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Applied Science (Biomedical Science)

Course Code: FDAS
  • Level: 3
  • Qualification: Diploma
  • Awarding body: Business & Technology Education Council (BTEC), Pearson
  • Duration: One - two years
  • Course type: Full-time
  • Time of day: Daytime
  • When you'll study: Various days and times

What's it all about?

Be an innovator, inventor or world changer! In the UK and worldwide, we need paramedics, inventors, engineers, chemists and scientists and this a great route into science, engineering and health careers.

The Extended Diploma in Applied Science at City College Plymouth is a practical, hands-on two year course that is equivalent to three A Levels accepted by universities. Throughout the two years, you’ll study aspects of all the sciences – chemistry, physics and biology. You’ll also benefit from the College’s many links with local employers including the NHS and University of Plymouth. When you successfully complete the course, you’ll be part of our community of successful former students progressing to degree courses at City College Plymouth or studying degrees such as biomedical science, nursing, paramedicine, chemistry and forensic science at universities throughout the UK.

Course information

This comprehensive course covers advanced core concepts across biology, chemistry, and physics alongside hands-on laboratory techniques, while offering specialised optional paths in biomedical science.

Year 1: 

  • Unit 1 : Principles and Applications of Science I (Externally Assessed) 
  • Unit 2 : Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques 
  • Unit 3 : Science Investigation Skills (Externally Assessed) 
  • Unit 4 : Laboratory Techniques and their Application 
  • Unit 8 : Physiology of Human Body Systems 
  • Unit 11 : Genetics and Genetic Engineering 
Year 2: 

  • Unit 5 : Principles and Applications of Science II (Externally Assessed) 
  • Unit 6 : Investigative Project 
  • Unit 7 : Contemporary Issues in Science (Externally Assessed) 
  • Unit 12 : Diseases and Infections 
  • Unit 17: Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques 
  • Unit 20 : Biomedical Science 
  • Unit 21 : Medical Physics Applications

In our experience, in order to be successful on this level of course you will need to have gained five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above to include maths, English language and science.

You will be assessed via assignments (marked by your lecturers), an exam and a controlled assessment task, which is marked by the awarding body, Pearson.

Upon successful completion, you will be able to progress on to the second year of study which will allow you to specialise in a range of extended diploma subject areas that are the equivalent of studying three A Levels, including:

  • applied science
  • biomedical science
  • analytical and forensic science
  • physical science

Successful completion of the extended diploma will equate directly into UCAS points and allow for progression onto a wide range of higher education courses. Many past students have progressed to degrees in biomedical science, nursing, paramedicine and chemistry.

You may also be able to gain an Apprenticeship within the industry.

Please note fees are quoted for one year only.

Download course PDF

Future careers

What you could earn:

Chemical Scientists

£63,959.33

Potential salary

£22,259.72

Entry level salary

£36,612.40

Average salary

1

Annual openings in Plymouth

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