Pearson
Level 5
QN: 603/4574/3
Curriculum Active
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Applied Sciences
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by Pearson. Classified as a Vocationally-Related Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 10200 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 5
Awarding Body
Pearson
Syllabus Units
73 Units
Guided Hours
10200 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
Advanced Health and Nutrition
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore the nutritional elements that help to sustain and maintain physiological homeostasis.2.
- Investigate the pathophysiological processes associated with disease.3.
- Explore the microbiome and associated terms relating to gut health.4.
- Investigate the area of nutrigenomics and discuss why this may affect the future of diet prescription.
2
Analysis of Scientific Data and Information
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse scientific data using statistics.2.
- Use matrix methods to solve systems of linear equations relevant to science applications.3.
- Examine how differential and integral calculus can be used to solve scientific problems.4. Approximate solutions of contextualised examples with graphical and numerical methods, and assess limitations and concluding results.
3
Analytical Chemistry
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore the analytical processes of quantitative, qualitative and characterisation analysis.2.
- Undertake separation techniques using chromatography.3.
- Report on the quantitative, qualitative and characterisation analysis of spectrometric techniques.4.
- Undertake quantitative analysis using titrations.
4
Analytical Techniques for Forensic Science
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Investigate the methods used to analyse fingerprints and pattern evidence.2.
- Discuss the biological techniques used in forensic science.3.
- Discuss the chemical techniques used in forensic science.4.
- Explore the analytical uses of presumptive and spot tests.
5
Anatomy and Human Physiology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe how the muscular and skeletal systems interact with one another to provide support and create movement.2.
- Explain the control systems of the human body.3.
- Describe the structure, function and interrelationship between the systems that obtain raw materials for metabolism, absorb and transport nutrients and rid the body of wastes.4.
- Explain the process and management of human reproduction.
6
Applied Sciences Research Project
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Examine research methodologies and approaches appropriate to applied sciences, as part of the research process.2. Conduct and analyse research relevant to the applied science research project topic chosen.3.
- Communicate the outcomes of the research project to identified stakeholders.4.
- Reflect on the application of research methodologies and concepts.
7
Aromatic and Carbonyl Compounds
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the structure of aromatic and carbonyl compounds.2.
- Evaluate the reactions and mechanisms of aromatic and carbonyl compounds.3.
- Evaluate the structures and reactions of chiral compounds.4.
- Undertake a series of practical organic chemistry activities, using synthetic techniques and characterisation analysis.
8
Biochemistry of Macromolecules and Metabolic Pathways
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Discuss how the structural features of proteins and phospholipids are determined by their chemical structures.2.
- Explore techniques to separate and identify amino acids and proteins.3.
- Analyse the features of the main metabolic pathways.4.
- Explore the roles and characteristics of enzymes in controlling metabolic pathways.
9
Biotechnology Techniques
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore methods of growing eukaryotic cells in culture.2.
- Carry out a polymerase chain reaction.3.
- Undertake a genetic transformation.4.
- Investigate the methods used to separate and purify proteins.
10
Cell Biology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the structural and functional features of eukaryotic cells.2.
- Describe the organisation of DNA and RNA in eukaryotic cells.3.
- Explain the events of the cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis.4.
- Explain how cleavage and gastrulation result in germ layer formation.
11
Clinical Chemistry
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Investigate how biochemical markers may provide information about specific pathologies
- Explore processes used in clinical chemistry
- Review the scope and principles of analytical techniques used in clinical chemistry
- Carry out a range of clinical chemistry analyses
12
Conservation and Biodiversity
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Review theories that account for the creation of biodiversity.2.
- Explore theories that account for the loss of biodiversity.3.
- Apply methods to assess biodiversity.4.
- Investigate methods for the conservation of biodiversity.
13
Criminal Investigation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Investigate principles, processes and legislation related to criminal investigation.2.
- Analyse the requirements of effective scene management and professional forensic evidence gathering.3.
- Explain the process and purpose of disclosure.4.
- Describe the structure and workings of criminal courts and the role of expert evidence.
14
Drug Development for Production
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the drug development process.2.
- Discuss drug formulation.3.
- Explore the uses of assay and testing methods in drug development.4.
- Discuss production of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical formulations, gene therapies and biologics.
15
Entrepreneurship and New Business Development
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore entrepreneurship venture types and entrepreneurial mindsets.2.
- Discuss entrepreneurial ideas and opportunities.3.
- Assess the range of skills and resources required to launch a new venture.4.
- Produce a cash flow forecast, budget and break-even analysis, and interpret key financial statements.
16
Environmental Monitoring and Analysis
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Investigate the sources and effects of environmental pollutants.2.
- Review the various methods of environmental monitoring and chemical analysis.3.
- Plan an investigation into an environmental study.4.
- Carry out an environmental study using quantitative analysis.
17
Environmental Pollutants and Water Testing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore the potential environmental harm associated with pollutants from an industrial or agricultural process
- Investigate how an industrial or agricultural process is regulated
- Explore monitoring of pollutants from an industrial or agricultural process
- Carry out an analysis of water pollutants
18
Epidemiology of Communicable Diseases
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the infection cycle.2.
- Review the prevalence, incidence and possible outcomes of the major microbial diseases.3.
- Investigate the factors that contribute to the emergence of a disease.4.
- Undertake a diagnostic technique to track the spread of a microbe.
19
Food Technology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the human factors that affect the development of new food products.2.
- Investigate the factors affecting the design of new food products.3.
- Investigate the process of developing new food products.4.
- Apply manufacturing processes to develop a food product.
20
Forensic Evidence Collection and Preservation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore the measures employed to ensure the integrity and preservation of evidence collected from a crime scene.2.
- Investigate methods of collection of biological evidence.3.
- Investigate methods of collection of chemical evidence.4.
- Investigate methods of collection of physical evidence.
21
Forensic Strategies for Serious and Complex Investigations
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Investigate the legal and organisational requirements of crime scene examinations
- Examine effective forensic strategies, the aspects they should address, and how to set strategies that meet investigative needs
- Explore the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved in a criminal investigation
- Demonstrate how to present forensic evidence in a court of law
22
Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the chemical principles that apply to the structures of biological building block molecules.2.
- Explain the structures of biological macromolecules.3.
- Explain the structure, catalytic function and characteristic of enzymes.4.
- Outline the stages involved in cellular respiration.
23
Fundamentals of Chemistry
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the structure and properties of matter.2.
- Explain theoretical and practical aspects of titrations.3.
- Describe how thermodynamic quantities affect chemical reactions.4.
- Explore the reactions and synthesis of the homologous series of organic compounds.
24
Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Carry out qualitative and quantitative analysis.2.
- Carry out synthetic chemistry techniques.3.
- Demonstrate use of microscopy and aseptic technique.4.
- Demonstrate good practice with respect to reporting, health and safety and laboratory organisation.
25
Further Analytical Chemistry
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Plan the steps in analyses.2.
- Undertake appropriate sampling, sample preparation and analysis.3.
- Report on the quality of the analyses.4.
- Investigate quality assurance measures associated with analysis.
26
Genetic Analysis
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Review the principles of genetic analysis.2. Compare genetic techniques applied to humans.3.
- Discuss the ethics of genetic intervention in human medicine.4.
- Explore the applications of genetic analysis.
27
Histology and Haematology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Investigate the preparation of histology samples
- Analyse how histology samples may be used in diagnosis of disorders and disease
- Analyse the structure, function and disorders of human blood and blood-forming tissues
- Carry out a range of laboratory investigations using haematological techniques
28
Human Health and Nutrition
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the main components of nutrition for optimal health and physical condition.2.
- Explain the main components of the digestive system and the factors that affect optimal function.3.
- Investigate the connection between food consumption and disease.4.
- Explore a range of specific diets, with particular focus on their dietary principles.
29
Immunology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore the nature of common pathogens.2.
- Analyse the activity of the innate immune response.3.
- Review the ways in which the adaptive immune response detects and responds to specific challenges.4.
- Discuss the processes that lead to lymphocyte ontogeny in humans and the way in which autoimmunity can develop.
30
Industrial Microbiology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Review microbiology relevant to the food industry.2.
- Assess the commercial production of a substance derived from the metabolism of a microorganism.3.
- Investigate how biodeterioration of products may be prevented.4.
- Investigate microbial treatment in an environmental context and in the control of legionella.
31
Infectious Diseases and Diagnosis
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the host–microbial relationship and the role of host defences in preventing infection.2.
- Explore the survival strategies of pathogens in the host and their physiological adaptation that contributes to infection in selected key infectious diseases.3.
- Investigate the prevention and treatment strategies of infectious diseases.4.
- Explore the techniques and procedures used to identify, isolate and diagnose infectious pathogens.
32
Inorganic Chemistry
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the structure of atoms.2.
- Explain the structure of matter.3.
- Examine the periodic table and the chemical reactivity of the elements and compounds.4.
- Undertake synthetic and characterisation procedures with inorganic compounds.
33
Introduction to Material Properties and Applications
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define the properties necessary for a given product to function as required under its intended service conditions.2.
- Describe the properties of a material and show how these are affected by its structure.3.
- Determine the material most suited for a given application.4.
- Describe the methods by which a material can be modified to enhance its use for a particular application.
34
Introduction to Polymer Materials and Properties
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the advantages and limitations of utilising a polymer material over other suitable materials for the same product.2. Define polymers in terms of their classifications and sub-groups, and in relation to their structure.3.
- Identify the properties that characterise the behaviour of a polymer.4.
- Explain how a polymer can be modified through the use of additives, blending or co-polymerisation.
35
Investigating the Properties of Food Molecules
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Review the biochemical structures of macromolecules and enzymes.2.
- Assess how the properties of carbohydrates in foodstuffs are affected by processing.3.
- Investigate how the properties of proteins are of importance in food processing.4.
- Assess how the structures and properties of food lipids are affected during food processing.
36
Manage Forensic Investigations at Scenes
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Investigate the appropriate methods of evidence collection, packing, storage and continuity in major crime scene investigations
- Demonstrate correct recovery of forensic evidence in a crime scene, following accredited processes
- Facilitate the submission of relevant forensic material for analysis by an expert for interpretation and processing
- Prepare a report to accompany the submission of forensic evidence for analysis by an external expert for interpretation and processing
37
Managing Environmental Resources
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the environmental issues connected with the biosphere.2.
- Identify the pressures on the environment from utilising finite resources.3.
- Identify the pressures on the environment from utilising renewable resources.4.
- Explore the challenges for manufacturers and businesses aiming to improve their environmental management credentials.
38
Managing Food Preparation and Production Systems
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the different types of, and influences on, the design of food preparation and production systems.2.
- Identify the key principles and methods for planning food preparation and production.3.
- Explain the resources required to deliver a consistent, safe and timely food production operation.4.
- Describe a variety of methods to monitor food production
- identify variances and action to be taken to ensure a safe and efficient operation.
39
Managing Scientific Projects
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the concept of project management, and the roles of the project team and major stakeholders.2.
- Develop a project strategy plan that defines the key policies, procedures and priorities for a scientific project.3.
- Undertake the planned project activities to generate outcomes that satisfy the requirements of the scientific project.4.
- Communicate the project outcomes and reflect on the value gained from conducting the project.
40
Materials in Contact with Food
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore the contact made by foodstuffs during its progress from source to consumer.2.
- Investigate the use of traditional/conventional packaging.3.
- Investigate the use of new or novel materials in packaging.4.
- Review the legislation surrounding the materials used in conjunction with food.
41
Materials Life Cycle and the Circular Economy
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Review the concept of sustainable development.2.
- Investigate the importance of the circular economy.3.
- Explore the relationship of life cycle analysis to issues of sustainability.4.
- Assess how the development or re
- use of new or novel materials can benefit the environment.
42
Medical Microbiology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Investigate 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
43
Microbiological Techniques
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the molecular structures and functions found in different microorganisms.2.
- Carry out aseptic techniques to culture a range of microorganisms, and use biochemical tests to identify different bacterial species.3.
- Explore the factors that affect the growth of microorganisms.4.
- Evaluate the economic importance of bacteria.
44
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the organisational structure and function of mammalian DNA and RNA.2.
- Apply technologies to manipulate nucleic acids.3.
- Illustrate inheritance patterns of diseases, using defined conventions.4.
- Discuss the way in which changes in DNA can be linked to inherited physical effects in humans.
45
Nanomaterials and their Technology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the basic concepts of a nanomaterial (nanocomposite).2.
- Investigate nano-particulate phase materials.3.
- Investigate the variety of nanomaterial combinations and their production capabilities.4.
- Explore the current areas of application of a nanomaterial and their future potential.
46
Nutritional Diseases and Disorders
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the causes, symptoms, treatment and local impact of a range of nutrient related diseases.2.
- Explore the relationships between diet and related diseases of the human body.3.
- Discuss the effects of eating disorders on the physical and psychological health of the sufferer.4.
- Explore preventative strategies in the management of nutritional disease.
47
Organic Chemistry
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the structure and bonding in organic compounds.2.
- Explain organic reaction mechanisms.3.
- Explain the reactions of organic compounds in terms of bond structure and reaction mechanisms.4.
- Undertake synthetic and characterisation procedures with organic compounds.
48
Organisations and Change Management
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore the various types, structures and functions of organisations.2.
- Analyse how culture, politics and power influence behaviours within an organisation.3.
- Explore change and how it impacts on an organisation’s strategy, operations and behaviour.4.
- Analyse how barriers to change influence leadership decision-making and approaches.
49
Personal and Professional Development for Scientists
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore the skill and experience requirements of careers within the science industries.2.
- Assess own personal and professional skills.3.
- Produce a personal and professional development plan.4.
- Produce a personal and professional development portfolio.
50
Physical Chemistry
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Apply the first, second and third laws of thermodynamics to predict the feasibility of reactions.2.
- Apply rate equations to determine the order of a reaction.3.
- Apply the principles of oxidation and reduction to electrochemical systems.4.
- Undertake experimental investigations relating to physical chemistry.
51
Physiological Adaptation of Plants to Environmental Changes
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the relationship between plant anatomy and physiological processes.2.
- Explain the purpose of plant adaptations to different environments with reference to named examples.3.
- Investigate the application of environmental adaptations that are used in crop production to optimise plant growth and cropping.4.
- Explore the development of the physiology of crop plants from their wild ancestors to the present.
52
Polymer Manufacturing Techniques
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the principles of processing that determine the choice of polymer for a particular product.2.
- Investigate extrusion and extrusion-related processes.3.
- Investigate the injection moulding process and injection-related moulding techniques.4.
- Identify other key polymer processing techniques available to the manufacturer.
53
Polymer Materials and Properties
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore the behaviour of polymers in relation to environmental factors.2.
- Determine the importance of a polymer’s properties in material selection.3.
- Determine the reasons and mechanisms by which a polymer can be modified through the addition of reinforcements, fillers and other additives.4.
- 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.
54
Polymer Processing and Manufacture
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Investigate a range of extrusion processing techniques.2.
- Investigate the injection moulding process and the importance of the mould within the system.3.
- Illustrate how the processing of reinforced polymers differs from non-reinforced polymers.4.
- Evaluate the additional polymer processing techniques available to the manufacturer.
55
Polymer Testing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Investigate methods of testing for mechanical properties in terms of the deformation and fracture of polymer materials.2.
- Investigate further applicable tests for describing and measuring the physical properties of a polymer material.3.
- Discuss the chemical, electrical and thermal tests available to describe a polymer material.4.
- Explore the additional considerations needed in the testing of rubber and fibre reinforced plastics.
56
Principles of Ecology and their Applications
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain how ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment.2.
- Identify a variety of biomes and interpret their differences.3.
- Explain the factors that disturb the ecological balance in a given ecosystem.4.
- Explore ways to restore the balance in a degraded ecosystem.
57
Principles of Pharmacology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Investigate the regulatory requirements that must be satisfied to bring a drug to market.2.
- Discuss the range of molecular targets for drugs in the human body.3. Compare the therapeutic use of compounds used to treat disorders of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems in humans.4. Account for the effects of pharmacological agents on the human nervous system.
58
Psychology in the Forensic Setting
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the techniques used to assist in the identification of offenders.2.
- Explore how psychology applies to eyewitness memory and the retrieval of memories.3.
- Describe the application of psychology in the management and treatment of offenders.4.
- Investigate risk and protective factors for offending.
59
Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Review health, safety, environmental and other legislation relevant to a particular sector or pathway.2.
- Analyse how a specific sector is externally regulated.3.
- Illustrate the links between quality standards, continuous improvement cycles and quality systems.4.
- Explore internal regulation and relevant responsibilities of individuals in relation to a particular sector or pathway.
60
Renewable Energy Resources and Technology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Review non-renewable and renewable sources of energy and their impact on the environment.2.
- Evaluate the factors that inform the selection of a renewable energy system for a given context.3.
- Explore the selection of a hybrid renewable energy system for a given context.4.
- Examine how socio-economic, legislative, environmental and sustainability factors affect the consideration and selection of a particular renewable energy resource and technology.
61
Sampling and Sample Preparation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the types of sampling and sampling techniques.2.
- Explain cell, tissue and clinical sampling methods and techniques.3.
- Explain sample collection and preparation for protein analysis.4.
- Review sample preparation methods in chemistry, forensic and environmental sciences.
62
Science Laboratory Management
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Review work undertaken within the typical duties of laboratory managers in different types of science laboratories.2.
- Explore organisational aspects of a science laboratory.3.
- Discuss how laboratories comply with health and safety legislation.4.
- Discuss features of managing a quality control science laboratory.
63
Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate handling of data and information to scientific standards.2.
- Identify the relevance of mathematical methods to a variety of conceptualised scientific examples.3.
- Explore raw scientific data using statistical methods.4.
- Solve problems using differential and integral calculus.
64
Solid State and Transition Metal Chemistry
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore the different models of bonding.2.
- Explore the structures of solid state compounds.3.
- Discuss symmetry and group theory.4.
- Investigate a series of inorganic chemistry experiments.
65
Specialist Scientific Techniques and Experimentation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Investigate how various specialist scientific techniques are used in your sector.2.
- Discuss the scientific principles underpinning the specialist scientific techniques investigated.3.
- Undertake routine analysis or an investigation using a specialist scientific technique in an industrial or pathway specific setting.4.
- Report on the routine analysis or investigation undertaken using the selected specialist scientific technique.
66
Spectroscopy, Surface Chemistry and Equilibria
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Interpret the results of calculations in relation to chemical equilibrium.2.
- Discuss the applications of phase equilibrium.3.
- Review the theoretical models underpinning spectroscopy techniques.4.
- Illustrate applications of surface chemistry.
67
Stem Cell Biology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the process by which a cell undergoes a change to a specialised cell type.2.
- Analyse somatic stem cells and their roles.3.
- Analyse the potential of embryonic stem cells as a tool to treat degenerative disease.4.
- Discuss the different regulatory positions on using human embryonic stem cells for research.
68
Theories and Causes of Crime
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the main psychological theories explaining criminal behaviour.2.
- Explore the main sociological theories related to social inequality and criminal behaviour.3.
- Describe psychological and sociological theories to different crimes.4.
- Describe the role of the police in the prevention and control of crime and disorder.
69
Toxicology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explore the range of toxic substances that can affect the human body.2.
- Assess ways in which toxic substances mediate their effects on the body.3.
- Undertake methods used to assess the toxicity of substances in humans.4.
- Analyse the contribution of toxicology to other disciplines.
70
Undertake Forensic Examinations at Scenes of Incidents
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the requirements of crime scene examinations in line with the forensic strategy
- Develop a strategy to use forensic photography at a crime scene
- Demonstrate forensic photography techniques to record photographic evidence at a crime scene
- Outline the use of forensic photography at a crime scene to present photographic evidence in a court of law
71
Volume Crime Scene Science
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Investigate the legal aspects of evidence collection, storage and the presentation of evidence in a legal frame
- Describe different classes of volume crime scenes
- Apply routine techniques for collection and analysis of evidence from volume crime scenes
- Report on forensic evidence collection from a volume crime scene
72
Water and Wastewater Management
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the quality of water used by industry.2.
- Discuss wastewater treatment.3.
- Explore regulation of wastewater.4.
- Carry out analysis of water or wastewater.
73
Work-based Investigation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Plan a work-based project.2.
- Undertake a work-based project.3. Show how to maintain a detailed experimental logbook for a work-based project.4.
- Report on a work-based project.
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 603/4574/3
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- Pearson
- Qualification Type
- Vocationally-Related Qualification
- Operational Start
- Sept 2019
- Operational End
- Aug 2027