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Science Department

Student Handbook 2015-16

BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Principles

of Applied Science

BTEC Level 1/ Level 2 First Award in

Application of Science

Science BTEC Coordinator: Mrs Purtell

Quality Nominee: Mr Miller

Student Name ________________________

Class ____________

Teacher Name ________________________

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CONTENTS

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Induction check list: ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Qualification details ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Programme Overview & Unit Details ............................................................................................................................................................... 3

BTEC Qualifications - What is BTEC equivalent to? .......................................................................................................................................... 4

How will my learning be assessed? ................................................................................................................................................................. 4

What can I do after this course? ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Year Plan .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Homework and Independent Learning ............................................................................................................................................................ 4

Unit Summary .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Assignment briefs ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Assessment ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Deadlines ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Recording Student Marks ................................................................................................................................................................................ 8

Storage of Student Evidence ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8

What if I move part way through the course? ................................................................................................................................................. 8

What you can expect from us .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8

What we expect from you ............................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Information, advice and guidance ................................................................................................................................................................... 8

How we can support your learning .................................................................................................................................................................. 9

Your health and safety ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

What if things go wrong? ................................................................................................................................................................................ 9

Appeals ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9

Transferable Skills .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Registration and Certification information .................................................................................................................................................... 10

Setting up References and Quotations .......................................................................................................................................................... 11

Referencing sources online ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11

General quotations ................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Plagiarism .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11

BTEC Booklet induction session form ............................................................................................................................................................ 12

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INTRODUCTION

The vision for the Edmonton County Science department includes a section that says every student has the opportunity to

succeed in Science. We are here to help you achieve your goals and qualify in BTEC Applied Science.

The purpose of this handbook is to inform you, the learner, of how the BTEC in Applied Science course operates and how

you can make the most of your valuable learning time. We have responsibilities to you, and you also have responsibilities to

us. This pack will outline what both sides can expect from each other.

If you have any questions or concerns about the BTEC course please do not hesitate to talk to any of the Science Staff.

Mrs Purtell

BTEC Coordinator

INDUCTION CHECK LIST:

Read this booklet thoroughly with your teacher.

Sign the Plagiarism information page.

Complete the induction form on the last page, sign and return it to your teacher.

QUALIFICATION DETAILS

BTEC qualifications have been developed to provide specialist work-related qualifications in a range of areas. The course

offered is practical and will give you the opportunity to complete assignments and activities based on realistic situations

linked to working in a variety of science related environments. It will give you a good feel for what it will be like to be at

work as well as developing your communication, numeracy, IT, time management and teamwork skills. BTEC Firsts motivate

learners, and open doors to progression into further study and responsibility within the workplace.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW & UNIT DETAILS

Our aim is to support you to receive two qualifications by the end of year 11. These are:

BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Principles of Applied Science

BTEC Level 1/ Level 2 First Award in Application of Science

This BTEC First Award has units that your centre assesses (internal) and a unit that Edexcel sets and marks (external). The

first qualification that we aim that students will achieve is the Edexcel BTEC Level 2 First Award in Principles of Applied

Science. The units that are required for that qualification are in the table below:

Unit Name of unit How the unit is assessed? Weighting of each unit (%)

1 Principles of Science Externally assessed through an exam 25

2 Chemistry and Our Earth Internally assessed through assignments 25

3 Energy and Our Universe Internally assessed through assignments 25

4 Biology and Our Environment Internally assessed through assignments 25

The second qualification that students would aspire to achieve is called the Edexcel BTEC Level 2 First Award in Application

of Science, and follows a similar structure. Again, the units that are required for that qualification are in the table below:

Unit Name of unit How the unit is assessed? Weighting of each unit (%)

5 Applications of Chemical Substances Internally assessed through assignments 25

6 Applications of Physical Science Internally assessed through assignments 25

7 Health Applications of Life Science Internally assessed through assignments 25

8 Scientific skills Externally assessed through an exam 25

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BTEC QUALIFICATIONS - WHAT IS BTEC EQUIVALENT TO?

Each Level 2 course is equivalent to one GCSE. You will be given overall grades at the end of the year as follows:

BTEC grade achieved Equivalent GCSE Grade Equivalent GCSE Number

Level 2 Distinction* A* 8.5

Level 2 Distinction A 7

Level 2 Merit B 5.5

Level 2 Pass C 4

Level 1 Pass D 1.75

HOW WILL MY LEARNING BE ASSESSED?

For each qualification, there is one external examination that counts for 25% of your overall grade. 75% of the course is

assessed internally through assignments. It is essential that you keep a portfolio of evidence of all of your achievements.

This includes the coursework you produce, such as items, photographs, video footage, assignments, computer print-outs,

questionnaires, check lists, or projects, etc. It shows you and your tutor what you have learnt and will be looked at during

marking and moderation.

WHAT CAN I DO AFTER THIS COURSE?

The BTEC Diploma in Applied Science will enable you to progress to an Advanced Level course in Science, which will equip

you to move on to degree courses in associated areas. You could, alternatively, go into employment in roles such as quality

control technician/analyst; working in a hospital as a medical physics technician; working in a research laboratory in the

development of new drugs; working for a science magazine or journal, etc.

YEAR PLAN

In order to support you to do this, you will cover the following in your lessons this academic year.

Year 9 Year 10 Year 11

Unit 3: Energy and Our Universe Unit 2: Chemistry and Our Earth Unit 4: Biology and Our Environment Unit 5: Application of Chemical Substances Unit 6: Application of physical Science

Unit 6: Application of physical Science Unit 7: Health Application of Life Science Unit 8: Scientific skills Unit 1: Principles of Science

HOMEWORK AND INDEPENDENT LEARNING

Independent learning includes completing your assignments in your own time.

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UNIT SUMMARY

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A knowledge and understanding of the properties of chemical substances is vital for making certain scientific

decisions. For example, this knowledge and understanding would be applied when deciding which starting materials

to use when carrying out chemical reactions to manufacture products such as pharmaceuticals, computer-chip

technology materials and food products.

You will cover the properties of elements from groups 1 and 7 in the periodic table, where some elements, like

sodium, are very reactive metals, while others, like chlorine, are very reactive non-metals. Other elements, like

helium, are very unreactive – helium’s properties make it suitable for use in balloons and in the gas mixture for diving

tanks. This is extended further as you study the structure of elements, and how they bond together to form

molecules, which are covalently or ionically bonded. You will also look at how the physical and chemical properties of

chemical substances are influenced by their structure and bonding. Industrial processes need to take into account

the rate at which a chemical reaction takes place. Reactions have to be slow enough to be safe but fast enough to

allow the chemicals to be made profitably. You will study the factors that affect the rates of chemical reactions and

the reaction conditions that optimise their effectiveness in industry. You will also study how the Earth’s natural

activities, and the use of naturally occurring materials as starting materials in industrial processes, have an impact on

the Earth and the environment. This is extended to studying sustainable development issues, with regard to human

activities and possible solutions to reduce the amount of fossil fuels used in domestic and industrial situations.

The aim of this unit is to use and develop the knowledge that you have learnt in Unit 1 using locally relevant

industrial and related contexts. These contexts might include the role of environmental science in best industrial

practice and maximising the yield of industrial reactions.

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Nuclear scientists are currently investigating the use of nuclear fusion to gain a source of energy that is safe and does

not have the radioactivity issues associated with nuclear fission. Meanwhile, medical physicists are researching ways

of improving the use of medical imaging and methods to fight cancer.

In this unit, you will explore ionising radiations, their uses and sources, including alpha, beta, gamma and X-rays. You

will also investigate radioactive decay, half-life, nuclear fission and fusion, and issues associated with nuclear energy.

Most electrical devices (televisions, computers, washing machines, etc.) need electrical energy that is transmitted

from power stations to homes and businesses to operate. You will be introduced to the basics of electrical circuits,

power supplies and the transmission of electrical energy. You will also investigate how this important form of energy

is brought to homes.

Our Universe is a fascinating place, which is evolving over time. You will look at the composition of the Solar System,

methods of exploring it and the evidence for a constantly changing and expanding Universe.

The aim of this unit is to enable you to develop knowledge and skills related to important fundamental physical

concepts. Where possible, this should be done in locally relevant industrial and related contexts such as energy

supply and safe working with nuclear materials. With an emphasis on experimental investigations, and to some

extent computer simulations, you will also explore some aspects of the physics of our world and beyond.

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Environmental science technicians and scientists work for local authorities, the government and charities to monitor

the effects of human activities on local, national and global environments.

You will study the different activities that humans carry out that cause damage to the environment. You will gain an

understanding of how the pollutants released from human activities affect air, water and land, using primary and/or

secondary data to determine how different pollutants affect living things. The use of indicators in measuring

pollution levels is explored and you will study the methods and schemes used to try to reduce or counteract the

effects of human activity on the environment.

Scientists in health programmes monitor the various factors that impact on human health and seek to improve the

health of the population. To complete your study of this unit, you will investigate the causes of disease, including

genetic disease, and how various diseases can be prevented and treated. You will have the opportunity to investigate

the problems associated with the misuse of treatment regimes and implications that resistant forms of bacteria have

on the future treatment of disease.

You will study and compare the adaptations of different organisms and how these adaptations determine the success

of organisms in their environment. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate how adaptations bring about

evolution or, on the contrary, bring about species extinction.

The aim of this unit is to further develop your understanding of the core concepts you have learnt in Unit 1 by

studying relationships between different organisms and the environment. Where possible this should be done using

industrial and related contexts such as local government monitoring of the environmental impact of industries and

proper use of medicines.

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It is important for chemists working in the manufacturing industry to be able to measure the amount of energy given

out or absorbed during chemical reactions. This will enable them to manufacture products safely and efficiently, and

also to find uses for chemical reactions that increase or decrease in temperature, in applications such as heat or cold

packs.

For exothermic and endothermic reactions, you will measure the amount of heat that some reactions give out and

other reactions take in. You may also be able to relate this to the chemical bonds that are broken and made.

Organic compounds are used extensively in society. Many of these are derived from crude oil. You will look at how

crude oil is distilled to produce different fractions. Many of these have uses as fuels. You will study the structure,

reactions and uses of some important organic chemicals.

Chemists are constantly finding and developing new types of materials and new ways to use existing materials. More

and more composite materials are being used – for example, to make cars, aeroplanes and mobile phones, and in

building materials. Some of these composites use waste plastics. Most recently, smart materials (those that change

their properties in response to changes in their environment) are finding applications. Polymers with exceptional

insulating properties are used in niche applications, such as firefighting.

The aim of this unit is to build on some of the basic fundamental concepts that you have learnt in Units 1 and 2 in

relation to bonding and chemical reactions.

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Scientists have been vital in improving safety in everyday life and in developing many modern technologies by

applying their knowledge of forces, waves and electricity. You will develop an understanding of motion and how it

relates to road safety. You will also have the opportunity to find out how to represent motion graphically and to carry

out investigations, for example, on the way speed cameras operate.

Following on from this, you will develop your understanding of forces and how they are used in applications such as

weight measurement or car safety. This theme could be continued through to the investigation of the motion of

vehicles.

You will also investigate light and find out, for example, how the reflection of light is used to make our roads safer.

You could also explore how the human eye functions and how eye glasses are used to correct defects in vision.

Finally, you will investigate how electricity is used in our world, looking at practical uses of electricity by building

circuits.

The aim of this unit is to build on the fundamental concepts you have learnt in Units 1 and 3. In this unit you will

apply your knowledge and understanding to explore and investigate a range of applications of physics in the real

world.

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ce The knowledge and skills developed in this unit are essential for biological science technicians and scientists working

in biology, health care, laboratory services and other biology-related industries. You will consider both the positive

and negative aspects of diet and exercise, and the learning programme should encourage you to develop a balanced

view of issues such as obesity and eating disorders. There will also be an opportunity to study the human immune

system and how vaccinations can be used to boost the natural system. Consideration of the public’s response to

issues surrounding the use of vaccinations could also be included. There is also a good opportunity for you to

investigate some of the screening programmes that are used to help early identification of conditions or early

diagnosis of disease. A fascinating study can be made of how scientific research has improved in recent years. Other

interesting medical applications, such as blood transfusions and stem cell research, are covered in this unit.

By the end of this unit you will have gained knowledge of medical advances and research that use biological

processes in the prevention and treatment of certain conditions and diseases. In this unit you will be able to build on

your understanding of the fundamental concepts of biology that you have learnt in previous biology units. This unit

enables you to develop and use your knowledge to investigate health-related factors in more detail.

ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

Students will receive an assignment brief at the start of a piece of work. It is an important document and will be constantly

referred to during the work.

The assignment brief will outline:

Unit details and title of the work

Submission dates

The scenario

Tasks that will enable learners to meet the criteria

Evidence that is required to meet the criteria

Space for feedback

A student declaration that must be signed by the student.

ASSESSMENT

All assessment decisions are carefully made against the specified Unit Grading Criteria and by teachers who are subject

specialists. All assessments made by teachers go through a vigorous Internal Verification process. Assessment decisions are

often checked further by an External Verifier from Edexcel.

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DEADLINES

All of the deadlines will be shared with you as/when you need to know them. You may wish to record them in your planner

for future information.

RECORDING STUDENT MARKS

Student marks are recorded on the teacher feedback section. These teacher feedback sections will explain why the criteria

have not been met. All data will be stored electronically by science staff in a protected area.

STORAGE OF STUDENT EVIDENCE

All paper and electronic evidence will be securely stored until certification centrally by the Lead Internal Verifier (BTEC

course leader)

WHAT IF I MOVE PART WAY THROUGH THE COURSE?

By registering with BTEC you will be able to transfer your credits and collect more wherever you move to.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US

Our aim is to provide a supportive learning environment. We will do our best to provide:

Equal opportunities

Good quality teaching

An Individual Learning Plan which summarises what you want to gain from your course

Feedback on your progress

Advice on your options after your course including opportunities to move onto other courses

Opportunities to feedback your experience of our provision which include course evaluations, student surveys, learner focus groups etc

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU

To create an environment which helps you to have the best chance of success we expect all learners to:

Have good attendance to school following the school recommendation of 95%

Attend lessons on time and give 100% effort

Be well behaved and courteous towards your teachers and other students.

Behave responsibly and safely at all times

Contribute to creating a pleasant learning environment by respecting the diverse backgrounds of other learners and staff

Ask for assistance if you are having difficulties with any aspect of your course or feel you need help

Organise your work, ensuring you do not lose anything and you can keep your work safe before it is filed and locked away

Meet deadlines set, failure to do so will result in detentions and intervention catch up sessions after school.

INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

Our course guide gives an overview of the learning activities we offer. Further information can be provided by speaking to

your tutor or contacting the Careers office in school.

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HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOUR LEARNING

ICT – plenty of opportunities to access ICT in the school.

Feedback –Written feedback will be given throughout the course. Science staff are always available before and after school,

and sometimes at break and lunch (depending on their timetables) if you require more in depth feedback or support.

YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY

Our aim is provide you with a safe and healthy learning environment. By following the laboratory and classroom rules you

will remain safe and secure in every lesson.

We also have other health and safety procedures, documentations and risk assessments which are implemented lesson-by-

lesson. If you want more information about this please speak to your teacher.

WHAT IF THINGS GO WRONG?

If you are not happy with the content or quality of your course or your assessment, please discuss this with your teacher. If

you are not happy with the grade you are awarded you can go through the appeals procedure (see section below).

APPEALS

All assessment decisions are carefully made and have rigor. The initial assessment is made by a tutor. The tutor’s

assessments are checked through a second assessment procedure by the centre internal verification system. If a student

questions an assessment decision and feels they have been unjustly assessed they can appeal.

The centres appeal procedure is as follows:

Step 1 Student discusses their concerns with the tutor Step 2 Student addresses their concerns in writing to the programme manager Step 3 Student attends an interview with the tutor and programme manager Step 4 Student addresses their concerns in writing to the Quality Nominee Step 5 Student attends an interview with the tutor, programme manager and Quality Nominee

Step 6 If the centre appeals procedure has been exhausted the appeal will be submitted to Edexcel in writing by the Head of Centre and the examination board appeals procedure will be instigated.

The deadline for the completion of each BTEC Assignment will be set by your tutor

The classroom rules at Edmonton County are:

• Be on time for lessons

• Listen to staff members and follow instructions

• Be in correct uniform and have correct equipment

• Try your best with work and homework

• No eating or drinking

The lab rules at Edmonton County Science department are:

• Bags, coats and chairs to be stored appropriately

• Long hair tied back, ties tucked in

• Always stand when doing experiments

• Goggles on

• No messing about and no running

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TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

Throughout the course you will be using a range of skills that are classified as ‘transferable’. This means you can use these

skills in other situations, lessons and environments.

REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

You will be registered and certified for your BTEC qualification through the school (as your centre). The centre number for

Edmonton County is 12514. Your candidate number will be provided to you by your teacher. If you have any questions or

concerns about being registered on the BTEC course, or how you will be certified please speak to Mrs Purtell.

Teamwork

•You will be asked to work as part of a small group to solve problems.

•You will be asked to work as part of a group during practicals and presentations.

Communication

•You will be asked questions about your work.

•You will also need to be able to communicate your findings during research and practical work.

Written Communication

•Your assignments require written evidence that needs to be legible, well presented and follow an agreed format i.e. by hand, word processed or PowerPoint.

Numeracy

•In science you will often be asked to show your findings in a numerical form.

•You will also need to be able to be able to carry out calculations and draw graphs.

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SETTING UP REFERENCES AND QUOTATIONS

REFERENCING SOURCES ONLINE

Referencing systems for electronic sources are becoming standardised. The in-text reference should follow the same format

as for printed sources; however, the bibliographic information on your references page will be different and generally

requires you to include the type of resource plus when it was accessed, as well as the URL for on-line sources.

For example:

British Sports – Disability Sports online reference: http://www.britishsports.com/disabilitysports.htm (downloaded 7 July

2007)

GENERAL QUOTATIONS

When using a quotation you will reproduce the actual words a writer uses in your work. You should, therefore, take care to

copy accurately. If you copy the actual words a writer uses you should put the words in quotation marks (“ “) and give a

reference.

In this example:

Jack Frost wrote "summer is not coming in" (Frost, A. 2001 p.9) would appear in the text.

Note: "summer is not coming in" is the quotation. (Frost, A. 2001 p.9) is the reference.

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PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is copying and passing off work as the learner’s own. This can be a whole piece of work or a part, including

artwork, images, words, computer generated work (including the internet), thoughts, inventions etc. This is taken very

seriously and work handed in that is a form of plagiarism will not be accepted.

To ensure you do not plagiarise write using your own words. If you do use the work of others e.g. books, internet etc you

must reference using the procedures above.

Please sign below to indicate that you understand the Plagiarism information given:

Signed: ___________________________ Date: _________________

Name (please print) _____________________________________________

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BTEC BOOKLET INDUCTION SESSION FORM

Do you feel you understand the BTEC course, its content and how it will be assessed?

Is there anything you are unclear of, or any further information you will require?

Do you feel you have fully understood the information on plagiarism? If no, please explain:

Any other comments?

Signed: Date: