How you’d get it

How you’d get this certificate

  1. Zavmo teaches you. You learn the units one-to-one with an AI tutor, on your own work.
  2. You register with an approved centre. That is a college, training provider or employer Cambridge OCR has approved to offer this qualification. Zavmo is not an approved centre, so you register with them, not with us.
  3. The centre assesses, and Cambridge OCR awards. A qualified assessor at the centre judges your evidence, and the certificate comes from Cambridge OCR.

More on studying for a qualification

01What it is

The Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Applied Science at Level 3 from OCR is for learners who wish to apply scientific skills, knowledge and understanding. It covers science fundamentals, laboratory techniques, scientific analysis, human physiology and genetics.

These are the units Cambridge OCR registers against this qualification. It is a catalogue, not a syllabus. Which of them you take depends on the combination the qualification requires, and that is set by the awarding body rather than by us. Every unit here is regulated. Zavmo teaches towards them on your own work.

Zavmo is not an awarding body, is not an approved centre, and is not affiliated with Cambridge OCR. It does the teaching and the mapping. Cambridge OCR sets this qualification and awards it, and a qualified human assessor makes the assessment decision.

02The units

What each unit actually teaches you to do

Cell biology Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll explore cell structure and organelle functions, cell division, differentiation, and signalling processes. The unit includes analysis of cellular roles in biological systems and practical investigation of cell biology.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the basic structure of cells
  • Describe the functions of different cell organelles
  • Explain the processes of cell division and differentiation
  • Analyse the role of cells in different biological systems
  • Understand the principles of cell signalling
  • Investigate cell biology using appropriate techniques
Control of hazards in the laboratory Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll identify labouratory hazards, implement control measures to reduce risks, understand health and safety legislation, respond to emergencies, and conduct risk assessments. The unit covers chemical, biological, and physical hazards in labouratory environments.

What you'll be able to do

  • Identify potential hazards within a laboratory environment
  • Implement control measures to minimise risks associated with laboratory hazards
  • Understand relevant health and safety legislation and guidelines
  • Respond appropriately to emergency situations in the laboratory
  • Conduct risk assessments for laboratory activities
Drug development Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit covers the drug development process from research to market release, including drug types, mechanisms of action, and clinical trials. You'll analyse ethical considerations and regulatory requirements involved in drug development.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the stages involved in drug development, from initial research to market release
  • Describe the different types of drugs and their mechanisms of action
  • Explain the importance of clinical trials in drug development
  • Analyse the ethical considerations involved in drug development
  • Understand the regulatory processes and requirements for drug approval
Environmental management Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit provides learners with knowledge of environmental management principles, key issues such as climate change and pollution, and sustainable development approaches. You'll evaluate management strategies, legislation, and stakeholder engagement.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the principles of environmental management
  • Identify key environmental management issues
  • Analyse the impact of human activities on the environment
  • Evaluate different environmental management strategies
  • Understand environmental legislation and regulations
  • Apply environmental management techniques in practical situations
Environmental surveying Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll understand environmental surveying principles and techniques, apply these in practical contexts, analyse survey data, and evaluate its accuracy and reliability. The unit also covers relevant health and safety regulations.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the principles of environmental surveying
  • Identify different environmental surveying techniques
  • Apply environmental surveying techniques in practical situations
  • Analyse data collected from environmental surveys
  • Evaluate the accuracy and reliability of environmental survey data
  • Understand relevant health and safety regulations for environmental surveying
Genetics Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit provides learners with knowledge of genetics principles, including DNA and RNA structure and function, molecular biology processes, inheritance patterns, and the role of genes in traits. Ethical considerations in genetics are also examined.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the basic principles of genetics
  • Describe the structure and function of DNA and RNA
  • Explain the processes of DNA replication, transcription, and translation
  • Analyse patterns of inheritance
  • Understand the role of genes in determining traits
  • Discuss the ethical implications of genetic technologies
  • Explain the concepts of mutation and genetic variation
Global scientific information Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll explore the global landscape of scientific information, including organisations involved, storage and transmission methods, and classification systems. The unit also covers quality management and legal and regulatory frameworks.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the organisations and institutions that hold scientific information globally
  • Describe the methods used to store and transmit scientific information
  • Understand the classification systems used for scientific information
  • Explain the quality management processes for scientific information
  • Apply the key features of legal and regulatory frameworks governing the storage and use of global scientific information
  • Analyse the impact and consequences of legal and regulatory frameworks on the use of scientific information
  • Understand the principles of information security and risk management in the context of scientific information
Human nutrition Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit covers human nutrition principles, major nutrients and their bodily functions, and digestion, absorption, and metabolism processes. You'll analyse nutritional needs across populations, evaluate diet impacts on health, and understand nutritional assessment methods.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the principles of human nutrition
  • Describe the major nutrients and their functions in the body
  • Explain the processes of digestion, absorption, and metabolism
  • Analyse the nutritional needs of different population groups
  • Evaluate the impact of diet on health and disease
  • Understand the principles of healthy eating
  • Explain the role of nutrition in physical activity and performance
Human physiology Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll study the structure and function of human body systems, physiological processes, and the interrelationships between systems. The unit includes evaluation of lifestyle impacts, homeostasis mechanisms, and common physiological disorders.

What you'll be able to do

  • Describe the structure and function of the human body systems
  • Explain the physiological processes that occur within the human body
  • Analyse the interrelationships between different body systems
  • Evaluate the impact of lifestyle factors on human physiology
  • Understand the mechanisms of homeostasis in the human body
  • Describe common physiological disorders and their causes
Laboratory techniques Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll develop proficiency in common labouratory techniques such as aseptic handling, titrations, spectrophotometry, and chromatography. The unit emphasises correct sample preparation, accurate record-keeping, adherence to health and safety regulations, and safe use of labouratory equipment.

What you'll be able to do

  • Demonstrate proficiency in a range of common laboratory techniques
  • Apply appropriate techniques for sample preparation and analysis
  • Maintain accurate records of laboratory procedures and results
  • Adhere to health and safety regulations within a laboratory environment
  • Use laboratory equipment correctly and safely
Science fundamentals Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit covers fundamental scientific concepts across biology, chemistry, and physics, including cell biology, genetics, atomic structure, and chemical properties. You'll apply scientific principles to solve practical problems, demonstrate safe labouratory practices, and analyse scientific data.

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain fundamental scientific concepts related to biology
  • Explain fundamental scientific concepts related to chemistry
  • Explain fundamental scientific concepts related to physics
  • Apply scientific principles to solve practical problems
  • Demonstrate safe laboratory practices and techniques
  • Analyse and interpret scientific data
  • Evaluate the validity and reliability of scientific information
Scientific analysis and reporting Real unit · Cambridge OCR
It teaches you to understand and apply scientific analysis principles, interpret and evaluate data validity and reliability, and produce clear scientific reports. You'll also present findings professionally while considering ethical standards and quality control.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the principles of scientific analysis
  • Apply scientific analysis techniques to given scenarios
  • Interpret data obtained from scientific analysis
  • Evaluate the validity and reliability of scientific data
  • Produce clear and concise scientific reports
  • Present scientific findings in a professional manner
  • Understand the ethical considerations in scientific analysis and reporting
  • Apply quality control procedures in scientific analysis
Scientific research techniques Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit equips learners to develop research plans, conduct secondary research, design scientific investigations, and draw conclusions. You'll make evidence-based recommendations from research analysis and feedback.

What you'll be able to do

  • Develop a comprehensive research plan, outlining objectives, methodology, and timelines
  • Conduct thorough secondary research in a given scenario, adhering to a specified brief and utilising appropriate sources
  • Design a scientific investigation for a given scenario, incorporating relevant variables and controls
  • Draw logical conclusions from research findings, analysis of data, and feedback received
  • Formulate evidence-based recommendations based on the research outcomes
Sustainability and renewable energy Real unit · Cambridge OCR
You'll define sustainability in energy production, describe renewable energy sources, and analyse environmental, economic, and social impacts. The unit emphasises sustainable development principles applied to the energy sector.

What you'll be able to do

  • Define sustainability and its importance in the context of energy production
  • Describe different types of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro power
  • Explain the environmental impacts of traditional energy sources and the benefits of renewable energy
  • Analyse the economic and social factors that influence the adoption of renewable energy technologies
  • Understand the policies and regulations that promote sustainability and renewable energy
Waste management Real unit · Cambridge OCR
This unit covers waste management principles, waste types and characteristics, environmental impacts, and management strategies. You'll understand relevant legislation and apply waste management techniques effectively.

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the principles of waste management
  • Identify different types of waste and their characteristics
  • Analyse the environmental impact of waste disposal
  • Evaluate different waste management strategies
  • Understand waste management legislation and regulations
  • Apply waste management techniques in practical situations
By email

Free, by email

Is this the right qualification for you?

One email to help you decide: the facts, what it teaches, the jobs it leads to and where to start free. With a link back here. Nothing else follows unless you confirm your address.

Your employer, or 'self-employed'

Study the units online with a personal AI tutor, for £70 a month. Your first Future Fluency module is free.

03The standards

The national standards these units are built against

What the job actually needs, in the words employers and awarding bodies already use for the work itself.

  • 17_Analysing laboratory samples using light microscopy

    Standard
  • Analyses of DNA using Gel Electrophoresis in Life Sciences and Related Industries

    Standard
  • Identify individuals with, or at risk of, genetic conditions

    Standard
  • Principles of Human Biology and Food Conversion

    Standard
04Where it leads

The jobs these credits are mapped to

A qualification is never a dead end here. Each of these is a job record this qualification is a mapped route into.

Showing 6 roles, drawn from 34 job records mapped to this qualification. Near-identical records are folded together, and each row says how many it stands for.

Where this can lead

Associate Laboratory Technician

This role builds the fundamentals of lab work. From here, some move into more senior technician roles, others into research or lab management.

See the whole journey
Still deciding?

One email to help you decide: the facts, what it teaches, the jobs it leads to and where to start free. With a link back here. Nothing else follows unless you confirm your address.

05The credits

The credits, and who awards them

Level 3 credits are regulated, and they are awarded by Cambridge OCR rather than by Zavmo. They don’t vanish when a subscription ends or a website closes. They travel to any employer, and Zavmo keeps the map of what you have covered and what is next.

What you would be collecting

Cell biologyControl of hazards in the laboratoryDrug developmentEnvironmental managementEnvironmental surveyingGeneticsGlobal scientific informationHuman nutrition

Each one is a real unit registered against this qualification.

How you’d practise it

You don’t watch this. You do it.

You are not assessed on remembering this. You are assessed on applying it, analysing it, evaluating it and producing something. So that is what the practice is: projects, role play and your own live cases, with a tutor in the room.

The Practical Builder The Practical Builder · your make-it-real tutor Illustration
The Practical Builder Paste in the draft you have for “Scientific analysis and reporting”. Not a tidied one, the one you would actually send.
You It is mostly there. The recommendations section is thin.
The Practical Builder Thin is fine, vague is not. Take recommendation two and tell me who does what by when, then we will see if it survives.
The same lesson on the real thing: the conversation in the middle, the thinking ladder on the left, and the criteria each answer is evidencing on the right.
  • Draft the real one Create

    You do “Scientific analysis and reporting” on a real document of your own. Zavmo works on the draft you have to send anyway, so the coursework and the job are the same piece of work.

  • Map a live decision Analyse

    “Scientific research techniques” runs on a decision you are facing now. Zavmo maps it with you and shows what the second-order effect looks like before you find out the slow way.

  • Lead it Apply

    “Environmental management” is practised on the team you actually have. You talk through the call you are about to make, and Zavmo makes you say it the way you would say it to them.

What you leave holding

The standards this credential builds, in the shape the product keeps them

Nothing here is marked learned. There is no learner on a public page, so the map shows what the qualification covers rather than what anybody has done.

See Your Progress Grow Illustration
Cambridge OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Applied Science
  • 17_Analysing laboratory samples using light microscopy
  • Analyses of DNA using Gel Electrophoresis in Life Sciences and Related Industries
  • Identify individuals with, or at risk of, genetic conditions
  • Principles of Human Biology and Food Conversion
This is your Mind Palace on learn.zavmo.ai. Every skill above comes from this role's own record, not an example borrowed from another job. A node lights up when you evidence it, and what you build stays yours between jobs. That is the part a course cannot do.

How you would learn this

One to one, on the work you already do

A tutor sets the task against your own job and marks the reasoning, at your pace. There is no cohort to fall behind.

A lesson from Cell biology, one of this qualification's own units.

Cell biology Level 3

Applied to your work in any of these jobs

Learners will explore cell structure and organelle functions, cell division, differentiation, and signalling processes. The unit includes analysis of cellular roles in biological systems and practical investigation of cell biology.

How the thinking builds
  1. 1 Remember
  2. 2 Understand
  3. 3 Apply
  4. 4 Analyse
  5. 5 Evaluate
  6. 6 Create
An illustration of a Zavmo lesson, built from this role’s own route. The unit, its objective and every criterion above are the awarding body’s own words, not an example.

It is £70 a month, billed monthly. Your free first module is Future Fluency, and you can cancel any time. Teaching towards this qualification begins when you subscribe.

Your Plan Illustration

Built for Cambridge OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Applied Science

15 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by Cambridge OCR.

  1. Cell biology
  2. Control of hazards in the laboratory
  3. Drug development
  4. Environmental management
  5. Environmental surveying
  6. Genetics

and 9 more in the full unit list below.

These are the real units of this credential, in its own order. Nothing here is marked done, because this plan has not been started by anyone yet. Yours would fill in as you go.

Learned on your own work, taught one-to-one.

Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your free first module is Future Fluency, so you can see how the teaching works before you pay for anything.

Start my free AI Fluency module

No card. See how this qualification maps onto your role and meet the tutors who’d teach it, free. The learning begins when you subscribe. It’s £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.

The title, level, credits, guided learning hours and unit learning outcomes on this page are taken from the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Where this data comes from.