Applied Science (Analytical and Forensic Science) - Level 3 Extended Diploma
Start Date: 4th September 2023
Code: PFFN02082
Essentials
Duration: 2 Years Full-time
Start date: 4th September 2023
End date: 6th June 2025
Information event: Y
Course fee: FREE (See eligibility criteria)
Successful students automatically progress to the second year of the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma.
Course Content
This course includes 13 units of which 7 are mandatory and 4 are externally assessed and is equivalent in size to 3 A-levels.
There are two externally assessed units in Year 1 of the course:
- Principles and Applications of Science I
- Science Investigation Skills
And two more in Yearr 2:
- Principles and Applications of Science II
- Contemporary Issues in Science
Some other units include:
- Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
- Laboratory Techniques and their Application
- Investigative Project
- Forensic Evidence, Collection and Analysis
- Forensic Traffic Collision Investigation
The essential skills of communication, numeracy and ICT are an integral part of this course. If you are accepted onto this course without a Grade C or above in each of Maths, English and ICT you will be required to complete the relevant Essential Skills qualification. This will be a compulsory part of your timetable.
Special Features
- The course provides a work-related qualification which is relevant to the needs of local science-based employers.
- Students will have the opportunity to visit science-based industries and attend sessions delivered by guest speakers, for example from PSNI.
- Students will participate in simulated crime scene investigations.
- The programme will prepare students for university entrance and study of science at a higher level.
- The course provides a broad range of science so can lead to many areas of further study, including forensic science, food science, health science, biomedical science, pharmaceutical biosciences, marine biology, stratified medicine, biomedical engineering.

Essential Skills
All full-time students at the Northern Regional College have the opportunity to improve their English, Maths and IT skills and gain qualifications. The qualification you take will depend on the qualification you already have. If you do not have a grade C or above in GCSE English, Maths or ICT, you MUST do Essential Skills. This will form a compulsory part of your timetable.
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