BTEC Level 3 Certificate in
Applied Science
BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary
Diploma in Applied Science
(Forensic Science)
All units are taught in an applied
science context. Where possible
a forensic science context is
used.
Year 12 Applied Science
• Unit 1 Fundamentals of Science
• Unit 2 Working in the science industry
• Unit 4 Scientific practical techniques
Unit 1 Fundamentals of Science
• You will learn about the fundamental concepts in biology,
chemistry and physics.
• You will also learn how scientists investigate and
communicate.
• You will learn how to measure chemical quantities and
how to use a microscope to identify different body cell
and tissues. You will also investigate energy transfers.
Unit 2 – Working in the Science
Industry
• You will learn how to follow laboratory procedures and
how to communicate in a scientific workplace.
• You will research laboratory design, and design your
own laboratory.
• You will learn about data storage and safety in a
scientific workplace.
Unit 4 - Scientific Practical
Techniques
• You will learn the practical techniques needed to work in
a laboratory setting. The techniques will involve chemical
analysis, separation of substances and assessment of
the purity of the substance.
• You will also learn how to use scientific equipment and
sensors
Year 13 Forensic Science
• Unit 5 Perceptions of science
• Unit 32 – Forensic evidence collection and
analysis
• Plus one further unit will be completed from this
list:
-Using Science in the Workplace
-Genetics and Genetic Engineering
-Criminal Psychology
-Criminology
-Chemical Laboratory Techniques
-Medical Physics Techniques
Unit 5 – Perceptions of science
• You will investigate how people, society and the media
perceive and interact with forensic science.
• You will learn how scientific theories are developed, and
how politics, commerce and the media influences
forensic science.
• You will also investigate an ethical or moral issue in
forensic science.
Unit 32 – Forensic evidence
collection and analysis
• You will collect evidence from a fake crime scene.
• You will use chemical, biological and physical practical
techniques to analyse evidence from a crime scene.
• You will also present your evidence as a court report.
Year 13 Forensic Science
• Plus one further unit will be completed from
this list:
-Using Science in the Workplace
-Genetics and Genetic Engineering
-Criminal Psychology
-Criminology
-Chemical Laboratory Techniques
-Medical Physics Techniques
Trips
Progression
• Direct employment
-police assistant scene of crime officer / forensic
scientist
-science laboratory work
• Further study
- University study in Forensic Science, Criminal
Psychology, Criminology
- Science based courses eg nursing, vet
nursing, applied science, dental nursing
• South west has 5 police forces with 400
people employed in forensics
• There are also independent / private
forensics labs