Applied Science Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

28024L1 | Leigh College
Start Date | 04/09/2023
Time/Day | FULL TIME

Is this course for me?

Many scientists are remembered throughout time for the amazing impact they have on the world in which we live. A career in science can be intriguing and fulfilling. Our practical, work-related courses will develop your skills and knowledge, and the confidence to progress towards laboratory based employment, or university study. This is an exciting practical, work related course delivering the skills and knowledge to enable you to perform a specialist scientific role in industry, commerce and science related employment. It is an assignment based course covering three key areas (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) with emphasis on the work of scientists and technicians.
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What will I study?

The Applied Science programmes cover three key areas: Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with an emphasis on the work of scientists and technicians. At Level 3 there are a range of core units covering key topics of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In addition specialist units which provide a more in-depth study of subjects such as human anatomy and physiology, organic chemistry, microbiology, genetics, medical physics and industrial chemical reactions. This means you can study particular areas of science in greater depth and focus on key applications.

How long is the course?

Full time for two academic years

How will I be assessed?

By completion of 4 examined units (two in year one and two in year two), coursework assignments and a projects based on realistic, work based situations and activities.

What qualifications do I need?

A minimum of 5 GCSE subjects graded 9-4 including maths or English and science.

What can I progress onto?

The course will enable you to enter laboratory based employment or to study for higher level qualifications in applied sciences. Following Level 3 you can go on to university study and choose from a wide range of degrees, including the HND in Applied Biology at the University Centre Wigan & Leigh College. Career prospects include Analytical Scientist, Astronomers, Biochemist, Biological Scientist, Biomedical Scientist, Clinical Scientist, Food Scientist, Forensic Scientist, Geoscientist, Microbiologist, Pharmaceutical Scientist, Research Technician

Other Information

The course is equivalent to 3 A Levels. You will receive support from a well qualified, experienced and enthusiastic team of professional staff. If you are 16-18 years old, you may be eligible for our FREE bus pass. Find out more at www.wigan-leigh.ac.uk/free-bus-pass

Course Fees

16-18 Year Olds 19+ year olds Free for eligible learners? Is Loan Available?
£7146.00 Yes Yes

Exam Fee

£249.00
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Chemical Scientists

Chemical scientists analyse and research physical aspects of chemical structure and change within substances and develop chemical techniques used in the manufacture or modification of natural substances and processed products.

Requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Opportunities

1.4%
RISE in employment in 5 years

What could you earn

£19,448
Entry
£50,206
Median
£73,795
Potential

Typical Tasks

  • Develops procedures for quality control of manufactured products.
  • Tests techniques and processes for reliability under a variety of conditions.
  • Analyses results and experimental data.
  • Conducts experiments to identify chemical composition, energy and chemical changes in natural substances and processed materials.
  • Develops experimental procedures, instruments and recording and testing systems.

Knowledge

Chemistry Mathematics English Language Computers and Electronics

Skills

Reading Comprehension Science Active Learning Monitoring Critical Thinking Mathematics Active Listening Writing Speaking Learning Strategies
Apply Now for Applied Science Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Biological Scientists and Biochemists

Biological scientists and biochemists examine and investigate the morphology, structure, chemistry and physical characteristics of living organisms, including their inter-relationships, environments and diseases.

Requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Opportunities

6.87%
RISE in employment in 5 years

What could you earn

£25,804
Entry
£43,383
Median
£76,489
Potential

Typical Tasks

  • Monitors the distribution, presence and behaviour of plants, animals and aquatic life, and performs other scientific tasks related to conservation not performed by jobholders in MINOR GROUP 214: Conservation and Environment Professionals.
  • Advises farmers, medical staff and others, on the nature of field crops, livestock and produce and on the treatment and prevention of disease.
  • Observes the structure of communities of organisms in the laboratory and in their natural environment.
  • Researches the effects of internal and external environmental factors on the life processes and other functions of living organisms.
  • Performs tests to study physiological and pathological characteristics within cells and other organisms.
  • Identifies and studies the chemical substances, including microbial infections, involved in physiological processes and the progress of disease.
  • Studies the physical and chemical form, structure, composition and function of living organisms.

Knowledge

Biology English Language Chemistry Law and Government Mathematics Education and Training Computers and Electronics Engineering and Technology Geography Mechanical Customer and Personal Service Administration and Management Clerical Production and Processing Public Safety and Security Medicine and Dentistry

Skills

Reading Comprehension Science Active Learning Writing Critical Thinking Active Listening Monitoring Speaking Learning Strategies Mathematics
Apply Now for Applied Science Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Physical Scientists

Physical scientists study relationships between matter, energy and other physical phenomena, the nature, composition and structure of the Earth and other planetary bodies and forecast weather conditions and electrical, magnetic, seismic and thermal activity.

Requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Opportunities

8.27%
RISE in employment in 5 years

What could you earn

£20,870
Entry
£33,645
Median
£59,321
Potential

Typical Tasks

  • Applies mathematical models and techniques to assist in the solution of scientific problems in industry and commerce and seeks out new applications of mathematical analysis.
  • Observes, records and collates data on atmospheric conditions from weather stations, satellites, and observation vessels to plot and forecast weather conditions.
  • Uses surveys, seismology and other methods to determine the earth.
  • Conducts experiments and tests and uses mathematical models and theories to investigate the structure and properties of matter, transformations and propagations of energy, the behaviour of particles and their interaction with various forms of energy.

Knowledge

Mathematics Physics Geography Computers and Electronics Engineering and Technology English Language Education and Training Customer and Personal Service Chemistry Communications and Media Law and Government

Skills

Science Mathematics Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Learning Writing Active Listening Speaking Monitoring Learning Strategies
Apply Now for Applied Science Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Civil Engineers

Civil engineers undertake research and design, direct construction and manage the operation and maintenance of civil and mining engineering structures.

Requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Opportunities

2.03%
FALL in employment in 5 years

What could you earn

£27,921
Entry
£43,168
Median
£65,197
Potential

Typical Tasks

  • Organises and establishes control systems to monitor operational efficiency and performance of materials and systems.
  • Organises and plans projects, arranges work schedules, carries out inspection work and plans maintenance control.
  • Designs structures such as roads, dams, bridges, railways, hydraulic systems, sewerage systems, industrial and other buildings and plans the layout of tunnels, wells and construction shafts.
  • Designs foundations and earthworks.
  • Determines and specifies construction methods, materials, quality and safety standards and ensures that equipment operation and maintenance comply with design specifications.
  • Undertakes research and advises on soil mechanics, concrete technology, hydraulics, water and waste water treatment processes and other civil engineering matters.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology Design Building and Construction Mathematics Physics Customer and Personal Service English Language Transportation Public Safety and Security Administration and Management Computers and Electronics Chemistry Law and Government

Skills

Reading Comprehension Speaking Critical Thinking Writing Active Learning Active Listening Monitoring Mathematics
Apply Now for Applied Science Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers undertake research and design, direct the manufacture and manage the operation and maintenance of engines, machines, aircraft, vehicle and ships’ structures, building services and other mechanical items.

Requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Opportunities

4.12%
RISE in employment in 5 years

What could you earn

£30,002
Entry
£49,294
Median
£72,263
Potential

Typical Tasks

  • Organises and establishes control systems to monitor operational efficiency and performance of materials and systems.
  • Ensures that equipment, operation and maintenance comply with design specifications and safety standards.
  • Designs mechanical equipment, such as steam, internal combustion and other non-electrical motors for railway locomotives, road vehicles, aeroplanes and other machinery.
  • Determines materials, equipment, piping, capacities, layout of plant or system and specification for manufacture.
  • Undertakes research and advises on energy use, materials handling, thermodynamic processes, fluid mechanics, vehicles and environmental controls.

Knowledge

Mechanical Engineering and Technology Design Administration and Management Mathematics Production and Processing Computers and Electronics English Language

Skills

Mathematics Reading Comprehension Science Monitoring Active Learning Critical Thinking Active Listening Writing Speaking
Apply Now for Applied Science Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Electrical Engineers

Electrical engineers undertake research and design, direct construction and manage the operation and maintenance of electrical equipment, power stations, building control systems and other electrical products and systems.

Requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Opportunities

3.97%
RISE in employment in 5 years

What could you earn

£26,665
Entry
£59,979
Median
£85,985
Potential

Typical Tasks

  • Organises and establishes control systems to monitor the performance and safety of electrical assemblies and systems.
  • Ensures that manufacture, operation and maintenance comply with design specifications and contractual arrangements.
  • Determines and specifies manufacturing methods of electrical systems.
  • Supervises, controls and monitors the operation of electrical generation, transmission and distribution systems.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology Mathematics Computers and Electronics Design Physics English Language Production and Processing Telecommunications

Skills

Reading Comprehension Active Learning Critical Thinking Mathematics Monitoring Science Learning Strategies Active Listening Writing Speaking
Apply Now for Applied Science Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Electronics Engineers

Electronics engineers undertake research and design, direct construction and manage the operation and maintenance of electronic motors, communications systems, microwave systems, and other electronic equipment.

Requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Opportunities

0.65%
RISE in employment in 5 years

What could you earn

£25,391
Entry
£43,785
Median
£65,094
Potential

Typical Tasks

  • Tests, diagnoses faults and undertakes repair of electronic equipment.
  • Organises and establishes control systems to monitor performance and evaluate designs.
  • Determines and specifies appropriate production and/or installation methods and quality and safety standards.
  • Undertakes research and advises on all aspects of telecommunications equipment, radar, telemetry and remote control systems, data processing equipment, microwaves and other electronic equipment.

Knowledge

Computers and Electronics Engineering and Technology Design Mathematics Education and Training Physics English Language Telecommunications Production and Processing Administration and Management Customer and Personal Service Communications and Media

Skills

Reading Comprehension Active Learning Mathematics Critical Thinking Active Listening Monitoring Learning Strategies Writing Speaking Science
Apply Now for Applied Science Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Design and Development Engineers

Design and development engineers conceive engineering designs from product ideas or requirements in mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering.

Requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Opportunities

1.32%
RISE in employment in 5 years

What could you earn

£23,959
Entry
£54,338
Median
£70,101
Potential

Typical Tasks

  • Prepares specifications for materials and other components.
  • Produces final design information for use in preparation of layouts, parts lists, etc..
  • Arranges construction and testing of model or prototype and modifies design if necessary.
  • Prepares working designs for steam, aero, turbine, marine and electrical engines, mechanical instruments, aircraft and missile structures, vehicle and ship structures, plant and machinery equipment, domestic electrical appliances, building systems and services, and electronic computing and telecommunications equipment.
  • Assesses product requirements, including costs, manufacturing feasibility and market requirements.

Knowledge

Mechanical Engineering and Technology Design Administration and Management Computers and Electronics Mathematics Production and Processing English Language

Skills

Critical Thinking Mathematics Reading Comprehension Science Monitoring Active Learning Active Listening Writing Speaking Learning Strategies
Apply Now for Applied Science Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Production and Process Engineers

Production and process engineers advise on and direct technical aspects of production programmes to ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency. This unit group incorporates: planning and quality control engineers who plan production schedules, work sequences, and manufacturing and processing procedures to ensure accuracy, quality and reliability; and chemical engineers who undertake research on commercial scale chemical processes and processed products, design and provide specifications and direct the construction, operation, maintenance and repair of chemical plants and control systems.

Requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Opportunities

1.47%
RISE in employment in 5 years

What could you earn

£27,600
Entry
£47,144
Median
£71,202
Potential

Typical Tasks

  • Designs, controls and constructs process plants to manufacture products.
  • Undertakes research and develops processes to achieve physical and/or chemical change for oil, pharmaceutical, synthetic, plastic, food and other products.
  • Liaises with materials buying, storing and controlling departments to ensure a steady flow of supplies.
  • Advises management on and ensures effective implementation of new production methods, techniques and equipment.
  • Investigates and eliminates potential hazards and bottlenecks in production.
  • Devises and implements production control methods to monitor operational efficiency.
  • Recommends optimum equipment and layout and prepares drawings and specifications.
  • Studies existing and alternative production methods, regarding work flow, plant layout, types of machinery and cost.

Knowledge

Mathematics Engineering and Technology Production and Processing Mechanical Design Education and Training Computers and Electronics Clerical English Language Administration and Management

Skills

Reading Comprehension Active Learning Mathematics Active Listening Writing Critical Thinking Speaking Learning Strategies
Apply Now for Applied Science Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Engineering Professionals

Workers in this unit group perform a variety of professional engineering functions.

Requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Opportunities

4.29%
RISE in employment in 5 years

What could you earn

£21,783
Entry
£38,251
Median
£57,421
Potential

Typical Tasks

  • Provides technical consultancy services.
  • Examines and advises on patent applications.
  • Prepare sketches, drawings and specifications showing materials to be used, construction and finishing methods and other details.
  • Devises and implements control systems to monitor operational efficiency and performance of system and materials.
  • Designs new systems and equipment with regard to cost, market requirements and feasibility of manufacture.
  • Establishes principles and techniques to improve the quality, durability and performance of materials such as textiles, glass, rubber, plastics, ceramics, metals and alloys.
  • Researches into problem areas to advance basic knowledge, evaluate new theories and techniques and to solve specific problems.
Apply Now for Applied Science Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Conservation Professionals

Conservation professionals are responsible for ensuring that landscapes, habitats and species are protected and enhanced via appropriate management and conservation. They promote public understanding and awareness of the natural environment and help to develop and implement appropriate policies to achieve these objectives.

Requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Opportunities

5.57%
RISE in employment in 5 years

What could you earn

£24,261
Entry
£36,046
Median
£59,304
Potential

Typical Tasks

  • Carries out research into aspects of the natural world.
  • Prepares applications for funding to other organisations, and assessing applications for funding from other organisations.
  • Promotes conservation issues via educational talks, displays, workshops and literature and liaison with the media.
  • Maintains and develops knowledge in relevant policy areas within a national and European legislative context.
  • Liaises with other groups in the selection and maintenance of the Protected Site System including Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Ramsar sites, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and National Nature Reserves (NNRs).
  • Provides advice and information to government at national and local levels, clients, landowners, planners and developers to facilitate the protection of the natural environment.
  • Implements, evaluates and monitors schemes for the management and protection of natural habitats.
  • Carries out environmental impact assessments and field surveys.
  • Promotes and implements local and national biodiversity action plans, particularly with regard to threatened species and habitats.

Knowledge

Geography Customer and Personal Service Biology Law and Government English Language Education and Training Engineering and Technology Computers and Electronics Mathematics Design Administration and Management Clerical Public Safety and Security Food Production

Skills

Reading Comprehension Monitoring Active Learning Active Listening Writing Critical Thinking Speaking Learning Strategies Mathematics Science
Apply Now for Applied Science Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Environment Professionals

Jobholders in this unit group investigate, address, and advise on a variety of terrestrial and marine environment and resource management issues, including the development and implementation of environmental policies and remedies that address the impacts of human activities and industrial processes on the environment.

Requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Opportunities

8.67%
RISE in employment in 5 years

What could you earn

£25,670
Entry
£39,829
Median
£65,528
Potential

Typical Tasks

  • Provides professional guidance to clients, government agencies, regulators and other relevant bodies, having regard for sustainable approaches and solutions.
  • Implements, reviews and advises on regulatory and legislative standards, guidelines and policies.
  • Assists organisations to conduct their activities in an environmentally appropriate manner.
  • Communicates scientific and technical information to relevant audiences in an appropriate form, via reports, workshops, educational events, public hearings.
  • Carries out environmental audits and environmental impact assessments.
  • Carries out environment-related desk-based research and fieldwork to collect, analyse and interpret data to determine their validity, quality and significance.
  • Implements remediation works.
  • Advises on and provides solutions for mitigating the effects of such contamination.
  • Identifies contamination of land, air or water and assesses any adverse impact on the environment.

Knowledge

Biology Geography Customer and Personal Service Engineering and Technology English Language Education and Training Computers and Electronics Mathematics Design Law and Government Administration and Management Clerical Public Safety and Security Food Production

Skills

Reading Comprehension Active Learning Active Listening Writing Critical Thinking Monitoring Speaking Learning Strategies Mathematics Science
Apply Now for Applied Science Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Research and Development Managers

Managers in this unit group plan, organise, co-ordinate and manage resources to undertake the systematic investigation necessary for the development of new, or to enhance the performance of existing, products and services.

Requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Opportunities

9.79%
RISE in employment in 5 years

What could you earn

£25,985
Entry
£48,229
Median
£80,299
Potential

Typical Tasks

  • Monitors the standards of scientific and technical research undertaken by the research team.
  • Plans work schedules, assigns tasks and delegates responsibilities to the research and development team.
  • Develops research methodology, implements and reports upon research investigations undertaken.
  • Liaises with production departments to investigate and resolve manufacturing problems.
  • Establishes product design and performance objectives in consultation with other business functions.

Knowledge

Administration and Management Customer and Personal Service Mathematics Chemistry Biology Law and Government Engineering and Technology English Language Computers and Electronics

Skills

Reading Comprehension Active Learning Critical Thinking Science Mathematics Writing Monitoring Speaking Active Listening
Apply Now for Applied Science Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Laboratory Technicians

Laboratory technicians carry out routine laboratory tests and checks, and perform a variety of technical support functions requiring the application of established or prescribed procedures and techniques to assist scientists with their research, development, analysis and testing, and to verify the physical, chemical and other characteristics of materials and products.

Requirements: Level 4 NVQ; Intermediate, DipHE, DipFE

Opportunities

6.54%
RISE in employment in 5 years

What could you earn

£12,965
Entry
£23,210
Median
£36,434
Potential

Typical Tasks

  • Records and collates data obtained from experimental work and documents all work carried out.
  • Operates and services specialised scientific equipment, undertakes prescribed measurements and analyses and ensures that sterile conditions necessary for some equipment are maintained.
  • Grows cultures of bacteria and viruses, prepares tissue sections and other organic and inorganic material for examination and stains and fixes slides for microscope work.
  • Prepares and analyses body fluids, secretions and/or tissue to detect infections or to examine the effects of different drugs.
  • Sets up and assists with the construction and the development of scientific apparatus for experimental, demonstration or other purposes.

Knowledge

Chemistry

Skills

Reading Comprehension Active Learning Science Writing Mathematics Critical Thinking Active Listening Learning Strategies Monitoring Speaking
Apply Now for Applied Science Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Science, Engineering and Production Technicians

Job holders in this unit group perform a variety of technical support functions.

Requirements: Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

Opportunities

3.22%
RISE in employment in 5 years

What could you earn

£18,589
Entry
£30,325
Median
£46,901
Potential

Typical Tasks

  • Otherwise assists technologists as directed.
  • Performs calculations and records and interprets data.
  • Undertakes tests and takes measurements and readings.
  • Sets up apparatus for experimental, demonstration or other purposes.
Apply Now for Applied Science Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Course fees shown are per annum for University Centre courses. Courses lasting longer than one year, fees will be payable per year.

All other courses show the total fees payable for the course.

If you need advice on any financial support that may be available to you, please contact us on applications@wigan-leigh.ac.uk or phone 01942 761111

Wigan & Leigh College endeavours to ensure that the information provided on the website is accurate. All courses are offered subject to student numbers and the College reserves the right to amend, withdraw or amalgamate any of the courses, fees, services, locations or facilities described at any time. The College cannot accept liability arising out of such changes or connected to such changes, however it will undertake to minimise disruption to students.