Medical Science (AAQ BTEC extended qualification)

Transforming Lives Through Health

The main purpose of this two year course is to provide learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills to support progress to higher education or straight into employment in areas of medical science, such as job roles in health professions such as Nursing and paramedic science, sports science, physiological sciences or clinical laboratory services.

The course comprises of 6 units and is equivalent to a full A level (A* to E). At the end of two years, you will achieve a Diploma in Level 3 Medical Science. Each unit has a clear purpose which focuses the learning of scientific knowledge, understanding and skills in a meaningful context.

CURRICULUM INFORMATION (MEDICAL SCIENCE)

Entry Criteria for BTEC Level Study:
Ideally, you should have at least a grade 5-5 in GCSE double award science or a grade 5 in two of the separate sciences; GCSE biology, chemistry or physics. you should aso have at least a grade 5 in GCSE English language or English literature.
Exam Specification: Pearson

WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING on the course?

The course is based around applying scientific knowledge, ideas and techniques to real-life medical contexts in the fields of healthcare and sport. Learning activities will include practical work, independent research, class discussions, presentations, self-guided online interactive tutorials and worksheets.

As well as knowledge and understanding of the science used in a variety of areas, you will develop the following skills:

Using apparatus skilfully and safely
Producing and recording valid and reliable measurements and observations
Presenting and analysing data
Research skills
Identifying and evaluating resources
Clarity of oral and written expression
Discussion and presentation skills
Making notes

HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?

Assessment is through a balance of externally (170 hours) and internally (190 hours) assessed units over the two years. External assessment is of two types: written examinations for unit 1 and unit 6 and an externally set and marked task based assessment for unit 5. The written examinations will include pre-release material and synoptic context based questions based upon all units studied. Internal assessments are based on two pieces of coursework in year 1 and one piece in year 2.

WHICH EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS WILL I LEARN?

Job roles in health sciences for example Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic or Operating Department Practitioner (ODP), physiological sciences (for example cardiac sciences, clinical perfusion, critical care science, gastrointestinal physiology, ophthalmic science and vascular science) or clinical laboratory services
The Level 3 extended certificate in medical science will enable progression to higher education to a range of applied science, healthcare (Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Science) sports science, biomedical science, life sciences and physiology type programmes.

WHICH OTHER SUBJECTS GO WELL WITH MEDICAL SCIENCE?

The Diploma combines well with other science subjects such as health and social care, and also with courses such as A level sociology, psychology, PE or the level 3 General Applied qualifications in criminology or business. However, it could be combined with a wide range of other subjects.

AND AFTER THE COURSE?

There has never been a greater demand for jobs in the healthcare and sports sectors. Together with two other Level 3 qualifications, this course will enable you access to a huge range of opportunities in both the healthcare and sports science sectors. The healthcare sector has a shortage of around 43,600 full time jobs for nurses, almost half of the 100,658 jobs available for medical staff advertised per year and there is no shortage of career options in the field of sports science. The extended certificate has been developed together by universities and clinical pathology laboratories to provide the skills that will allow you to observe, understand, assess and suggest solutions to real world medical problems and challenges these jobs require.

The main purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills in key scientific principles to support progress to higher education or employment in areas of medical science, such as job roles in physiological sciences, sports science or clinical laboratory services. The qualification covers the key topic areas of health, physiology and disease, as well as providing the opportunity to study the areas of pharmacology, physiological measurement, clinical testing and medical research.

Alternatively moving straight into paid work and/or an apprenticeship after this course is possible in many areas including sports coaching, paramedic, laboratory technician (including hospital, research, school and college), forensic science or quality control facilities.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICAL SCIENCE

Q: What type of course is this and how is it graded?
A: The course is a level 3 Applied General qualification, equivalent to half an A level for the 1 year Certificate and one full A level for the complete 2 year extended certificate course. The course is graded A to E for the year 1 Certificate and A* to E for the year 2 extended certificate.

Q: Are there exams?
A: Yes. 50% of the Certificate (Year 1) is assessed by exam paper (30% of this is paper is based upon pre-release*) the other 50% is spread over two pieces of coursework. In the extended certificate (Year 2), 25% is assessed by exam paper (all based on pre-release*), 25% is based on a practical exam and the other 50% is based on one piece of coursework.

* Pre-release is information about the material covered within the exam questions and is generally released four weeks before the exam).

Q: How big are your classes and how do your students compare to national data?
A: Classes are generally no larger than 20 students. Compared to national data, the students in year 2 of this course have achieved 31.2% more A*-B grades and year 1 58.0% more A-B grades. High grade achievement in the two year extended certificate (A*-B) was 92.2%, with an overall 98.6% pass rate (10% higher than national). High grade achievement in the one year certificate (A-B) was 92.2%, with an overall 100% pass rate.

Q: What sort of degrees, apprenticeships or careers can this course lead to?
A: Many university degree courses, including those run by Russell Group universities, and apprenticeships covering the over 350 different NHS careers, including nursing, midwifery, audiometry, ophthalmology, paramedic science, pharmacology and healthcare science, will lead on from this course. Some of these require other supporting subjects for applications. Many sports based university courses and apprenticeships including sports science, physiotherapy and science & nutrition can also be taken. Medical Science counts as a science based subject for those and many other fields of study. However, universities currently do not accept this course for pure medicine.

Careers and Labour Market Information

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