DO AFTER THIS COURSE?

The BTEC qualifications in Applied Science will enable you to progress to an Advanced Level course in Science, which will

equip you to move on to degree courses in associated areas. You could, alternatively, go into employment in roles such as

quality control technician/analyst; working in a hospital as a medical physics technician; working in a research laboratory in

the development of new drugs; working for a science magazine or journal, etc.

YEAR PLAN

In order to support you to do to achieve the highest possible qualification, you will cover the following in your lessons this

academic year. You will be taught by two separate teachers. Three hours with one tutor and two with the other. This

means that two of the units will be covered concurrently.

Year 12* Year 13

Units 1,2,4,5,11,22 Units 3,6,8,13 (Some students will also complete: 15,18,20)

* Please note: If you are a year 13 student attending year 12 lessons, you will only complete units 1,2 and 4 before the end of year 13. If you would like to complete additional units in your own time to achieve the subsidiary diploma, you must have the explicit permission of Mrs Purtell to be entered to do this.

HOMEWORK AND INDEPENDENT LEARNING

Independent learning includes completing your assignments in your own time.

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UNIT SUMMARY

Year 12 modules

Unit 1 Fundamentals of

Science

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to develop the practical techniques necessary to pursue a career as a laboratory technician. Learners will investigate the quantities necessary in chemical reactions, the structure and functions of cells, the calorific value of different fuels and develop skills in communicating scientific information.

Unit 2 Working in the Science

Industry

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to gain the knowledge and skills that an employee in the science industry needs to be an effective, efficient and safe member of a team. Learners will know communication practices, how laboratories are designed, how information is stored in laboratory information management (LIMS) and how to work safely in a scientific workplace.

Unit 4 Scientific Practical

Techniques

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to use a range of practical techniques used in science such as the analysis of substances, the separation of substances and the use of instruments/sensors. The variety of techniques in the content allows the unit to be tailored to reflect the focus of different areas of study, eg forensic science, biology, chemistry, physics, electronics and environmental science.

Unit 5 Perceptions of Science

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to develop their knowledge of how science is perceived. Learners will consider how people, society and the media interact with science. They will also consider how scientific ideas develop and the ethical/moral issues associated with some scientific advances.

Unit 11 Physiology of Human Body

Systems

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to investigate some of the organ systems of the human body and how they work together. Learners will have an opportunity to use appropriate tests to investigate the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and lymphatic systems and the organisation of cells and tissues.

Unit 22 Chemical Laboratory Techniques

The aim of this unit is to give learners many opportunities to prepare, purify and analyse compounds made by reactions and by extraction. There is also a focus on qualitative and quantitative analysis, including analysis of compounds contained within commercial formulations.

Year 13 modules

Unit 3: Scientific Investigation

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to explore the protocols associated with scientific investigations. The unit is based around working as a research scientist, setting up an idea, testing it and then reporting the findings.

Unit 6: Using Mathematical

Tools for Science

This unit enables learners to use mathematical tools which are essential for working in a science environment. Starting with basic numbers and simple algebraic manipulation, learners then move onto collecting and interpreting data on graphs and charts.

Unit 8: Using Statistics for

Science

This unit enables the learner to use statistical techniques that are essential for the handling, collection and interpretation of scientific data.

Unit 13: Biochemistry and

Biochemical Techniques

The aim of this unit is to develop the learners knowledge and techniques needed for the study of biochemistry. Learners will investigate biological molecules, enzymes, metabolic pathways and the structure of proteins.

Unit 15: Microbiological

Techniques

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to develop knowledge and skills of key microbiological concepts and techniques that underpin vocational applications, including pharmaceuticals, medical diagnostics, food production, environmental health and forensic science. Learners will look into the characteristic features of cells and will practise aseptic techniques to culture and determine the factors that influence the growth of micro-organisms.

Unit 18: Genetics and Genetic Engineering

The aim of this unit is to develop understanding of the principles of Mendelian genetics and to develop knowledge and practical techniques used in commercial, analytical and research laboratories.

Unit 20: Medical Physics Techniques

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to develop, through a practical vocational skills approach, an understanding of the important fundamental physics concepts behind medical physics techniques such as x-rays, ultrasounds, diagnostic imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiotherapy. Learners will also understand the importance of radiation safety.

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ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

Students will receive an assignment brief at the start of a piece of work. It is an important document and will be constantly

referred to during the work.

The assignment brief will outline:

Unit details and title of the work

Submission dates

The scenario

Tasks that will enable learners to meet the criteria

Evidence that is required to meet the criteria

Space for feedback

A student declaration that must be signed by the student.

ASSESSMENT

All assessment decisions are carefully made against the specified Unit Grading Criteria and by teachers who are subject

specialists. All assessments made by teachers go through a vigorous Internal Verification process. Assessment decisions are

often checked further by an External Verifier from Edexcel.

DEADLINES

All of the deadlines will be shared with you as/when you need to know them. You may wish to record them in your planner

for future information.

RECORDING STUDENT MARKS

Student marks are recorded on the teacher feedback section. These teacher feedback sections will explain why the criteria

have not been met. All data will be stored electronically by science staff in a protected area.

STORAGE OF STUDENT EVIDENCE

All paper and electronic evidence will be securely stored until certification centrally by the Lead Internal Verifier (BTEC

course leader)

WHAT IF I MOVE PART WAY THROUGH THE COURSE?

By registering with BTEC you will be able to transfer your credits and collect more wherever you move to.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US

Our aim is to provide a supportive learning environment. We will do our best to provide:

Equal opportunities

Good quality teaching

An Individual Learning Plan which summarises what you want to gain from your course

Feedback on your progress

Advice on your options after your course including opportunities to move onto other courses

Opportunities to feedback your experience of our provision which include course evaluations, student surveys, learner focus groups etc

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WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU

To create an environment which helps you to have the best chance of success we expect all learners to:

Have good attendance to school following the school recommendation of 95%

Attend lessons on time and give 100% effort

Be well behaved and courteous towards your teachers and other students.

Behave responsibly and safely at all times

Contribute to creating a pleasant learning environment by respecting the diverse backgrounds of other learners and staff

Ask for assistance if you are having difficulties with any aspect of your course or feel you need help

Organise your work, ensuring you do not lose anything and you can keep your work safe before it is filed and locked away

Meet deadlines set, failure to do so will result in detentions and intervention catch up sessions after school.

INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

Our course guide gives an overview of the learning activities we offer. Further information can be provided by speaking to

your tutor or contacting the Careers office in school.

HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOUR LEARNING

ICT – plenty of opportunities to access ICT in the school.

Feedback –Written feedback will be given throughout the course. Science staff are always available before and after school,

and sometimes at break and lunch (depending on their timetables) if you require more in depth feedback or support.

YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY

Our aim is provide you with a safe and healthy learning environment. By following the laboratory and classroom rules you

will remain safe and secure in every lesson.

We also have other health and safety procedures, documentations and risk assessments which are implemented lesson-by-

lesson. If you want more information about this please speak to your teacher.

WHAT IF THINGS GO WRONG?

If you are not happy with the content or quality of your course or your assessment, please discuss this with your teacher. If

you are not happy with the grade you are awarded you can go through the appeals procedure (see section below).

The classroom rules at Edmonton County are:

• Be on time for lessons

• Listen to staff members and follow instructions

• Be in correct uniform and have correct equipment

• Try your best with work and homework

• No eating or drinking

The lab rules at Edmonton County Science department are:

• Bags, coats and chairs to be stored appropriately

• Long hair tied back, ties tucked in

• Always stand when doing experiments

• Goggles on

• No messing about and no running

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APPEALS

All assessment decisions are carefully made and have rigor. The initial assessment is made by a tutor. The tutor’s

assessments are checked through a second assessment procedure by the centre internal verification system. If a student

questions an assessment decision and feels they have been unjustly assessed they can appeal.

The centres appeal procedure is as follows:

Step 1 Student discusses their concerns with the tutor Step 2 Student addresses their concerns in writing to the programme manager Step 3 Student attends an interview with the tutor and programme manager Step 4 Student addresses their concerns in writing to the Quality Nominee Step 5 Student attends an interview with the tutor, programme manager and Quality Nominee

Step 6 If the centre appeals procedure has been exhausted the appeal will be submitted to Edexcel in writing by the Head of Centre and the examination board appeals procedure will be instigated.

The deadline for the completion of each BTEC Assignment will be set by your tutor

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

Throughout the course you will be using a range of skills that are classified as ‘transferable’. This means you can use these

skills in other situations, lessons and environments.

REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

You will be registered and certified for your BTEC qualification through the school (as your centre). The centre number for

Edmonton County is 12514. Your candidate number will be provided to you by your teacher. If you have any questions or

concerns about being registered on the BTEC course, or how you will be certified please speak to Mrs Purtell.

Teamwork

•You will be asked to work as part of a small group to solve problems.

•You will be asked to work as part of a group during practicals and presentations.

Communication

•You will be asked questions about your work.

•You will also need to be able to communicate your findings during research and practical work.

Written Communication

•Your assignments require written evidence that needs to be legible, well presented and follow an agreed format i.e. by hand, word processed or PowerPoint.

Numeracy

•In science you will often be asked to show your findings in a numerical form.

•You will also need to be able to be able to carry out calculations and draw graphs.

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SETTING UP REFERENCES AND QUOTATIONS

REFERENCING SOURCES ONLINE

Referencing systems for electronic sources are becoming standardised. The in-text reference should follow the same format

as for printed sources; however, the bibliographic information on your references page will be different and generally

requires you to include the type of resource plus when it was accessed, as well as the URL for on-line sources.

For example:

British Sports – Disability Sports online reference: http://www.britishsports.com/disabilitysports.htm (downloaded 7 July

2007)

GENERAL QUOTATIONS

When using a quotation you will reproduce the actual words a writer uses in your work. You should, therefore, take care to

copy accurately. If you copy the actual words a writer uses you should put the words in quotation marks (“ “) and give a

reference.

In this example:

Jack Frost wrote "summer is not coming in" (Frost, A. 2001 p.9) would appear in the text.

Note: "summer is not coming in" is the quotation. (Frost, A. 2001 p.9) is the reference.

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PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is copying and passing off work as the learner’s own. This can be a whole piece of work or a part, including

artwork, images, words, computer generated work (including the internet), thoughts, inventions etc. This is taken very

seriously and work handed in that is a form of plagiarism will not be accepted.

To ensure you do not plagiarise write using your own words. If you do use the work of others e.g. books, internet etc you

must reference using the procedures above.

Please sign below to indicate that you understand the Plagiarism information given:

Signed: ___________________________ Date: _________________

Name (please print) _____________________________________________

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BTEC BOOKLET INDUCTION SESSION FORM

Do you feel you understand the BTEC course, its content and how it will be assessed?

Is there anything you are unclear of, or any further information you will require?

Do you feel you have fully understood the information on plagiarism? If no, please explain:

Any other comments?

Signed: Date:

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