Applied Human Biology (BTEC Level 3)
Why study Applied Human Biology?
Ever wanted to know more about the human body and the way in which systems within the body work together to allow it to function correctly? This course introduces these ideas as well as more vocationally linked topics to prepare you for a career in the science industry. Applied Human Biology is a great choice if you are looking to make a difference to the health and lives of others. It provides an alternative route to a variety of science or health-based degree courses or prepares you for the world of work. You will cover a number of key topics such as biological principles including cells, tissues, biological molecules, genetics, immunology and practical microbiology as well as diseases, diagnostic techniques and treatments – and learn how these subjects are relevant to health-related careers.
Entry Requirements
In addition to our general entry requirements, you must have:
- GCSE English – grade 3
- GCSE Maths – grade 4
- GCSE Science – grade 4 (or Merit in Level 2 BTEC/OCR Science)
The Course
This course is designed to prepare you for employment in a laboratory or care environment or for entry to an appropriate university course. You will learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. As well as learning about this employment area, you will develop important skills for a science career – the development of practical skills is a major part of the course. You will also learn through independent research using resources at college and information gathered on educational visits.
Course Activities
Learners will experience a wide range of activities and assessments. Assignments and coursework as well as more practical assessment form a large part of this course. You will work independently and in groups and will use a variety of methods to present your work, such as posters, leaflets, scientific reports, whole class presentations and videos. You will need to conduct a significant amount of independent research to be successful on the course and will find, analyse and draw conclusions from a variety of media.
Career and Progression Opportunities
This course will prepare you for a career in a variety of science-based industries or for entry to an appropriate university course. This course is particularly suitable if you are interested in working in the fields of nursing, biomedical science, health and social care, sport science, physiotheraphy, midwifery, occupational health, forensic science or pharmaceuticals. This course would therefore work well alongside A Level PE, BTEC Sport or BTEC Health & Social Care.
Course Structure and Assessment
This is a two-year course and is the equivalent of one A Level. Assessment will be in the form of internally-assessed coursework, externally-assessed coursework, and externally-assessed exams. The units that are studied are subject to change.
| Unit title | Assessment |
| Unit 1: Principles of Applied Human Biology | External written exam (90 minutes) |
| Unit 2: Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases | Internal/coursework |
| Unit 3: Human Biology and Health Issues | External written exam (90 minutes) |
| Optional units | |
| Unit 7: Biomedical Science | Unit 7: Biomedical Science |
Additional Information
Examination Board: Pearson Edexcel
You will be required complete transition work over the summer and hand this in at enrolment. Without this, you may not be able to take your place on the course.