Welcome
Module 6
Level 1
BTEC in Applied
Science
April 2011
Todays Outcomes
Today’s Outcomes
• To review the structure of the qualifications
• To consider effective strategies for teaching and
learning
• To examine strategies for effective assessment
• To consider recognise your commitment to continued
professional development
Introduction
• Edexcel BTEC Level 1 qualifications are designed to
enhance learners’ work and life skills in a range of
vocational contexts
• Practical activities are effective in engaging learners
at this level
• Explicit vocational links help motivate learners and
help them see the relevance
Applied Science Level 1
Qualification
Minimum
number of
credits
Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award in Applied
Science (QCF)
6
Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Certificate in Applied
Science (QCF)
13
Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Diploma in Applied
Science (QCF)
37
Applied Science and KS4
Unit
Credit
4:
Skills and Techniques for Chemistry
Investigations
4
5:
The Study of Living Systems
4
6:
The Nature and Applications of Energy,
Waves and Radiation
4
Pre-16 learners who are studying the BTEC Level 1
Certificate or Diploma in Applied Science can cover the
Key Stage 4 programme of study for Science by completing
Unit 4, Unit 5 and Unit 6.
Applied Science Level 1units
Unit
Credit
1: Starting Work in the Science Sector
2
2: Working in the Science Sector
2
3: Using Equipment to Make Scientific
Observations and Measurements
4
4: Skills and Techniques for Chemistry
Investigations
4
5: The Study of Living Systems
4
6: The Nature and Applications of Energy,
Waves and Radiation
4
7: Growing Plants for Commercial Use
4
8: Causes of Disease and Maintaining
Health
4
9: Forensic Detection
4
Applied Science Level 1
Unit
Credit
10: Healthy Living
2
11: Making and Testing Cosmetic Products
4
12: Practical Scientific Project
5
13: Making Useful Scientific Devices
2
14: Using Mathematical Tools in Science
5
15: Science in the World
5
All units are at level 1, except for Units 12, 14 and 15,
which are level 2 units.
Unit Format
All units in the Edexcel BTEC Level 1 (QCF) qualifications have a standard
format. The unit format is designed to give guidance on the requirements
of the qualification for learners, tutors, assessors and those responsible for
monitoring national standards:
•Unit title
•QCF level and credit value
•Unit aim
•Unit introduction
•Learning outcomes
•Assessment criteria
•Unit content
•Essential guidance for tutors
Unit Aim
Unit 1: Starting Work in the Science Sector
This unit enables learners to develop an awareness of the different types of jobs
available in the science sector. They will also explore the skills and personal qualities
that such jobs require.
Unit 4: Skills and Techniques for Chemistry Investigations
The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ knowledge and understanding of some of
the fundamental concepts in chemistry. Learners will also be able to prepare useful
chemical products.
Unit 13: Making Useful Scientific Devices
This unit enables learners to apply their scientific knowledge and develop practical
skills by making two types of scientific devices and testing their effectiveness.
Learning outcomes and assessment criteria
Unit 7: Growing Plants for Commercial Use
Learning outcomes
Assessment criteria
1 Know the different conditions
that allow plants to grow
successfully
1.1 identify factors that affect plant
growth
2 Be able to grow…
2.1 select…
Unit content
Unit 7: Growing Plants for Commercial Use
1 Know the different conditions that allow plants to grow successfully
Light, temperature and water: the requirements for photosynthesis, importance of
space for leaf and root growth without competition
Types of growth media: different types of soil e.g. peat, lime, sandy, clay, loam,
hydroponics
Soil air: importance of worms, ploughing or digging
Effect of pH: adding lime, manure or peat to alter soil characteristics
Fertilisers: testing soil for nitrate, working out amount of fertiliser needed
Minerals: importance of NPK, other minerals such as magnesium
Pesticides: likely pests in the growth area, appreciation of biological control
Competition from weeds: what weeds are, competition
Teaching and learning
• BTEC work-related approach to teaching and learning
• Learners encouraged to develop science vocational skills
• Simulates being at work through delivery and assessment
• e.g. guest speakers, visits, case studies, sharing teachers’ industrial
experiences
• Assessment tasks put into vocational contexts
Assessment
Presentations,
written
reports
Log books,
diaries
A variety of
assessment
methods can
be used
Role play,
surveys
Observations
of practical
tasks
Articles for
journals, press
releases,
models,
artefacts
Model cells made from
edible materials
Assessment
Unit 8: Causes of Disease and Maintaining Health
Assessment criteria
2.1 describe different factors that can affect the health of individuals
Task
Design a poster or leaflet showing
factors that may affect health.
These may include positive and
negative factors.
Unit coverage
 Factors affecting health
 Personal actions and choices
Evidence
 Poster or leaflet
Assessment
Unit 11: Making and Testing Cosmetic Products
Assessment criteria
3.1 safely follow given instructions to demonstrate the preparation of
cosmetic products
Task
Unit coverage
Following instructions, safely
 Preparation of cosmetic products
prepare a shampoo and a lip
 Health and safety
balm. There will be scope for
individual design, e.g. in colouring
Evidence
and/or flavouring.
 Samples of shampoo and lip balm
produced
These products can then be used
 Observation report
for assessment criterion 4.1 on
the testing of cosmetic products.  Risk assessment
Thank you for your time
For further information and guidance
please refer to our other training modules
or contact the team on 0207 190 5099
Or by email
foundationlearning@edexcel.com