BTEC FIRST APPLIED SCIENCE - Pearson Qualifications
DiplomaSpecificationBTEC FIRST APPLIEDSCIENCEFrom September 2018BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma in Applied ScienceIssue 5
Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma inApplied ScienceSpecificationFirst teaching October 2014Issue 5
Edexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualificationsEdexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualifications are awarded by Pearson, the UK’s largestawarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications that are globallyrecognised and benchmarked. For further information, please visit our qualificationwebsites at www.edexcel.com, www.btec.co.uk or www.lcci.org.uk. Alternatively,you can get in touch with us using the details on our contact us page atwww.edexcel.com/contactusAbout PearsonPearson is the world's leading learning company, with 40,000 employees in morethan 70 countries working to help people of all ages to make measurable progressin their lives through learning. We put the learner at the centre of everything we do,because wherever learning flourishes, so do people. Find out more about how wecan help you and your learners at: www.pearson.com/ukThis specification is Issue 5. We will inform centres of any changes to this issue.The latest issue can be found on our website.References to third-party material made in this specification are made in good faith.We do not endorse, approve or accept responsibility for the content of materials,which may be subject to change, or any opinions expressed therein. (Material mayinclude textbooks, journals, magazines and other publications and websites.)ISBN 978 1 4469 3726 6All the material in this publication is copyright Pearson Education Limited 2020
Summary of a Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma in Applied Sciencespecification Issue 5 changesSummary of an additional change made between previousissues and this current issuePage/sectionnumberThe wording in Section 8 Internal assessment subsection Dealing withmalpractice has been updated to clarify suspension of certification incertain circumstances.Page 29Section 10 Awarding and reporting the qualificationsPage 33The wording under Calculation of qualification change has beenupdated.Unit 2: Chemistry and Our EarthLearning aim A: Investigate chemical reactivity and bondingPages 52, 53,56, 57 and 59Topic A.2 Bonding and structure ‘properties of simple covalent, giant covalent and ionic materials’updated to ‘properties of simple molecular, giant covalent andionic substances’Learning aim C: Investigate the factors involved in the rate ofchemical reactionsTopic C.1 Equations ‘simple balanced equations’ updated to ‘simple balanced chemicalequations’Assessment guidanceLearning aim A ‘solubility in water’ updated to ‘solubility with water’ ‘viscosity’ removed ‘giant molecular’ updated to ‘giant covalent’ for 2A.D2Learning aim C ‘learners must describe these factors’ updated to ‘learners mustdescribe the effect on the rate of these factors’ ‘particle size’ updated to ‘surface area’ for 2C.P6Suggested assignment outlinesAssessment evidence ‘binding and structures’ updated to ‘bonding and structures’Unit 3: Energy and Our Universe ‘space tourism and the future of space flight’ added as C.2 c.Page 64Assessment guidanceLearning aim C ‘stars and solar systems’ updated to ‘and other star systems’for 2C.P8.Page 68
Summary of an additional change made between previous issuesand this current issue (continued)Page/sectionnumberUnit 5: Applications of Chemical SubstancesPage 84Learning aim A: Investigate and understand enthalpy changesassociated with chemical reactionsTopic A.1 Exothermic and endothermic reactions Specific heat capacity units updated to J C-1 g-1 and temperaturechange units updated to CUnit 6: Applications of Physical SciencePage 96, 107Learning aim A: Investigate motion Units added to kinetic energy and gravitational potential energyequations.Suggested assignment outlinesScenario ‘current flowing through each light’ updated to ‘current in each light’.Unit 8: Scientific Skills Reference to ‘Key Stage 4 Science Programme of Study’ removedfrom Unit introduction and unit content.Unit 12: The Living BodyPages 117and 118Page 154Assessment guidanceLearning aim A1A.1 has been reworded to include ‘mechanical digestion’.Unit 15: Investigating a Crime ScenePage 179Unit aims and unit content ‘facial recognition from CCTV and mobile phones’ added to A.8 b.Unit 17: Understanding Human BehaviourPage 205The Assessment guidance for 1C.7 has been changed to ‘learnersshould give examples of behaviours that can be attributed to the SocialLearning Theory, e.g. smoking. More than one example must be given.’Unit 20: Exploring Our UniversePage 235Unit aims and unit content ‘exoplanets’ added as A.1 c. ‘and probes to the sun’ added to B.3 b.Unit 24: Further PhysicsUnit introductionCAT and PET scans have non abbreviated words followed byabbreviation in brackets.Pages 270,271, 272
Summary of a Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma in Applied Sciencespecification Issue 3 and 4 changesSummary of changes made between Issue 3 and Issue 4Page numberThe assessment availability has been changed in Section 9 to FebruaryPage 31The wording under Section 10 Awarding and reporting for thequalifications subsection Calculation of the qualification grade has beenupdated to clarify current practice in ensuring maintenance andconsistency of qualification standards.Pages 36-37If you need further information on these changes or what they mean, contact us viaour website at: qualifications.pearson.com
Welcome to your BTEC First 2012 specificationFor more than 25 years, BTECs have earned their reputation as well-established,enduringly effective qualifications. They have a proven track record in improvingmotivation and achievement among young learners. Additionally, BTECs provideprogression routes to the next stage of education or into employment.BTECs are evolvingInformed by recent policy developments, including the Review of VocationalEducation – The Wolf Report (March 2011), we have designed this new suite ofBTEC Firsts to: ensure high quality and rigorous standards conform to quality criteria for non-GCSE qualifications be fit for purpose for learners, pre- or post-16, in schools and in colleges.We conducted in-depth, independent consultations with schools, colleges, highereducation, employers, the Association of Colleges and other professionalorganisations. This new suite builds on the qualities – such as a clear vocationalcontext for learning and teacher-led assessment based on centre-devisedassignments – that you told us make BTECs so effective and engaging.This new suite introduces features to meet the needs of educators, employers andthe external environment. They are fully aligned with requirements for progression –to further study at level 3, into an apprenticeship or into the workplace. We believethese features will make BTEC even stronger and more highly valued.What are the key principles of the new suite of BTEC Firsts?To support young people to succeed and progress in their education, we have drawnon our consultations with you and embedded four key design principles into the newBTEC Firsts.1 Standards: a common core and external assessmentEach new Level 2 BTEC First qualification has an essential core of knowledge andapplied skills. We have introduced external assessment appropriate to the sector.This provides independent evidence of learning and progression alongside thepredominantly portfolio-based assessment.2 Quality: a robust quality-assurance modelBuilding on strong foundations, we have further developed our quality-assurancemodel to ensure robust support for learners, centres and assessors.We will make sure that: every BTEC learner’s work is independently scrutinised through the externalassessment process every BTEC assessor will take part in a sampling and quality review during theteaching cycle we visit each BTEC centre every year to review and support your quality processes.We believe this combination of rigour, dialogue and support will underpin the validityof the teacher-led assessment and the learner-centric approach that lie at the heartof BTEC learning.
3 Breadth and progression: a range of options building on the mandatory units;contextualised English and mathematicsThe mandatory units, developed in consultation with employers and educators,gives learners the opportunity to gain a broad understanding and knowledge of avocational sector that are essential to the curriculum area or vocational industry.The optional specialist units provide a closer focus on a vocational area,supporting progression into a more specialised level 3 vocational or academic courseor into an apprenticeship.Opportunities to develop skills in English and mathematics are indicated in the unitswhere appropriate. These give learners the opportunity to practise these essentialskills in naturally occurring and meaningful contexts, where appropriate to theindustry.The skills have been mapped against GCSE (including functional elements) Englishand mathematics subject content areas.4 Recognising achievement: opportunity to achieve at level 1The new BTEC Firsts are level 2 qualifications with Pass, Merit, Distinctionand Distinction* grades.However, we recognise that some learners may fail to achieve a Pass at Level 2,so we have included the opportunity for learners to gain a level 1 qualification.Improved specification and supportIn our consultation, we also asked about what kind of guidance you, as teachers andtutors, need. As a result, we have streamlined the specification itself to make theunits easier to navigate, and provided enhanced support in the accompanyingDelivery Guide.Thank youFinally, we would like to extend our thanks to everyone who provided support andfeedback during the development of the new BTEC Firsts, particularly all of you whogave up many evenings of your own time to share your advice and experiences toshape these new qualifications. We hope you enjoy teaching the course.
ContentsPurpose of this specification1Qualification title and Qualification Number21 What are BTEC Firsts?32 Key features of the Pearson BTEC First Diploma5Total qualification time (TQT)6Qualification sizes for BTEC Firsts in the Applied Science sector63 Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma in Applied ScienceRationale for the Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma in Applied Science4 Qualification structurePearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma in Applied Science5 Programme delivery99131315Resources15Delivery approach16Personal, learning and thinking skills16English and mathematics knowledge and skills16Health and safety176 Access and recruitment18Prior knowledge, skills and understanding18Access to qualifications for learners with disabilities or specific needs187 The layout of units in the specification198 Internal assessment22Language of assessment22Summary of internal assessment22Assessment and verification roles22Learner preparation24Designing assessment instruments24Authenticity and authentication26Applying criteria to internal assessments26Assessment decisions27Late submission28Resubmission of improved evidence28Appeals29Dealing with malpractice29Reasonable adjustments to assessment29Special consideration299 External assessment31Grade descriptors for the internal and external units3210 Awarding and reporting for the qualifications3311 Quality assurance of centres3812 Further information and useful publications3913 Professional development and support40
Units41Unit 1: Principles of Science43Unit 2: Chemistry and Our Earth51Unit 3: Energy and Our Universe61Unit 4: Biology and Our Environment71Unit 5: Applications of Chemical Substances83Unit 6: Applications of Physical Science95Unit 7: Health Applications of Life Science109Unit 8: Scientific Skills117Unit 9: Practical Scientific Project123Unit 10: World Energy133Unit 11: How Scientific Theories are Formulated141Unit 12: The Living Body149Unit 13: Monitoring the Environment159Unit 14: Growing Plants for Food167Unit 15: Investigating a Crime Scene177Unit 16: Science in Medicine189Unit 17: Understanding Human Behaviour199Unit 18: Designing and Making Useful Devices in Science211Unit 19: Chemical Analysis and Detection221Unit 20: Exploring Our Universe233Unit 21: Electronics in Action243Unit 22: Biotechnology Procedures and Applications251Unit 23: Further Chemistry261Unit 24: Further Physics271Annexe APersonal, learning and thinking skillsAnnexe BEnglish knowledge and skills signpostingAnnexe CMathematics knowledge and skills signpostingAnnexe DSynoptic assessmentAnnexe EThe periodic table of the elementsAnnexe FSummary of units in the BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First in Applied Science suite283283287287291291297297299299301301
Annexe G303The structure of the Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Principles ofApplied Science303The structure of the Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Applicationof Science303The structure of the Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Extended Certificate inApplied Science304
INTRODUCTIONPurpose of this specificationThe purpose of this specification, as defined by Ofqual, is to set out: the qualification’s objectives any other qualification that a learner must have completed before taking thequalification any prior knowledge, skills or understanding that the learner is required to havebefore taking the qualification units that a learner must have completed before the qualification will be awarded,and any optional routes any other requirements that a learner must have satisfied before the learner willbe assessed, or before the qualification will be awarded the knowledge, skills and understanding that will be assessed as part of thequalification (giving a clear indication of their coverage and depth) the method of any assessment and any associated requirements relating to it the criteria against which learners’ level of attainment will be measured(such as assessment criteria) any specimen materials (supplied separately) any specified levels of attainment.Specification – Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma in Applied Science –Issue 5 – March 2020 Pearson Education Limited 20201
INTRODUCTIONQualification title and Qualification NumberQualificationtitlePearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma in AppliedScienceQualificationNumber (QN)601/4531/6This qualification is on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).Your centre should use the Qualification Number (QN) when seeking funding foryour learners.The qualification title, units and QN will appear on each learner’s final certificate. Youshould tell your learners this when your centre recruits them and registers them withus. Further information about certification is in the Pearson Information Manual onour website, qualifications.pearson.com2Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma in Applied Science –Specification – Issue 5 – March 2020 Pearson Education Limited 2020
INTRODUCTION1 What are BTEC Firsts?BTEC First qualifications were originally designed for use in colleges, schools andthe workplace as an introductory level 2 course for learners wanting to study inthe context of a vocational sector. This is still relevant today. The knowledge,understanding and skills learnt in studying a BTEC First will aid progression tofurther study and prepare learners to enter the workplace in due course.In the science sector, typical employment opportunities may include workingas a technician or a laboratory assistant.These qualifications are intended primarily for learners in the 14–19 age group, butmay also be used by other learners who wish to gain an introductory understandingof a vocational area. When taken as part of a balanced curriculum, there is a clearprogression route to a level 3 course or to an apprenticeship.BTECs are vocationally related qualifications, where learners develop knowledgeand understanding by applying their learning and skills in a work-related context.Additionally, they are popular and effective because they engage learners to takeresponsibility for their own learning and to develop skills that are essential for themodern-day workplace. These skills include: teamworking; working from a prescribedbrief; working to deadlines; presenting information effectively; and accuratelycompleting administrative tasks and processes. BTEC Firsts motivate learners, andopen doors to progression into further study and responsibility within the workplace.The BTEC First suite continues to reflect this ethos and builds on therecommendations outlined in the Review of Vocational Education – The Wolf Report(March 2011). That report confirmed the importance of a broad and balancedcurriculum for learners.The BTEC First suite of qualificationsThe following qualifications are part of the BTEC First suite: Application of Science Applied Science Art and Design Business Children’s Play, Learning and Development Construction and the Built Environment Creative Digital Media Production Engineering Health and Social Care Hospitality Information and Creative Technology Music Performing Arts Principles of Applied Science Public Services Sport Travel and Tourism.Visit www.btec.co.uk for information about these qualifications.Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma in Applied Science –Specification – Issue 5 – March 2020 Pearson Education Limited 20203
INTRODUCTIONObjectives of the BTEC First suiteThe BTEC First suite will: enable you, as schools, colleges and training providers, to offer a high-qualityvocational and applied curriculum that is broad and engaging for all learners secure a balanced curriculum overall, so learners in the 14–19 age group have theopportunity to apply their knowledge, skills and understanding in the context offuture development provide learners with opportunities to link education and the world of work inengaging, relevant and practical ways enable learners to enhance their English and mathematical competence inrelevant, applied scenarios support learners’ development of transferable interpersonal skills, includingworking with others, problem-solving, independent study, and personal, learningand thinking skills provide learners with a route through education that has clear progressionpathways into further study or an apprenticeship.Breadth and progressionThis qualification has a core of underpinning knowledge, skills and understanding,and a range of options to reflect the breadth of pathways within a sector. This giveslearners the opportunity to: gain a broad understanding and knowledge of a vocational sector investigate areas of specific interest develop essential skills and attributes prized by employers, further educationcolleges and higher education institutions.This suite of qualifications provides opportunities for learners to progress to eitheracademic or more specialised vocational pathways.Progression from Level 1This qualification has been designed to provide a progression route from the followingqualifications: Pearson BTEC Level 1 Certificate in Applied Science Pearson BTEC Level 1 Diploma in Applied Science.This qualification is also designed to provide a progression route from the followingqualifications: Pearson BTEC Level 1 Certificate in Vocational Studies Pearson BTEC Level 1 Diploma in Vocational Studies.See website for details: qualifications.pearson.com4Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma in Applied Science –Specification – Issue 5 – March 2020 Pearson Education Limited 2020
INTRODUCTION2 Key features of the Pearson BTEC FirstDiplomaThe Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma: is a level 2 qualification; the grades range from Level 2 PP to Level 2 D*D*. Learnerswho do not achieve at Level 2 may be awarde a Level 1 grade. Learners whose level ofachievement is below a Level 1 will receive an Unclassified (U) result is for learners aged 14 years and over has mandatory and optional specialist units will be available on the Regulate
Unit 6: Applications of Physical Science 95 Unit 7: Health Applications of Life Science 109 Unit 8: Scientific Skills 117 Unit 9: Practical Scientific Project 123 Unit 10: World Energy 133 Unit 11: How Scientific Theories are Formulated 141 Unit 12: The Living Body 149 Unit 13: Monitoring the Environment 159 Unit 14: Growing Plants for Food 167
Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC The Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Business is a qualification with a minimum of 120 credits of which 60 are mandatory core. The Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC programme must contain a minimum of 65 credits at level 4. Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND The Pearson BTEC Lev
Technology Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Information Technology First teaching 2016 Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2017) in Information Technology Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (2017) in Information Technology First teaching 2017 . Edexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualifications Edexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualifications are awarded by Pearson, the UK’s .
Qualification sizes for BTEC Firsts in the Business sector 6 3 Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma in Business 9 Rationale for the Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma in Business 9 4 Qualification structure 14 Qualification structure of the Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diplom
BTEC Level 4 HNC The Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Business (QCF) is a qualification with a minimum of 120 credits of which 60 are mandatory core. The BTEC Level 4 HNC programme must contain a minimum of 65 credits at level 4. BTEC Level 5 HND The Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Business (QCF) is a qualification with a
Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Automotive Engineering Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Automotive Engineering The BTEC HNCs (Higher National Certificates) are now at level 4 and are a minimum of 120 credits in size. They have been nested within the structures of the BTEC HNDs (Higher National Diplomas). BTEC HNDs are level 5 qualifications.
Performing Arts 35 Qualification structure of the Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting) 37 Qualification structure of the Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance) 39 Qualification structure of the Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Diploma in Performing Arts (Production) 41
4.2.1 Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering 29 4.2.2 Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering 38 4.2.3 Meeting local needs (MLN) 57 4.2.4 Pearson BTEC Higher National Commissioned Development 58 4.3 Pearson-Set Units 59 4.4 The unit descriptor 60 4.5 Professional Body collaboration 63
at the same level and adding value to them. In the business sector these qualifications are: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Business (180 GLH) 601/7155/8 . Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business (360 GLH) 601/7159/5 . Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Business (510 GLH) 601/7161/3
