Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Applied Sciences

What you'll be able to do

• Explore the nutritional elements that help to sustain and maintain physiological homeostasis, examining their roles in various bodily functions and processes.
• Investigate the pathophysiological processes associated with disease, analysing how nutritional deficiencies or imbalances can contribute to the development and progression of various illnesses.
• Explore the microbiome and associated terms relating to gut health, examining the composition, function, and importance of the gut microbiota in human health and disease.
• Investigate the area of nutrigenomics and discuss why this may affect the future of diet prescription, considering how individual genetic variations can influence responses to different dietary interventions.

What you'll be able to do

• Analyse scientific data using statistics
• Use matrix methods to solve systems of linear equations relevant to science applications
• Examine how differential and integral calculus can be used to solve scientific problems
• Approximate solutions of contextualised examples with graphical and numerical methods, and assess limitations and concluding results

What you'll be able to do

• Explore the analytical processes involved in quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, and characterisation analysis.
• Undertake separation techniques using various chromatography methods to isolate and purify target analytes.
• Report on the quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, and characterisation analysis achieved through the application of spectrometric techniques.
• Undertake quantitative analysis using titration methods to determine the concentration of specific substances.

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate the methods used to analyse fingerprints, including techniques for lifting, developing, and comparing fingerprints.
• Investigate the methods used to analyse pattern evidence, such as footwear impressions, tyre tracks, and tool marks.
• Discuss the biological techniques used in forensic science, including DNA profiling, blood spatter analysis, and forensic entomology.
• Discuss the chemical techniques used in forensic science, including chromatography, spectroscopy, and toxicology.
• Explore the analytical uses of presumptive tests, such as colour tests, to identify the possible presence of specific substances.
• Explore the analytical uses of spot tests for rapid on-site analysis of evidence.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe how the muscular system interacts with the skeletal system to provide support for the body.
• Describe how the muscular system interacts with the skeletal system to create movement.
• Explain the control systems of the human body, including nervous and endocrine systems.
• Describe the structure of the systems that obtain raw materials for metabolism in the human body.
• Describe the function of the systems that obtain raw materials for metabolism in the human body.
• Describe the interrelationship between the systems that obtain raw materials for metabolism in the human body.
• Describe the structure of the systems that absorb and transport nutrients in the human body.
• Describe the function of the systems that absorb and transport nutrients in the human body.
• Describe the interrelationship between the systems that absorb and transport nutrients in the human body.
• Describe the structure of the systems that rid the body of wastes.
• Describe the function of the systems that rid the body of wastes.
• Describe the interrelationship between the systems that rid the body of wastes.
• Explain the process of human reproduction, from gametogenesis to fertilisation and implantation.
• Explain the management of human reproduction, including contraception and assisted reproductive technologies.

What you'll be able to do

• Examine a range of research methodologies applicable to applied sciences, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches.
• Examine different research approaches relevant to applied sciences, such as experimental design, surveys, case studies, and literature reviews.
• Conduct research relevant to the chosen applied science research project topic, adhering to ethical guidelines and research protocols.
• Analyse the data collected during the research process, using appropriate statistical or qualitative analysis techniques.
• Communicate the outcomes of the research project effectively to identified stakeholders, using appropriate formats such as reports, presentations, or publications.
• Reflect on the application of research methodologies and concepts throughout the research project, identifying areas for improvement and future learning.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the structure of aromatic and carbonyl compounds
• Evaluate the reactions and mechanisms of aromatic and carbonyl compounds
• Evaluate the structures and reactions of chiral compounds
• Undertake a series of practical organic chemistry activities, using synthetic techniques and characterisation analysis

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss how the structural features of proteins and phospholipids are determined by their underlying chemical structures and properties.
• Explore and evaluate various techniques used to separate and identify amino acids and proteins.
• Analyse the key features and characteristics of the main metabolic pathways within biological systems.
• Explore the roles and characteristics of enzymes in controlling and regulating metabolic pathways.

What you'll be able to do

• Explore and evaluate different methods for growing eukaryotic cells in culture, considering their advantages and limitations.
• Carry out a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify specific DNA sequences.
• Undertake a genetic transformation experiment, introducing foreign DNA into a host organism.
• Investigate and compare the methods used to separate and purify proteins from complex mixtures.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the structural features of eukaryotic cells, including organelles and their functions.
• Describe the functional features of eukaryotic cells, including key processes and pathways.
• Describe the organisation of DNA within eukaryotic cells, including chromosomes and chromatin.
• Describe the organisation of RNA within eukaryotic cells, including different types of RNA and their roles.
• Explain the events of the cell cycle, including the different phases and checkpoints.
• Explain the process of mitosis, including the stages and significance.
• Explain the process of meiosis, including the stages and significance.
• Explain how cleavage results in the formation of embryonic cells.
• Explain how gastrulation results in the formation of germ layers.

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate how biochemical markers can provide valuable information about specific pathologies and disease states.
• Explore the various processes and techniques used in clinical chemistry for diagnostic and monitoring purposes.
• Review the scope and underlying principles of analytical techniques commonly used in clinical chemistry laboratories.
• Carry out a range of clinical chemistry analyses, adhering to established protocols and quality control measures.

What you'll be able to do

• Review theories that account for the creation of biodiversity, considering evolutionary processes, ecological interactions, and environmental factors.
• Explore theories that account for the loss of biodiversity, considering habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and invasive species.
• Apply methods to assess biodiversity, including species identification, population surveys, and habitat mapping techniques.
• Investigate methods for the conservation of biodiversity, considering protected areas, habitat restoration, species management, and community engagement.

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate the principles underpinning criminal investigation, including ethical considerations.
• Investigate the processes involved in criminal investigation, from initial report to prosecution.
• Investigate the relevant legislation related to criminal investigation, including laws of evidence and procedure.
• Analyse the requirements of effective scene management, including securing the scene and controlling access.
• Analyse the requirements of professional forensic evidence gathering, ensuring integrity and chain of custody.
• Explain the process of disclosure in criminal cases, including the responsibilities of the prosecution and defence.
• Explain the purpose of disclosure, ensuring a fair trial.
• Describe the structure and workings of criminal courts in the UK, including the roles of different participants.
• Describe the role of expert evidence in criminal trials, including the admissibility and weight of evidence.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the drug development process
• Discuss drug formulation
• Explore the uses of assay and testing methods in drug development
• Discuss production of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical formulations, gene therapies and biologics

What you'll be able to do

• Explore different entrepreneurship venture types, including start-ups, small businesses, and social enterprises.
• Explore different entrepreneurial mindsets, including innovation, risk-taking, and resilience.
• Discuss entrepreneurial ideas and opportunities, considering market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscapes.
• Assess the range of skills required to launch a new venture, including leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Assess the range of resources required to launch a new venture, including financial capital, human resources, and technological infrastructure.
• Produce a cash flow forecast for a new business venture, projecting income and expenses over a specific period.
• Produce a budget for a new business venture, allocating resources to different areas of the business.
• Produce a break-even analysis for a new business venture, determining the point at which revenue equals expenses.
• Interpret key financial statements, including the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, to assess the financial performance of a new business venture.

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate the sources and effects of environmental pollutants
• Review the various methods of environmental monitoring and chemical analysis
• Plan an investigation into an environmental study
• Carry out an environmental study using quantitative analysis

What you'll be able to do

• Explore the potential environmental harm associated with pollutants originating from an industrial process.
• Explore the potential environmental harm associated with pollutants originating from an agricultural process.
• Investigate how an industrial process is regulated in relation to pollutant emissions.
• Investigate how an agricultural process is regulated in relation to pollutant emissions.
• Explore methods used for monitoring pollutants emitted from an industrial process.
• Explore methods used for monitoring pollutants emitted from an agricultural process.
• Carry out an analysis to identify and quantify water pollutants present in a sample.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the infection cycle
• Review the prevalence, incidence and possible outcomes of the major microbial diseases
• Investigate the factors that contribute to the emergence of a disease
• Undertake a diagnostic technique to track the spread of a microbe

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the human factors that affect the development of new food products, including consumer preferences and nutritional requirements.
• Investigate the factors affecting the design of new food products, including cost, shelf life, and sensory properties.
• Investigate the process of developing new food products, from concept to market launch.
• Apply manufacturing processes to develop a food product, considering safety, quality, and efficiency.

What you'll be able to do

• Explore the measures employed to ensure the integrity and preservation of evidence collected from a crime scene
• Investigate methods of collection of biological evidence
• Investigate methods of collection of chemical evidence
• Investigate methods of collection of physical evidence

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate the legal requirements that govern crime scene examinations, including relevant legislation and codes of practice.
• Investigate the organisational requirements for crime scene examinations, including standard operating procedures and quality assurance processes.
• Examine effective forensic strategies used in serious and complex investigations, considering their strengths and limitations.
• Analyse the aspects that forensic strategies should address, such as evidence preservation, contamination control, and continuity of evidence.
• Develop forensic strategies that meet specific investigative needs, taking into account the nature of the crime, the available resources, and the legal framework.
• Explore the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved in a criminal investigation, including police officers, forensic scientists, and legal professionals.
• Demonstrate how to present forensic evidence clearly and accurately in a court of law, ensuring its admissibility and persuasive impact.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the chemical principles that apply to the structures of biological building block molecules.
• Explain the structures of biological macromolecules.
• Explain the structure, catalytic function and characteristics of enzymes.
• Outline the stages involved in cellular respiration.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the structure and properties of matter.
• Explain theoretical and practical aspects of titrations.
• Describe how thermodynamic quantities affect chemical reactions.
• Explore the reactions and synthesis of the homologous series of organic compounds.

What you'll be able to do

• Carry out qualitative analysis, identifying and characterising components within a sample.
• Carry out quantitative analysis, determining the amount of specific components within a sample.
• Carry out synthetic chemistry techniques, following established procedures to create new compounds.
• Demonstrate the correct use of microscopy techniques for observing and analysing samples.
• Demonstrate aseptic technique to prevent contamination in laboratory procedures.
• Demonstrate good practice with respect to accurate and comprehensive reporting of experimental results.
• Demonstrate good practice with respect to health and safety regulations and procedures in the laboratory environment.
• Demonstrate good practice with respect to laboratory organisation, including maintaining a clean and efficient workspace.

What you'll be able to do

• Plan the steps in analyses, detailing the procedures and resources required for a specific analytical task.
• Undertake appropriate sampling, sample preparation and analysis, following established protocols and using relevant equipment.
• Report on the quality of the analyses, interpreting the results and assessing their accuracy and reliability.
• Investigate quality assurance measures associated with analysis, evaluating the effectiveness of different methods for ensuring data integrity and validity.

What you'll be able to do

• Review the fundamental principles underpinning genetic analysis.
• Compare and contrast different genetic techniques as applied to human subjects.
• Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding genetic intervention within human medicine.
• Explore the diverse applications of genetic analysis in various contexts.

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate and describe the processes involved in the preparation of histology samples for analysis.
• Analyse how histology samples can be utilised in the diagnosis of various disorders and diseases.
• Analyse the structure, function, and disorders affecting human blood and blood-forming tissues.
• Carry out a range of laboratory investigations, employing established haematological techniques.

What you'll be able to do

• Identify the main components of nutrition for optimal health and physical condition.
• Explain the main components of the digestive system and the factors that affect optimal function.
• Investigate the connection between food consumption and disease.
• Explore a range of specific diets, with particular focus on their dietary principles.

What you'll be able to do

• Explore the nature of common pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and their mechanisms of infection.
• Analyse the activity of the innate immune response, including the role of physical barriers, phagocytes, natural killer cells, and the complement system.
• Review the ways in which the adaptive immune response detects specific challenges, including the roles of T cells, B cells, and antibodies.
• Review the ways in which the adaptive immune response responds to specific challenges, including cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity.
• Discuss the processes that lead to lymphocyte ontogeny in humans, including the development of T cells in the thymus and B cells in the bone marrow.
• Discuss the way in which autoimmunity can develop, including the mechanisms of self-tolerance breakdown and the role of genetic and environmental factors.

What you'll be able to do

• Review and summarise key microbiological principles and practices relevant to the food industry, including spoilage and preservation.
• Assess and evaluate the commercial production processes of a substance derived from the metabolism of a microorganism, considering factors such as yield and efficiency.
• Investigate and analyse methods for preventing the biodeterioration of products, including identifying the causative microorganisms and implementing control strategies.
• Investigate and evaluate microbial treatment processes in an environmental context, including wastewater treatment, and in the control of legionella in water systems.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the host–microbial relationship and the role of host defences in preventing infection, examining the mechanisms by which the body protects itself from pathogens.
• Explore the survival strategies of pathogens in the host and their physiological adaptation that contributes to infection in selected key infectious diseases, analysing how pathogens evade host defences and cause disease.
• Investigate the prevention and treatment strategies of infectious diseases, evaluating the effectiveness of various approaches, including vaccination, antimicrobial drugs, and public health measures.
• Explore the techniques and procedures used to identify, isolate and diagnose infectious pathogens, examining the principles and applications of various diagnostic methods.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the structure of atoms, including the arrangement of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
• Explain the structure of matter, including the different states of matter and the forces between molecules.
• Examine the periodic table, identifying trends in properties of elements.
• Examine the chemical reactivity of the elements and compounds, explaining factors that influence reactivity.
• Undertake synthetic procedures to create inorganic compounds, following established protocols.
• Undertake characterisation procedures to analyse and identify inorganic compounds, using appropriate techniques.

What you'll be able to do

• Define the properties necessary for a given product to function as required under its intended service conditions
• Describe the properties of a material and explain how these are affected by its structure
• Determine the material most suited for a given application, justifying your choice
• Describe the methods by which a material can be modified to enhance its use for a particular application

What you'll be able to do

• Identify the advantages of utilising a polymer material over other suitable materials for a specific product, considering factors such as cost, weight, and durability.
• Identify the limitations of utilising a polymer material over other suitable materials for a specific product, considering factors such as environmental impact, temperature resistance, and strength.
• Define polymers in terms of their classifications, including thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers.
• Define polymers in terms of their sub-groups, based on their chemical structure and properties.
• Explain the relationship between the structure of a polymer (e.g., chain length, branching, cross-linking) and its properties.
• Identify the key properties that characterise the behaviour of a polymer, such as tensile strength, elasticity, and thermal stability.
• Explain how a polymer's properties can be modified through the use of additives, such as plasticisers, stabilisers, and fillers.
• Explain how a polymer's properties can be modified through blending with other polymers.
• Explain how a polymer's properties can be modified through co-polymerisation, creating polymers with tailored characteristics.

What you'll be able to do

• Review the biochemical structures of macromolecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, and their roles in food.
• Review the biochemical structures of enzymes and their catalytic activity in food systems.
• Assess how the properties of carbohydrates in foodstuffs are affected by processing methods such as heating, cooling, and enzymatic treatment.
• Investigate how the properties of proteins are of importance in food processing, including their role in texture, flavour, and nutritional value.
• Assess how the structures and properties of food lipids are affected during food processing, including oxidation, hydrogenation, and emulsification.

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate and evaluate the appropriate methods for evidence collection, packing, storage, and maintaining continuity in major crime scene investigations.
• Demonstrate the correct recovery of forensic evidence at a crime scene, adhering to accredited processes and procedures.
• Facilitate the submission of relevant forensic material to an expert for analysis, interpretation, and processing.
• Prepare a comprehensive report to accompany the submission of forensic evidence for analysis by an external expert, ensuring clarity for interpretation and processing.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the environmental issues connected with the biosphere, considering their impact and interrelationships.
• Identify the pressures on the environment resulting from the utilisation of finite resources, including extraction and consumption.
• Identify the pressures on the environment resulting from the utilisation of renewable resources, considering sustainability.
• Explore the challenges faced by manufacturers and businesses aiming to improve their environmental management credentials, including regulatory and economic factors.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the different types of food preparation and production systems, and analyse the factors that influence their design.
• Identify and apply the key principles and methods for effectively planning food preparation and production processes.
• Explain the range of resources required to deliver a consistent, safe, and timely food production operation, considering factors such as staffing, equipment, and ingredients.
• Describe a variety of methods used to monitor food production, identify variances from expected standards, and implement appropriate actions to ensure a safe and efficient operation.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the concept of project management, and the roles of the project team and major stakeholders
• Develop a project strategy plan that defines the key policies, procedures and priorities for a scientific project
• Undertake the planned project activities to generate outcomes that satisfy the requirements of the scientific project
• Communicate the project outcomes and reflect on the value gained from conducting the project

What you'll be able to do

• Review the concept of sustainable development, examining its principles, goals, and challenges in the context of resource management.
• Investigate the importance of the circular economy, analysing its potential to reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote economic growth.
• Explore the relationship of life cycle analysis to issues of sustainability, evaluating its role in assessing the environmental impacts of products and processes.
• Assess how the development or reuse of new or novel materials can benefit the environment, considering their properties, applications, and potential for reducing environmental footprint.

What you'll be able to do

• Explore the contact made by foodstuffs during its progress from source to consumer
• Investigate the use of traditional/conventional packaging
• Investigate the use of new or novel materials in packaging
• Review the legislation surrounding the materials used in conjunction with food

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate the characteristics of a range of microbiological pathogenic agents.
• Research appropriate methods for the collection of medical samples.
• Explore methods for the isolation and identification of bacteria.
• Demonstrate how diseases of bacterial or viral origin may be treated.

What you'll be able to do

• Identify the molecular structures found in different microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
• Describe the functions of the molecular structures found in different microorganisms.
• Demonstrate aseptic techniques to culture a range of microorganisms, ensuring minimal contamination.
• Use biochemical tests to identify different bacterial species, interpreting the results accurately.
• Explore the factors that affect the growth of microorganisms, such as temperature, pH, and nutrient availability.
• Evaluate the economic importance of bacteria in various industries, including food production, pharmaceuticals, and waste management.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the organisational structure of mammalian DNA, including its double helix structure, nucleotide composition, and packaging into chromosomes.
• Discuss the function of mammalian DNA in storing and transmitting genetic information.
• Discuss the organisational structure of mammalian RNA, including its different types (mRNA, tRNA, rRNA) and their roles in protein synthesis.
• Discuss the function of mammalian RNA in protein synthesis and gene regulation.
• Apply technologies to manipulate nucleic acids, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing.
• Illustrate inheritance patterns of diseases, using defined conventions such as Punnett squares and pedigree analysis.
• Discuss the way in which changes in DNA (mutations) can be linked to inherited physical effects in humans, providing specific examples of genetic disorders.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss and explain the fundamental concepts of nanomaterials, including nanocomposites, their properties, and their potential applications.
• Investigate and analyse the characteristics and applications of nano-particulate phase materials, including their synthesis and behaviour.
• Investigate and compare the variety of nanomaterial combinations and their production capabilities, considering factors such as cost and scalability.
• Explore and evaluate the current areas of application of nanomaterials and their future potential, considering ethical and environmental implications.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the causes, symptoms, treatment and local impact of a range of nutrient related diseases, considering specific examples and their prevalence.
• Explore the relationships between diet and related diseases of the human body, analysing the links between dietary choices and disease development.
• Discuss the effects of eating disorders on the physical and psychological health of the sufferer, considering both short-term and long-term consequences.
• Explore preventative strategies in the management of nutritional disease, evaluating the effectiveness of different public health interventions and individual approaches.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the structure and bonding in organic compounds.
• Explain organic reaction mechanisms.
• Explain the reactions of organic compounds in terms of bond structure and reaction mechanisms.
• Undertake synthetic and characterisation procedures with organic compounds.

What you'll be able to do

• Explore the various types of organisations, their structures, and their functions within a business environment.
• Analyse how organisational culture, internal politics, and power dynamics influence behaviours within an organisation.
• Explore the concept of change management and how it impacts on an organisation’s strategy, operations, and overall behaviour.
• Analyse how barriers to change influence leadership decision-making processes and the approaches they adopt.

What you'll be able to do

• Explore the skill and experience requirements of careers within the science industries.
• Assess own personal and professional skills.
• Produce a personal and professional development plan.
• Produce a personal and professional development portfolio.

What you'll be able to do

• Apply the first law of thermodynamics to predict the feasibility of reactions.
• Apply the second law of thermodynamics to predict the feasibility of reactions.
• Apply the third law of thermodynamics to predict the feasibility of reactions.
• Apply rate equations to determine the order of a chemical reaction.
• Apply the principles of oxidation to electrochemical systems.
• Apply the principles of reduction to electrochemical systems.
• Undertake experimental investigations relating to physical chemistry principles.
• Record and analyse data obtained from experimental investigations relating to physical chemistry.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the relationship between plant anatomy and physiological processes, providing specific examples.
• Explain the purpose of plant adaptations to different environments, with reference to named examples of plants in specific environments.
• Investigate the application of environmental adaptations that are used in crop production to optimise plant growth.
• Investigate the application of environmental adaptations that are used in crop production to optimise cropping yields.
• Explore the development of the physiology of crop plants from their wild ancestors to the present day, considering the impact of selective breeding.

What you'll be able to do

• Identify and explain the key principles of polymer processing that determine the appropriate choice of polymer for a particular product application.
• Investigate extrusion processes and related techniques, analysing their applications and limitations.
• Investigate the injection moulding process and associated techniques, evaluating their effectiveness for different polymer types and product designs.
• Identify and describe other key polymer processing techniques available to manufacturers, considering their advantages and disadvantages.

What you'll be able to do

• Explore the behaviour of polymers in relation to environmental factors
• Determine the importance of a polymer’s properties in material selection
• Determine the reasons and mechanisms by which a polymer can be modified through the addition of reinforcements, fillers and other additives
• Explore the challenges facing the polymer industry in the present climate, and what measures need to be taken in adapting polymers to fit future demands

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate a range of extrusion processing techniques used in polymer manufacturing, analysing their principles, applications, and limitations.
• Investigate the injection moulding process and the importance of the mould within the system, examining the factors that influence part quality and production efficiency.
• Illustrate how the processing of reinforced polymers differs from non-reinforced polymers, considering the effects of reinforcement on material properties and processing parameters.
• Evaluate the additional polymer processing techniques available to the manufacturer, assessing their suitability for different applications and materials.

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate and analyse methods used for testing the mechanical properties of polymer materials, focusing on deformation and fracture behaviour.
• Investigate and apply a range of tests suitable for describing and measuring the physical properties of a given polymer material.
• Discuss and evaluate the chemical, electrical, and thermal tests available for characterising and describing the properties of a polymer material.
• Explore and assess the additional considerations and specific testing requirements necessary when evaluating rubber and fibre reinforced plastics.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain how ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment.
• Identify a variety of biomes and interpret their differences.
• Explain the factors that disturb the ecological balance in a given ecosystem.
• Explore ways to restore the balance in a degraded ecosystem.

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate the regulatory requirements that must be satisfied to bring a drug to market, considering the different phases of drug development and approval processes.
• Discuss the range of molecular targets for drugs in the human body, explaining how drugs interact with these targets to produce therapeutic effects.
• Compare the therapeutic use of compounds used to treat disorders of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems in humans, analysing their mechanisms of action and potential side effects.
• Account for the effects of pharmacological agents on the human nervous system, explaining how these agents influence neurotransmission and neuronal function.

What you'll be able to do

• Identify the techniques used to assist in the identification of offenders
• Explore how psychology applies to eyewitness memory and the retrieval of memories
• Describe the application of psychology in the management and treatment of offenders
• Investigate risk and protective factors for offending

What you'll be able to do

• Review health, safety, environmental and other legislation relevant to a particular sector or pathway.
• Analyse how a specific sector is externally regulated.
• Illustrate the links between quality standards, continuous improvement cycles and quality systems.
• Explore internal regulation and relevant responsibilities of individuals in relation to a particular sector or pathway.

What you'll be able to do

• Review non-renewable and renewable sources of energy and analyse their impact on the environment.
• Evaluate the various factors that inform the selection of a suitable renewable energy system for a given context.
• Explore the selection process for a hybrid renewable energy system, considering the specific requirements of a given context.
• Examine how socio-economic, legislative, environmental, and sustainability factors affect the consideration and selection of a particular renewable energy resource and associated technology.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the different types of sampling methods used in various scientific disciplines.
• Describe various sampling techniques used to obtain representative samples.
• Explain cell sampling methods and techniques used in biological research and diagnostics.
• Explain tissue sampling methods and techniques used in histology and pathology.
• Explain clinical sampling methods and techniques used in medical diagnostics and monitoring.
• Explain sample collection methods for protein analysis, ensuring sample integrity.
• Explain sample preparation methods for protein analysis, including lysis, purification, and concentration.
• Review sample preparation methods used in chemistry, including extraction, digestion, and derivatisation.
• Review sample preparation methods used in forensic science, including collection, preservation, and analysis.
• Review sample preparation methods used in environmental science, including water, soil, and air sampling.

What you'll be able to do

• Review work undertaken within the typical duties of laboratory managers in different types of science laboratories, comparing and contrasting the roles and responsibilities in various settings.
• Explore organisational aspects of a science laboratory, analysing the structure, workflow, and resource management within a laboratory environment.
• Discuss how laboratories comply with health and safety legislation, explaining the relevant regulations and procedures for ensuring a safe working environment.
• Discuss features of managing a quality control science laboratory, explaining the principles of quality assurance and the methods used to maintain accuracy and reliability of results.

What you'll be able to do

• Demonstrate effective handling of data and information, adhering to established scientific standards.
• Identify the relevance and application of mathematical methods to a variety of conceptualised scientific examples.
• Explore raw scientific data using appropriate statistical methods to identify trends and patterns.
• Solve scientific problems using differential and integral calculus techniques.

What you'll be able to do

• Explore the different models of bonding, including ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding, explaining their characteristics and applications.
• Explore the structures of solid state compounds, including crystal lattices, unit cells, and packing arrangements.
• Discuss symmetry elements and operations in molecules and crystals.
• Discuss the basic principles of group theory and its application to molecular symmetry.
• Investigate a series of inorganic chemistry experiments, demonstrating practical skills in synthesis, characterisation, and analysis of inorganic compounds.

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate how various specialist scientific techniques are used in your sector
• Discuss the scientific principles underpinning the specialist scientific techniques investigated
• Undertake routine analysis or an investigation using a specialist scientific technique in an industrial or pathway specific setting
• Report on the routine analysis or investigation undertaken using the selected specialist scientific technique

What you'll be able to do

• Interpret the results of calculations in relation to chemical equilibrium, demonstrating an understanding of equilibrium constants and their significance.
• Discuss the applications of phase equilibrium in various chemical and industrial processes, providing relevant examples.
• Review the theoretical models underpinning different spectroscopy techniques, explaining the principles of light-matter interaction.
• Illustrate practical applications of surface chemistry in areas such as catalysis, adsorption, and materials science.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the process by which a cell undergoes a change to a specialised cell type
• Analyse somatic stem cells and their roles
• Analyse the potential of embryonic stem cells as a tool to treat degenerative disease
• Discuss the different regulatory positions on using human embryonic stem cells for research

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the main psychological theories that attempt to explain criminal behaviour, considering their strengths and weaknesses.
• Explore the main sociological theories related to social inequality and their connection to criminal behaviour, analysing the impact of social factors.
• Describe how psychological and sociological theories can be applied to understand different types of crimes, providing specific examples.
• Describe the role of the police in the prevention and control of crime and disorder, considering different policing strategies and their effectiveness.

What you'll be able to do

• Explore the range of toxic substances that can affect the human body, classifying them according to their source, chemical properties, and target organs.
• Assess ways in which toxic substances mediate their effects on the body, explaining the mechanisms of toxicity at the cellular and molecular levels.
• Undertake methods used to assess the toxicity of substances in humans, evaluating the different approaches used in toxicology testing and risk assessment.
• Analyse the contribution of toxicology to other disciplines, explaining its relevance to fields such as medicine, environmental science, and public health.

What you'll be able to do

• Identify and explain the specific requirements of crime scene examinations, ensuring compliance with the established forensic strategy.
• Develop a comprehensive strategy for the effective use of forensic photography at a crime scene, considering lighting, angles, and composition.
• Demonstrate proficiency in forensic photography techniques to accurately record photographic evidence at a crime scene, maintaining chain of custody.
• Outline the process of using forensic photography at a crime scene to prepare and present photographic evidence in a court of law, ensuring admissibility and clarity.

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate the legal aspects of evidence collection, storage and the presentation of evidence in a legal framework
• Describe different classes of volume crime scenes, outlining their characteristics
• Apply routine techniques for collection and analysis of evidence from volume crime scenes
• Report on forensic evidence collection from a volume crime scene, detailing procedures and findings

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the quality of water used by industry, considering its various applications and the required purity levels.
• Discuss wastewater treatment methods, including primary, secondary, and tertiary treatments, and their effectiveness in removing pollutants.
• Explore the regulation of wastewater discharge, including relevant legislation, standards, and enforcement mechanisms.
• Carry out analysis of water or wastewater samples, using appropriate techniques and equipment to determine key parameters.

What you'll be able to do

• Plan a work-based project, including aims, objectives and methodology
• Undertake a work-based project, adhering to ethical and safety guidelines
• Demonstrate how to maintain a detailed experimental logbook for a work-based project, ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Report on a work-based project, presenting findings and conclusions effectively