Overview
In Year 12 and Year 13 all students will complete work to gain a Level 3 AAQ BTEC National in Medical Science (Extended Certificate).
This is equivalent to one A Level in size and is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in medical sciences as part of a study programme alongside two other qualifications.
Entry requirements
5-5-5 (separate sciences) or 5-5 for combined science.
5s in English language and mathematics (strong 4s considered).
Course content
Unit 1: Principles of Human Physiology, Anatomy and Pathology (externally assessed)
This unit covers the underpinning biology of the human body – how cells and tissues are organised, how body systems work (nervous, endocrine, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive) and how pathology (disease) affects them.
Unit 2: Health Issues and Scientific Reporting (externally assessed)
This unit explores health-related issues (such as immune system dysfunction, genetic conditions, cancer, lifestyle & environmental influences) and the role of scientific research/reporting (data interpretation, validity of sources, reliability of information) in medical science.
Unit 3: Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (internally assessed)
This unit introduces practical laboratory work: classification of microorganisms, growth of microbes, pathogens and infectious disease transmission, antimicrobial agents, microbiology techniques and lab safety.
Unit 6: Human Reproduction and Fertility (internally assessed)
This unit covers anatomy and physiology of the human reproductive systems (male & female), the role of hormones, reproductive cycles, foetal development/birth, causes of infertility, treatments and impact on health and wellbeing.
Assessment
The course is delivered over five hours each week by biology teachers.
Unit 1 is assessed through an 80-mark exam (1 hour 30 minutes) comprised of short and long answer questions.
Unit 2 is assessed through an 80-mark exam (2 hours) comprised of short and long answer questions.
Unit 3 and unit 6 are assessed via assignments marked by teaching staff and verified by the exam board.
Results
Although 2026 will be the first year we deliver this brand-new qualification, the King Ecgbert School’s science department has a strong track record of teaching vocational science courses. Our results in the previous BTEC Diploma in Applied Science – now discontinued – were on average four-fifths of a grade higher than the national average (for students with comparable GCSE profiles), with a consistently high proportion of students achieving Distinction or Distinction *.
Exam board
Pearson
Level 3 AAQ BTEC National in Medical Science (Extended Certificate)