Applied Science: Level 3 AAQ Extended Certificate

Applications open: 10 November 2025

Application deadline: 13th February 2026

Entry Requirements: - 5 x GCSEs Grade 4-9 including English. Maths desirable. Please see individual courses for subject entry requirements. Please visit our website for more information https://www.maplesden.kent.sch.uk/830/welcome

Subject Choices: - You will need to select a minimum of 3 subjects to study and these can be a mixture of A Levels and BTECs with SEFA and MWBA in addition to your full time studies.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Pearson BTEC National in Applied Science

A two-year course made from externally examined units and Internally assessed units are assessed by a Pearson Set Assignment Brief (PSAB).

The course provides a broad and rigorous foundation in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, covering key principles and practical applications that reflect much of the challenge and depth of A-Level science content.

You will complete three externally assessed exam units (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), alongside internally assessed assignments. External assessments are available twice a year (January and May/June), giving opportunities to improve performance. All units are graded Pass, Merit, Distinction, or Unclassified, and contribute to your overall final grade.

Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Biology

Animal and plant cells and tissues, including specialised cells • biological molecules, including water, carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acid • cell transport • enzymes activity

Unit 2: Principles and Applications of Chemistry

Periodic table & structure, bonding & forces, ionisation & electronegativity, Period 3 trends, kinetics, energetics & equilibrium, mole calculations, green chemistry, organic chemistry (naming, drawing, isomerism, reactions, properties).

Unit 3: Principles and Applications of Physics

Electromagnetic waves & communications, motion & laws of motion, electricity & circuits, energy usage & alternatives, sustainability.

Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

Lab equipment & safety, titration, colorimetry, chromatography (paper & TLC), calibration, temperature measurement, data analysis, problem-solving, transferable skills, skill reflection.

Unit 5: Science Investigation Skills

(Carry out an individual investigative project) Learning Aim A: Undertake a literature search and review to produce an investigative project proposal

Learning Aim B: Produce a plan for an investigative project based on a proposal

Learning Aim C: Safely undertake the project, collecting, analysing and presenting the results.

Learning Aim D: Present the conclusions from the project using correct scientific principles.

Unit 6: Contemporary Issues in Science

(Develop critical thinking by analysing scientific articles, evaluating misinformation) Learning Aim A: Investigate contemporary scientific issues that impact the global population and environment.

Learning Aim B: Examine the effect different organisations have on contemporary science.

Learning Aim C: Understand how to evaluate and report scientific information.

External exams for Biology, Chemistry and Physics make up 50% of the course. Internal assessments include practical and assignment-based work. Unit 4 integrates skills from across the course in a synoptic assessment. Exams are sat twice a year (January & May/June).

• Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Biology – Externally assessed exam (60 GLH). Covers cell biology, tissues, biological molecules, genetics and microbiology. External examination set and marked by Pearson (50 Marks)

• Unit 2: Principles and Applications of Chemistry – Externally assessed exam (60 GLH). Focuses on atomic structure, bonding, energetics, acids and bases, and trends in the periodic table. External examination set and marked by Pearson (50 Marks)

• Unit 3: Principles and Applications of Physics – Externally assessed exam (60 GLH). Includes waves, electricity, forces, motion, energy transfers and radioactivity. External examination set and marked by Pearson (50 Marks)

• Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques – Internally assessed (90 GLH). Develops core lab skills such as titrations, calorimetry, colorimetry and chromatography. External examination set and marked by Pearson (50 Marks)

• Unit 5: Science Investigation Skills – Internally assessed (90 GLH). Students plan and carry out investigations, collect and analyse data, and evaluate findings. External examination set and marked by Pearson (50 Marks)

• Unit 6: Contemporary Issues in Science – Internally assessed (90 GLH). Involves research and evaluation of current scientific issues such as biotechnology, climate change and sustainability. External examination set and marked by Pearson (50 Marks)

Grade 5/5 or higher in Combined Science or 5-9 in GCSE Chemistry & Physics. Also 5-9 in GCSE Maths

The qualification supports progression to higher education courses such as Biomedical Science, Nursing, Pharmacy, Sports Science and other science-related degrees. It also provides pathways into apprenticeships and employment in laboratory or technical roles.

Skills Developed

• Understanding key scientific principles in biology, chemistry and physics

• Laboratory and practical skills, including chromatography, calorimetry, electrical circuits and spectroscopy

• Research and investigative skills: planning, data handling, evaluation and communication

• Transferable skills: critical thinking, teamwork, digital skills, problem solving and sustainability awareness.