Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award/ Certificate/Diploma in …

1 Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award/ Certificate/Diploma in applied Science (QCF) Specification First teaching September 2010 Issue 2 Pearson Education Limited is one of the UK s largest awarding organisations, offering academic and vocational qualifications and testing to schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning, both in the UK and internationally. Qualifications offered include GCSE, AS and A Level , NVQ and our BTEC suite of vocational qualifications, ranging from Entry Level to BTEC Higher National Diplomas. Pearson Education Limited administers BTEC qualifications. Through initiatives such as onscreen marking and administration, Pearson is leading the way in using technology to modernise educational assessment, and to support teachers and learners. This specification is Issue 2. We will inform centres of any changes to this issue. The latest issue can be found on the Edexcel website: References to third party material made in this specification are made in good faith.

2 We do does not endorse, approve or accept responsibility for the content of materials, which may be subject to change, or any opinions expressed therein. (Material may include textbooks, journals, magazines and other publications and websites.) All information in this specification is correct at time of publication. Authorised by Martin Stretton Prepared by Aamra Ghafoor Publications Code FL033244 All the material in this publication is copyright Pearson Education Limited 2012 Contents 1 Introducing BTEC Specialist qualifications 1 What are BTEC Specialist qualifications? 1 2 Qualification summary and key information 2 QCF qualification title and Qualification Number 4 Objective of the qualifications 4 Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award (QCF) (6 credits) 4 Edexcel BTEC Level 1 certificate (QCF) (13 credits) 4 Edexcel BTEC Level 1 diploma (QCF) (37 credits) 5 Progression opportunities through Edexcel qualifications 5 Industry support and recognition 5 3 Centre resource requirements 6 General resource requirements 6 Specific resource requirements 6 4 Qualification structures 10 Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award in applied Science (QCF) 10 Edexcel BTEC Level 1 certificate in applied Science (QCF) 11 Edexcel BTEC Level 1 diploma in applied Science (QCF)

3 12 5 Assessment 13 6 Recognising prior learning and achievement 14 Recognition of Prior Learning 14 Credit transfer 14 7 Centre recognition and approval 15 Approvals agreement 15 8 Quality assurance of centres 16 9 Programme delivery 17 10 Access and recruitment 18 11 Access to qualifications for learners with disabilities or specific needs 19 12 Units 20 Unit title 20 Unit reference number 20 QCF Level 20 Credit value 20 Guided learning hours 20 Unit aim 20 Essential resources 20 Learning outcomes 20 Assessment criteria 21 Unit amplification 21 Information for tutors 21 Unit 1: Starting Work in the Science Sector 22 Unit 2: Working in the Science Sector 26 Unit 3: Using Equipment to Make Scientific Observations and Measurements 30 Unit 4: Skills and Techniques for Chemistry Investigations 35 Unit 5: The Study of Living Systems 40 Unit 6: The Nature and Applications of Energy, Waves and Radiation 44 Unit 7: Growing Plants for Commercial Use 49 Unit 8: Causes of Disease and Maintaining Health 55 Unit 9: Forensic Detection 60 Unit 10: Healthy Living 65 Unit 11: Making and Testing Cosmetic Products 71 Unit 12: Practical Scientific Project 77 Unit 13: Making Useful Scientific Devices 84 Unit 14: Using Mathematical Tools in Science 88 Unit 15: Science in the World 95 13 Further information and useful publications 103 14 Professional development and training 104 Purpose of this specification The purpose of a specification as defined by Ofqual is to set out.

4 The qualification s objective any other qualification which a learner must have completed before taking the qualification any prior knowledge, skills or understanding which the learner is required to have before taking the qualification units that a learner must have completed before the qualification will be awarded and any optional routes any other requirements which a learner must have satisfied before the learner will be assessed or before the qualification will be awarded the knowledge, skills and understanding which will be assessed as part of the qualification (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 any specified levels of attainment. FL033244 Specification Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award/ Certificate/Diploma in applied Science Issue 2 September 2012 Pearson Education Limited 2012 1 1 Introducing BTEC Specialist qualifications For more than 25 years, BTECs have earned their reputation as well-established, enduringly effective qualifications.

5 They have a proven track record of improving motivation and achievement. BTECs also provide progression routes to the next stage of education or to employment. What are BTEC Specialist qualifications? BTEC Specialist qualifications are qualifications from Entry to Level 3 on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). They are work-related qualifications and are available in a range of sectors. They give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to prepare for employment. They also provide career development opportunities for those already in work. These qualifications may be full time or part time courses in schools or colleges. Training centres and employers may also offer these qualifications. Some BTEC Specialist qualifications are knowledge components in Apprenticeship Frameworks ie Technical Certificates. There are three sizes of BTEC specialist qualification in the QCF: Award (1 to 12 credits) certificate (13 to 36 credits) diploma (37 credits and above).

6 Every unit and qualification in the QCF has a credit value. The credit value of a unit is based on: one credit for every 10 hours of learning time learning time defined as the time taken by learners at the Level of the unit, on average, to complete the learning outcomes to the standard determined by the assessment criteria. FL033244 Specification Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award/ Certificate/Diploma in applied Science Issue 2 September 2012 Pearson Education Limited 2012 2 2 Qualification summary and key information Qualification title Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award in applied Science (QCF) QCF Qualification Number (QN) 501/0074/9 Qualification framework Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Date registrations can be made 1st September 2010 Age range that the qualification is approved for 14-16 16-18 19+ Credit value 6 Assessment Centre-devised assessment (internal assessment) Guided learning hours 60 Grading information The qualification and units are at pass grade.

7 Entry requirements No prior knowledge, understanding, skills or qualifications are required before learners register for this qualification. However, centres must follow the Edexcel Access and Recruitment policy (see Section 10, Access and recruitment) Qualification title Edexcel BTEC Level 1 certificate in applied Science (QCF) QCF Qualification Number (QN) 501/0075/0 Qualification framework Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Date registrations can be made 1st September 2010 Age range that the qualification is approved for 14-16 16-18 19+ Credit value 13 Assessment Centre-devised assessment (internal assessment) Guided learning hours 110 Grading information The qualification and units are at pass grade. Entry requirements No prior knowledge, understanding, skills or qualifications are required before learners register for this qualification. However, centres must follow the Edexcel Access and Recruitment policy (see Section 10, Access and recruitment) FL033244 Specification Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award/ Certificate/Diploma in applied Science Issue 2 September 2012 Pearson Education Limited 2012 3 ( Qualification title Edexcel BTEC Level 1 diploma in applied Science (QCF) QCF Qualification Number (QN) 501/0073/7 Qualification framework Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Date registrations can be made 1st September 2010 Age range that the qualification is approved for 14-16 16-18 19+ Credit value 37 Assessment Centre-devised assessment (internal assessment) Guided learning hours 310-350 Grading information The qualification and units are at pass grade.)

8 Entry requirements No prior knowledge, understanding, skills or qualifications are required before learners register for this qualification. However, centres must follow the Edexcel Access and Recruitment policy (see Section 10, Access and recruitment) FL033244 Specification Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award/ Certificate/Diploma in applied Science Issue 2 September 2012 Pearson Education Limited 2012 4 QCF qualification title and Qualification Number Centres will need to use the QCF Qualification Number (QN) when they seek public funding for their learners. As well as a QN, each unit within a qualification has a QCF unit reference number (URN). The qualification title, units and QN will appear on each learner s final certificate . You should tell your learners this when your centre recruits them and registers them with us. Further information about certification is in the Edexcel Information Manual on our website at Objective of the qualifications The Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award/ Certificate/Diploma qualifications in applied Science (QCF) have been developed in the science sector to: provide full-time learners aged 14-16 with an applied Science qualification that covers the How Science Works criteria.

9 A mapping document is provided, (Annexe E). provide full-time learners aged 14-16 with an applied Science qualification that covers the Key Stage 4 Programme of Study for Science. Centres can cover the Key Stage 4 Science criteria by delivering Unit 4: Skills and Techniques for Chemistry Investigations, Unit 5: The Study of Living Systems and Unit 6: The Nature and Applications of Energy, Waves and Radiation. A mapping document is provided (Annexe F). provide full-time learners with an opportunity to gain an appropriate vocational qualification prior to entering employment in the science sector as a science technician or assistant practitioner enable learners to consider their relationship with the scientific community and their interaction with the community provide opportunities for learners to engage in learning which is relevant to them and will provide opportunities to develop a range of skills, techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life provide opportunities for learners to achieve a nationally recognised Level 1 vocationally specific qualification enable full-time learners to progress to vocational qualifications such as the Edexcel BTEC Level 2 diploma in applied Science or progress to related general and/or other vocational qualifications.

10 Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award (QCF) (6 credits) The 6-credit Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award (QCF) provides an introduction to the skills, qualities and knowledge that may be required for employment in a particular vocational sector. Edexcel BTEC Level 1 certificate (QCF) (13 credits) The 13-credit Edexcel BTEC Level 1 BTEC certificate (QCF) extends the work-related focus from the Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award (QCF) and covers some of the knowledge and practical skills required for a particular vocational sector. FL033244 Specification Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Award/ Certificate/Diploma in applied Science Issue 2 September 2012 Pearson Education Limited 2012 5 The Edexcel BTEC Level 1 certificate (QCF) offers an engaging programme for those who are clear about the vocational area that they wish to learn more about. These learners may wish to extend their programme through the study of a related GCSE, a complementary NVQ or other related vocational or personal and social development qualification.