Applied Science

This course is studied on its own and cannot be combined with other courses.

This science course is a two year programme that will equip you with a range of scientific principles and skills, such as chemical analysis, microbiology and physics concepts.

Are you passionate about science and want to develop your skills in a course covering a range of scientific disciplines? Are you inspired by the television series Criminal Minds? This exciting, practical course will equip you with a range of scientific skills such as criminal psychology, as well as knowledge of police and forensic procedures.

Choose this course if you are passionate about studying all three sciences and their application in different contexts. You will be aspirational and wanting to develop a career in an area such as biomedical or forensic science.

In your first year you will study the Foundation Diploma progressing to the Extended Diploma in your second year. You will learn by attending lectures, workshops, practical exercises, attending mock scenes of crime, visiting forensic laboratories and carrying out assignments.

You will be assessed by a combination of external exams (January and May) in all three sciences, and assignments which run throughout the year in Biology and Chemistry units.

You will develop your employability skills and engage in work experience. You will also take additional maths support lessons leading to the Level 3 Core Maths qualification, equivalent to an AS Level. This has enabled previous learners to gain better offers from top universities and employers.

What topics will I study? 

You will study 16 units during the Extended Diploma, to include:

Core units:

• Fundamental principles and applications of all three sciences
• Practical scientific procedures and techniques
• Science investigation skills, lab techniques and their uses across the sciences
• Lab techniques and their application
• Investigative project into a specialist area of your choice
• Contemporary issues in science

Specialist units:

• Forensic evidence collection and analysis
• Genetics and genetic engineering
• Biomedical science
• Forensic fire investigation
• Forensic traffic collision investigation

The above list of units may be subject to change.

You will:

• Look at the principles and applications of all three sciences
• Use practical scientific procedures and techniques, particularly in Biology and Chemistry
• Develop your science investigation skills, lab techniques and their uses across the sciences
• Carry out an investigative project
• Consider contemporary issues in science
• Enhance your research skills and learn how to reference your research for assignments
• Use a dedicated forensic science lab
• Enjoy visits to several universities and employers
• Attend careers fairs and be encouraged to undertake work experience

Future Steps: On successful completion of the program you can continue your studies with many different university science based degrees such as Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, or Forensic Science. Alternatively, you may seek employment or an Apprenticeship in a variety of roles, including laboratory technician, crime scene investigator and the police or fire service.

You will need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Maths and Combined Science.

You will have access to fully equipped laboratories and PCs with a crime scene area as well as access to a Learning Resource Centre (LRC).

There is a resource fee which covers items such as lab coats, safety goggles, and visits to scientific workplaces.