BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (forensics) (Full Time)
| Full Time | HEALTH, CARE, EARLY YEARS & APPLIED SCIENCE HF24 |
| Course Length | 2 years |
Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at grade C or above including English, Maths and Science and a satisfactory reference.
Description
This two-year full-time course is designed to give students a recognised qualification in Applied Science, providing the knowledge, skills and understanding required for higher education or employment in a scientific environment. It is equivalent to three full A Levels and contains a large amount of practical work and forensic investigation.
Course Content
The course consists of 18 units, 6 compulsory units plus 12 specialist units:
Compulsory units:
- Fundamentals of Science
- Working in the Science Industry
- Scientific Investigation
- Scientific Practical Techniques
- Perceptions of Science
- Applications of Numbers for Science Technicians
Specialist units:
- Forensic Evidence Collection and Analysis
- Criminology
- Criminal Psychology
- Criminal Investigation Practice and Procedures
- Forensic Fire Investigation
Attendance of 100% is necessary in order to complete the course.
Method of Assessment
The course is continuously assessed with some external assessment (this may include an Integrated Vocational Assignment) and testing through assignments, projects and case studies. Students will develop a responsible and co-operative approach to working on their own and in groups. The course uses practical activities, presentations and involvement with local business wherever possible.
Functional Skills
All students will participate in timetabled sessions designed to enhance skills in English and Maths. ICT skills may also be offered as an alternative if these skills are more appropriate to the programme of study. Students will receive separate certificates on successful completion of the programme.
Other Studies (enhancement)
There may be an opportunity to undertake additional qualifications built into the course that will be assessed by either continuous assessment, a completed portfolio or an end test.
Other Activities
Students may be required to participate in a work experience programme as an integral part of the course, where this is appropriate. The course includes a number of visits including the Law Courts at Winchester, a Police Training Centre in Netley and forensic labs. Students will be required to pay £100 towards the cost of these trips, other trips may be arranged during the period of the course.
Progression
This course is a recognised route into Higher Education. Students may progress to a Higher National Diploma or Degree course. Employment opportunities range from a science-based environment to police or court services.
Equipment
Not applicable.
Consumable Items
Students will be required to purchase general stationery items together with a USB memory stick.
Course Fees
Tuition and registration fees are free for students aged 16-18 as at 31 August 2010 for the course period, students aged 19+ as at 31 August 2010 will be required to pay the fees as stated. The tuition fee is payable for each year of study, all fees are due at enrolment. Costs may vary for international students, please ask for details.
| Tuition fees (per year) - 19 years and over only | Registration fees - 19 years and over only |
|---|---|
| £800 | £275 |
The following charges apply to all students:
| Estimate charge for equipment (per year) | Estimate charge for trips and visits (per year) |
|---|---|
| - | £100 |
If you have any financial concerns please contact Student Welfare on 01256 306393.
Please note there is restricted access for wheelchair users in some areas of the college, phone the number below for details.
BCOT, Worting Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 8TN. Tel: 01256 354141 Fax: 01256 306444
www.bcot.ac.uk email information@bcot.ac.uk Course Code HF24
Disclaimer: the information in this leaflet is correct at time of printing. The college reserves the right to change details if necessary at a later date, and to cancel any course if minimum enrolment numbers are not achieved.
“Anyone interested in studying forensic science should choose BCOT,” said Laura. Katie and Laura are thoroughly enjoying the challenge of the Forensic Science National Diploma, but strongly recommend that pupils think carefully before choosing this career choice. “Any student joining the course must be prepared to work hard and tackle a heavy workload,” said Katie.
“One of the reasons I chose the National Diploma was because I am much better at coursework and I was delighted to find there are no exams,” said Laura.
“The National Diploma is very interesting and broad. It covers the sciences, even including such things as the life cycle of some insects and criminology, such as crime prevention, psychology and law. We carry out crime scene work and lots of science experiments. An interesting lesson included a post-mortem video, which was not for the faint-hearted! We have lots of interesting visits to help us with assignments, which include pathology labs, a fire station, a police station and the local road crash research centre,” said Katie.
The National Diploma offers lots of scope to help students decide which area to go on and study at university. On completion of the course next year, Katie intends to study Forensic Chemistry at university. Laura, in her second year, has chosen Law with Criminology and has applied to Southampton Solent, Cardiff and Plymouth universities.
Thanks to the National Diploma, which has been successfully run at BCOT for the past five years, Katie and Laura will be well prepared for their chosen career paths.
