BTEC First Award Level
1/2 in Application of
Applied Science
LSA Technology and Performing Arts College
BTEC First Award in Application of Applied Science
Pupil information booklet
Contents
 Key features of BTEC First Award in
Application 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 Application 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 Application 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
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 Application of Applied Science
The course contents and unit outline
In year 10 you will complete the 120 Guided Learning Hours BTEC First Award in
Principles of Applied Science. The course structure is based on 3 internally assessed
units and 1 externally assessed exam. You will take the exam in summer of Year 10.
(SEE PRINCIPLES OF APPLIED SCIENCE PUPIL BOOKLET FOR
DETAILS ON THE UNITS YOU WILL TAKE.)
In year 11 you will complete the 120 GLH BTEC First Award in Application of Science.
The course structure is based on 3 internally assessed units and 1 externally assessed
exam. The units covered are shown below.
Unit 5: Applications of Chemical Substances (30 Guided Learning Hours)
Internally assessed unit.
In this unit you will:
 Investigate and understand enthalpy changes associated with chemical reactions
 Investigate organic compounds used in society
 Explore the uses of nanochemicals and new materials.
Unit 6: Applications of Physical Science (30 GLH)
Internally assessed unit.
In this unit you will:
 Investigate motion
 Investigate forces
 Investigate light and sound waves
 Investigate electricity.
Unit 7: Health Applications of Life Science (30 GLH)
Internally assessed unit.
In this unit you will:
 Investigate factors that contribute to healthy living
 Know how preventative measures can be used to support healthy living
 Investigate how some treatments are used when illness occurs.
Unit 8: Scientific Skills (30 GLH)
Externally assessed exam.
The exam will contain questions on planning, processing, presenting and analysing data, drawing
conclusions and evaluating methodology and conclusions. You will need to demonstrate the
application of the skills learnt in this unit, based on familiar and unfamiliar contexts given in an
examination paper.
In this unit you will:
 Understand how to produce a good plan for an investigation
 Process, present and analyse data, and draw evidence-based conclusions
 Evaluate evidence and investigative methods.
LSA Technology and Performing Arts College
BTEC First Award in Application of Applied Science
Assessment
 You will be assessed by undertaking a number of assignment tasks and taking an
externally assessed exam.
 The Unit 1 exam will be taken in Year 10 and the Unit 8 exam will be taken in
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.
 You will have 2 grades at the end of year 11. One grade will be from the BTEC
First Award in Principles of Applied Science and the other grade will be from the
BTEC First Award in Application of Applied Science.
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.
 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 Application 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 Application of Applied Science
Learner enrolment
Course title:
BTEC Level 1/2 First Award in Application 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 Application of Applied Science