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Where will this course lead?

The Foundation Diploma in Applied Science is the core qualification studied in the first year of a Level 3 Programme of Study in Applied Science. It is the perfect qualification for students who want to continue their studies in science beyond Level 2 or GCSE and provides a solid foundation of learning across all science disciplines before an optional pathway is chosen in year two.

Successful learners will be able to progress onto the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science after the first year, choosing a specialist pathway relevant to their long term ambitions. A full Extended Diploma in Applied Science provides access to a wide range of University-level courses, or entry into employment within the science industry.

The Foundation Diploma combines the key areas of Biology, Chemistry and Physics to give you a well-rounded practical and theoretical understanding of the Applied Sciences. A significant amount of time will be spent developing your practical laboratory skills, which will allow you to progress with confidence into technical-based employment or Higher Education science programmes.

What will I study?

While on the Foundation Diploma, you will study Units covering a variety of topics:

 

· Principles and Applications of Science 1

· Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

· Science Investigation Skills

· Laboratory Techniques and their Application

· Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways

· Electrical Circuits and their Application

How will this course be delivered?

The course is delivered through a series of 6 Units, composed of both practical and theoretical components.

Delivery will be through student-centred lessons, complemented by interactive, computer-based activities and laboratory work.

What qualifications will I get?

After successful completion of the first year, you will be awarded a BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Applied Science, which is equivalent in size to 3 AS-levels.

After successful completion of the second year, you will be awarded a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science, equivalent in size to 3 A-levels.

How will I be assessed?

Of the six Units studied in the first year, four are achieved by completing assignments, which are set and marked internally by your tutors. This coursework is assessed against Pass, Merit and Distinction criteria to determine an overall grade for each Unit. One Unit is assessed by means of an externally-set examination. One further Unit is assessed through completion of an externally-set project, based on a scientific investigation.

How do I get a place on the course?

You will need to submit an application form and attend an interview.

What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements are normally:

GCSE grade C (or 4) or above in

o Mathematics*

o English Language*

o Science (3 sciences or double award)

· Or:

A Merit grade or above in a BTEC Level 2 in Applied Science

* Applicants with only Mathematics or English at the required level, but a GCSE Grade 3 in the other subject will considered and required to study towards their missing qualification within their course

Other equivalent qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In special cases, a diagnostic assessment may be completed.

What else do I need to know?

You will undertake a wide range of practical investigations, through which good laboratory practice will be developed.

All laboratory safety equipment will be provided by the College.

You will undertake a 1 week work placement during each year of the course.

You are expected to have your own scientific calculator.

You may wish to purchase a recommended textbook to accompany the course.

You may be required to make set contributions towards educational trips and/or travel expenses to local events.

If you have a Learning Difficulty or Disability or Additional Educational Need, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application, we can also assist you with this.

Solihull College & University Centre offers full-time and part-time courses for businesses and residents in Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Warwickshire and the whole of the West Midlands.

What can I do after this course?

If you are successful (with at least a Merit grade) on this course, you will be able to progress onto the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science, which will then allow you to access University-level courses in scientific disciplines, including our Foundation Degree in Applied Biosciences.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

SCAJA021BCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Biochemist

Biological scientists and biochemists examine and investigate the morphology, structure, chemistry and physical characteristics of living organisms, including their inter-relationships, environments and diseases.

What’s Involved?

Biochemists study the physical and chemical form, structure, composition and function of living organisms; They identify and study the chemical substances, including microbial infections, involved in physiological processes and the progress of disease; They also perform tests to study physiological and pathological characteristics within cells and other organisms; They researche the effects of internal and external environmental factors on the life processes and other functions of living organisms; They observe the structure of communities of organisms in the laboratory and in their natural environment; They also advise farmers, medical staff and others, on the nature of field crops, livestock and produce and on the treatment and prevention of disease; They monitor the distribution, presence and behaviour of plants, animals and aquatic life, and performs other scientific tasks related to conservation not performed by jobholders in MINOR GROUP 214: Conservation and Environment Professionals.

Chemical Process Operative

Job holders in this unit group operate plant and machinery in the processing of chemical and related materials by chemical, heat or other treatment, manufacture synthetic materials and bleach, dye or otherwise treat textiles, and treat hides, skins and pelts for making into fur, leather and skin products.

What’s Involved?

Chemical Process Operatives load prescribed quantities of ingredients into plant equipment, starts operational cycle, monitors instruments and gauges indicating conditions affecting the operation of the plant and adjusts controls as necessary; They prepare dye, bleaching, water repellent, fixing salt and other chemical solutions to finish and treat textiles; They also regulate input of polymer into melting unit, extrude polymer, gather extruded filaments and feed strands through rolling, cutting and treatment units to produce synthetic fibre; They operate kilns, furnaces and ovens to produce charcoal, coke and other carbon products; They operate machines to coat film and tape with sensitising material and otherwise impregnate materials by immersion, split mould mica and produce asbestos pipes and sheets; cuts and trims skins, hides and pelts, removes wool, hair, flesh and other waste material, and washes, limes, tans, dyes and otherwise treats hides for making into leather, skin and fur products; withdraws samples for quality control testing, removes and regulates discharge of batch material upon completion of processing.

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers and Production and Process engineers advise on and direct technical aspects of production programmes to ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency. This unit group incorporates: planning and quality control engineers who plan production schedules, work sequences, and manufacturing and processing procedures to ensure accuracy, quality and reliability; and chemical engineers who undertake research on commercial scale chemical processes and processed products, design and provide specifications and direct the construction, operation, maintenance and repair of chemical plants and control systems.

What’s Involved?

A Chemical Engineer studies existing and alternative production methods, regarding work flow, plant layout, types of machinery and cost; recommends optimum equipment and layout and prepares drawings and specifications; devises and implements production control methods to monitor operational efficiency; investigates and eliminates potential hazards and bottlenecks in production; advises management on and ensures effective implementation of new production methods, techniques and equipment; liaises with materials buying, storing and controlling departments to ensure a steady flow of supplies; undertakes research and develops processes to achieve physical and/or chemical change for oil, pharmaceutical, synthetic, plastic, food and other products; designs, controls and constructs process plants to manufacture products.

Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense drugs and medicaments in hospitals and pharmacies and advise on and participate in the development and testing of new drugs, compounds and therapies. They counsel on the proper use and adverse effects of drugs and medicines.

What’s Involved?

Pharmacists prepare or direct the preparation of prescribed medicaments in liquid, powder, tablet, ointment or other form following prescriptions issued by medical doctors and other health professionals; They advise health professionals on the selection and appropriate use of medicines; They also highlight a drug's potential side effects, identifies harmful interactions with other drugs and assesses the suitability of treatments for patients with particular health conditions; Pharmacists check that recommended doses are not being exceeded and that instructions are understood by patients; They maintain prescription files and records issue of narcotics, poisons and other habit-forming drugs; They also liaise with other professionals regarding the development, manufacturing and testing of drugs; They test and analyse drugs to determine their identity, purity and strength; They ensure that drugs and medicaments are in good supply and are stored properly.

Chemical Scientist

Chemical scientists analyse and research physical aspects of chemical structure and change within substances and develop chemical techniques used in the manufacture or modification of natural substances and processed products.

What’s Involved?

Chemical Scientists develop experimental procedures, instruments and recording and testing systems; conducts experiments to identify chemical composition, energy and chemical changes in natural substances and processed materials; analyses results and experimental data; tests techniques and processes for reliability under a variety of conditions; develops procedures for quality control of manufactured products.

Laboratory Technician

Laboratory technicians carry out routine laboratory tests and checks, and perform a variety of technical support functions requiring the application of established or prescribed procedures and techniques to assist scientists with their research, development, analysis and testing, and to verify the physical, chemical and other characteristics of materials and products.

What’s Involved?

A Laboratory Technician sets up and assists with the construction and the development of scientific apparatus for experimental, demonstration or other purposes; prepares and analyses body fluids, secretions and/or tissue to detect infections or to examine the effects of different drugs; grows cultures of bacteria and viruses, prepares tissue sections and other organic and inorganic material for examination and stains and fixes slides for microscope work; operates and services specialised scientific equipment, undertakes prescribed measurements and analyses and ensures that sterile conditions necessary for some equipment are maintained; records and collates data obtained from experimental work and documents all work carried out.

Physical Scientist

Physical scientists study relationships between matter, energy and other physical phenomena, the nature, composition and structure of the Earth and other planetary bodies and forecast weather conditions and electrical, magnetic, seismic and thermal activity. This can include job roles such as Geologist, Geophysicist, Medical Physicist, Meteorologist, Oceanographer, Physicist and Seismologist.

What’s Involved?

A Physical Scientists conducts experiments and tests and uses mathematical models and theories to investigate the structure and properties of matter, transformations and propagations of energy, the behaviour of particles and their interaction with various forms of energy; uses surveys, seismology and other methods to determine the earth's mantle, crust, rock structure and type, and to analyse and predict the occurrence of seismological activity; observes, records and collates data on atmospheric conditions from weather stations, satellites, and observation vessels to plot and forecast weather conditions; applies mathematical models and techniques to assist in the solution of scientific problems in industry and commerce and seeks out new applications of mathematical analysis.

Biomedical Scientist

Biomedical scientists examine and investigate the morphology, structure, chemistry and physical characteristics of living organisms, including their inter-relationships, environments and diseases.

What’s Involved?

A Biomedical Scientist studies the physical and chemical form, structure, composition and function of living organisms; identifies and studies the chemical substances, including microbial infections, involved in physiological processes and the progress of disease; performs tests to study physiological and pathological characteristics within cells and other organisms; researches the effects of internal and external environmental factors on the life processes and other functions of living organisms; observes the structure of communities of organisms in the laboratory and in their natural environment; advises farmers, medical staff and others, on the nature of field crops, livestock and produce and on the treatment and prevention of disease; monitors the distribution, presence and behaviour of plants, animals and aquatic life, and performs other scientific tasks related to conservation.

Radiographer

Medical (diagnostic) radiographers operate x-ray machines, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and other imaging devices for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, assist in the diagnosis of injuries and diseases and are involved in intervention procedures such as the removal of kidney stones. They operate under the supervision of senior staff. Therapeutic radiographers specialise in the planning and administration of radiotherapy treatment for patients with cancer.

What’s Involved?

A Radiographer uses a range of imaging devices for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes; assesses patients and interprets clinical requirements to determine appropriate radiographic treatments; verifies identity of patient and ensures that necessary preparations have been made for the examination/treatment; decides length and intensity of exposure or strength of dosage of isotope; positions patient and operates x-ray, scanning or fluoroscopic equipment; maintains records of all radiographic/therapeutic work undertaken; plans course of treatment with clinical oncologists and physicists; calculates radiation dosage and maps volume to be treated; explains treatment to patient and management of any side effects; carries out post-treatment reviews and follow-ups.

Botanist

Botanists fall under the category of Biological scientists and Biochemists. They examine and investigate the morphology, structure, chemistry and physical characteristics of living organisms, including their inter-relationships, environments and diseases.

What’s Involved?

Biological scientists and Biochemists study the physical and chemical form, structure, composition and function of living organisms; They identify and study the chemical substances, including microbial infections, involved in physiological processes and the progress of disease; They also perform tests to study physiological and pathological characteristics within cells and other organisms; They research the effects of internal and external environmental factors on the life processes and other functions of living organisms; They also observe the structure of communities of organisms in the laboratory and in their natural environment; They advise farmers, medical staff and others, on the nature of field crops, livestock and produce and on the treatment and prevention of disease; They monitor the distribution, presence and behaviour of plants, animals and aquatic life.

Medical & Dental Technician

Medical and dental technicians operate, calibrate and maintain cardiographic and encephalographic testing equipment, assist in the conduct of post mortems, give simple dental treatments, fit artificial limbs and hearing aids, and undertake a wide range of related medical and dental tasks.

What’s Involved?

A Medical or Dental Technician operates equipment to diagnose and record or treat hearing, heart, brain, lung and kidney ailments; undertakes scaling and polishing of teeth, applies medicaments, carries out post-operative hygiene work and advises on preventative dentistry; makes dentures, crowns, bridges, orthodontic and other dental appliances according to individual patient requirements; measures patients for, and fits them with, surgical appliances, hearing aids and artificial limbs; performs related medical tasks including treating hair and scalp disorders and conducting tests on glaucoma patients; takes samples for clinical examination.

Environmental Scientist

Jobholders in this unit group investigate, address, and advise on a variety of terrestrial and marine environment and resource management issues, including the development and implementation of environmental policies and remedies that address the impacts of human activities and industrial processes on the environment.

What’s Involved?

An Environmental Scientist identifies contamination of land, air or water and assesses any adverse impact on the environment; advises on and provides solutions for mitigating the effects of such contamination; implements remediation works; carries out environment-related desk-based research and fieldwork to collect, analyse and interpret data to determine their validity, quality and significance; carries out environmental audits and environmental impact assessments; communicates scientific and technical information to relevant audiences in an appropriate form, via reports, workshops, educational events, public hearings; assists organisations to conduct their activities in an environmentally appropriate manner; implements, reviews and advises on regulatory and legislative standards, guidelines and policies; provides professional guidance to clients, government agencies, regulators and other relevant bodies, having regard for sustainable approaches and solutions.

Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists provide scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations. This involves searching for and examining contact trace material associated with crimes. This material can include blood and other body fluids, hairs, fibres from clothing, paint and glass fragments, tyre marks, flammable substances used to start fires and more.

What’s Involved?

Forensic Scientists analyse samples such as hair, body fluids, glass, paint and drugs, in the laboratory, apply techniques such as gas and high-performance liquid chromatography, scanning electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and genetic fingerprinting, sift and sort evidence often held in miniscule quantities, record findings and collect trace evidence from scenes of crimes or accidents, attend and examine scenes of crimes liaise with teams and coordinate with outside agencies such as the police and analyse and interpret results and computer data.

Optician

Ophthalmic opticians test patients' vision, diagnose defects and disorders and prescribe glasses or contact lenses as required.

What’s Involved?

An Optician examines eyes and tests vision of patient, identifies problems, defects, injuries and ill health; prescribes, supplies and fits appropriate spectacle lenses, contact lenses and other aids; advises patient on proper use of glasses, contact lenses and other aids, and on appropriate lighting conditions for reading and working; refers patient to a specialist, where necessary; carries out research with glass and lens manufacturers.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.