BTEC First Award Level
1/2 in Principles of
Applied Science
LSA Technology and Performing Arts College
BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science
Pupil information booklet
Contents
 Key features of BTEC First Award in
Principles of Applied Science
 Progression to further education and work
related learning
 The course contents and unit outline
 Assessment of the course
 Grading criteria for the course
 General rules for successful completion of
the course
LSA Technology and Performing Arts College
BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science
Key features of BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science
 BTEC stands for the Business and Technician Education Council.
 The BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science is new for September 2012.
 Recognised within national achievement and attainment Tables
 75% internally assessed (all coursework is marked by the teacher and checked by
other teachers in the school) and 25% externally assessed exam.
 BTEC is a work related/based learning that mirrors working in the science industry
(or organisation).
 BTEC encourages the development of scientific vocational skills where learners
simulate or work towards the role of being employed as a working
scientist/technician during their coursework.
 BTEC is taught with the emphasis on a practical based learning style.
 Learner assignments are written with a work based scenario e.g. as an assistant
forensic scientist you have been asked to analyse materials from a crime scene and
produce a scientific report for a press release.
 Work will be related to local/regional industry - involvement of industry e.g. fine
chemicals, pharmaceuticals, horticulture, polymers, food manufacturing, medical
science in hospitals, forensic science.
Progression to further education and work related learning
• A BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science allows progression to: BTEC
First Award in Application of Science, BTEC Nationals (A-level equivalent) e.g. Applied
Science; Beauty Therapy Sciences; Sports and Exercise Science etc.
• BTEC Nationals are on the UCAS (University entrance) Tariff.
LSA Technology and Performing Arts College
BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science
The course contents and unit outline
The 120 Guided Learning Hours BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science
course structure is based on 3 internally assessed units and 1 externally assessed exam.
Unit 1: Principles of Applied Science (30 Guided Learning Hours) EXAM
UNIT
This unit will be assessed via an externally assessed exam. You will have time in lessons to go through the
exam content and then have a 1hr externally assessed exam.
In this unit you will:
 Explore cells, organs and genes
 Explore the roles of the nervous and endocrine systems in homeostasis and communication
 Explore atomic structure and the periodic table
 Explore substances and chemical reactions
 Explore the importance of energy stores, energy transfers and energy transformations
 Explore the properties and applications of waves in the electromagnetic spectrum.
You will be asked to apply knowledge and understanding of these learning aims in familiar and unfamiliar
contexts to solve mathematical and non-mathematical problems.
Unit 2: Chemistry and Our Earth (30 GLH)
This unit enables learners to acquire knowledge of fundamental chemistry concepts and the
environmental effects of human and natural activity related to chemistry. Learners will develop skills
that underpin applications of chemistry in the manufacturing and service industries.
In this unit you will:
 Investigate chemical reactivity and bonding
 Investigate how the uses of chemical substances depend on their chemical and physical properties
 Investigate the factors involved in the rate of chemical reactions
 Understand the factors that are affecting the Earth and its environment.
Unit 3: Energy and Our Universe (30 GLH)
The aim of this unit is to enable learners to develop knowledge and skills related to fundamental
physical concepts, so that they can investigate energy transformations, radiation and their applications,
and gain knowledge of waves, how electrical energy is transferred for various applications and how
our universe has evolved.
In this unit you will:


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Understand ionising radiation, its uses and sources
Know how electrical energy produced from different sources can be transferred through the National Grid to
homes and industry
Know the components of the Solar System, the way the Universe is changing and the methods we use to explore
space.
Unit 4: Biology and Our Environment (30 GLH)
This unit will enable learners to develop knowledge and skills related to fundamental concepts in
biology. Learners will investigate living organisms, how humans impact on the environment, the
factors that affect human health and how to treat diseases.
In this unit you will:
 Investigate the relationships that different organisms have with each other and with their
environment
 Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of human activity on the environment and
how these effects can be measured

Explore the factors that affect human health.
LSA Technology and Performing Arts College
BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science
Assessment
 You will be assessed by undertaking a number of assignment tasks and taking an
externally assessed exam.
 The exam will be taken during year 11
Grading
 When your coursework is returned to you there will marks and clear comments on
each assignment and an action plan that can be used to improve your work if
necessary.
On completion of an assignment your work will be graded as follows:
 Unclassified
 Level 1
 Pass
 Merit
 Distinction.
For each assignment the criteria for each level will be specified e.g. P = Pass
In order to be awarded a grade for each unit you MUST provide evidence that meets
ALL the grading criteria for that grade.
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To gain a level 1, all level 1 criteria must be met.
To gain a pass, all pass criteria must be met.
To gain a merit, all of the pass and all of the merit criteria must be met.
To gain a distinction, all of the pass, all of the merit and all of the distinction criteria
must be met.
Each 10 GLH has the available points: Level 1 = 2; Pass = 4; Merit = 6; Distinction = 8
So a 30 GLH unit at pass level will be 12 points.
LSA Technology and Performing Arts College
BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science
Extra help
BTEC catch up sessions
 BTEC catchup sessions will take place after school for an hour between 3:10 - 4:10.
Your teacher will tell which day they are available to help you to catch up with your
work or help you if you are trying to achieve a higher grade.
General rules
Falling behind with work
 If your work is falling behind your target grade your parents/guardian will be
contacted (phone/letter) and made aware of your progress. You will be asked to
come to BTEC catch up sessions after school until you have caught up.
Attendance/punctuality
 Attendance is a very important part of the course. Some assignments will involve
group work and as such if you are absent you may let other member of your group
down.
 Punctuality is equally as important part of the course. Lateness has a negative effect
and therefore you must attend classes on time.
Your portfolio of work
 Must be your own work
 Must not allow another pupil to copy your work
 Must not allow another student to complete work for you
 You must show evidence of your work as the external verifier may ask for it
 Deadlines must be adhered to. All work must be handed in on or before the original
deadline date. However, an additional deadline may then be agreed on for additional
work following feedback to pupil.
Homework
 You will be given clear instructions from your teacher for each piece of homework
that is set.
Appeals procedure
 If you are unhappy with your assessment decision you may lodge an appeal as laid
down in the schools appeals procedure.
LSA Technology and Performing Arts College
BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science
Learner enrolment
Course title:
BTEC Level 1/2 First Award in Principles of Applied Science
Print Name:
Signature:
Course start date:
Expected completion date:
Learner agreement
I have carefully read the BTEC handbook and I’m prepared to put in both the time and effort required
to gain my target grade.
Pupil Signature
Form
Please print name
Parent / Guardian
Signature
Date
Please sign and return to your teacher.
LSA Technology and Performing Arts College
BTEC First Award in Principles of Applied Science