Examination Board | Edexcel/Pearson Medical Science | BTEC

Specification Code | 610/3958/5 (QAN Code)

Subject Content

Students follow the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Medical Science. This qualification is equivalent to one A-Level. It comprises four units (three of these are mandatory).

In Year 12, students will cover the following units:

• Module 1 | Principles of Human Physiology and Anatomy (Externally Assessed Exam)
• Module 3 | Practical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (Internally Assessed Portfolio)

In Year 13, students will cover the following units:

• Module 2 | Health Issues and Scientific Reporting (externally Assessed)
• Module 4 | Diseases, Disorders, Treatments and Therapies (Internally Assessed)

Assessment Details

In Year 12, Medical Science students will be regularly assessed on their portfolio work in strict accordance with the specification guidelines. Submission dates for all work are published at the start of the year, and it is the responsibility of the students to meet these deadlines. For the portfolio assignments, students will have just one opportunity to improve their work following feedback.

Students will also take an external exam (formal exam) for unit 1.

To be successful, students will need to be able to:

• Draw accurate scientific diagrams and drawings
• Work scientifically in the laboratory
• Be able to transform and reduce concepts in order to help build subject knowledge
• Be exceptionally hardworking
• Meet deadlines
• Maintain an organised portfolio

Additional Equipment Recommended

• Students will need a scientific calculator.

What can I do to support my child at home?

• Take an interest in the biology that students are studying and discuss this with them.
• Help students to prepare for module exams and formal exams. Take an interest in their performance in these and help them where possible to close gaps in knowledge.
• We recommend the use of Seneca learning. Encourage students to engage with this regularly and to use it for targeted revision in the preparation for exams
• Knowledge is the backbone of the Level 3 BTEC, it helps students to ‘learn’ content through questioning, helping them produce revision material/cards.
• Facilitate time for them to undertake pressure/timed practice at home so that they can develop a fluent exam technique
• Help them to keep organised and to meet deadlines.

Websites

• https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-nationals/medical-science-aaq.html
• Seneca Learning – This is a useful revision site

Books

Level 3 AAQ BTEC National in Medical Science Extended Certificate Student Book ISBN: 9781292487090

Teaching Staff Contact Details

Head of Science and Teacher of Medical Science

Mrs Beatty - lbeatty@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk

Second in Science

Mrs Moore - vmoore@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk

Teacher of Medical Science

Miss Edwards - jedwards@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk