BTEC National Certificate in
Applied Science (Forensic Science) - Level 3
Yr 1 – You will gain a BTEC National Award
Yr 2 – You will gain a BTEC National Certificate
This full-time course over two years combines the written theory with the practical skills required for working within the field of forensic science, whether that is at a crime scene or in a laboratory. BTEC National Awards are valued highly by employers and the higher education sector (University and Colleges).
Entry Requirements
You will need to hold the equivalent of a UK level 2 qualification which must include Mathematics, English and two science subjects, and have an interest, or experience within the field of science. The College will assess your qualifications and tell you whether you are eligible to join the course. You will need to complete the application and write 250 words on the back page of the form explaining why you want to undertake your chosen course.
Course Content
Year One – National Award
1. Fundamentals of Science (Unit 1)
This unit introduces learners to fundamental scientific ideas in chemistry, biology and physics. It will allow you to pursue a career as a laboratory technician to gain a general understanding of all the main sciences, including some basic practical techniques.
2. Scientific Practical Techniques (Unit 4)
The ability to sample and test substances and materials is important in many branches of industry, in research work and in forensic science. In order to do this, learners need to be able to select and use appropriate instruments for the work being carried out. In this unit you will gain experience of a range of instruments and their use.
3. Perceptions of Science (Unit 5)
This unit allows you to explore the role of science in a wider context. How much influence does science have on society, people and politics? What influences science? In this unit learners can use their science training and knowledge to explore the pressures on the science community. Similarly, you will be able to investigate whether science can influence people and politicians.
4. Application of Numbers for Science Technicians (Unit 6)
The aim of this unit is not to turn students into mathematicians, but to make them comfortable with handling numbers and using numbers in a scientific setting. You may have forgotten some mathematics that you have learned in the past so parts of this unit will help you to remember. Other sections will introduce you to some new topics. (This unit is a half unit combined with unit 8).
5. Statistics for Science Technicians (Unit 8)
Science is founded upon observation and measurement, so any scientific work involves obtaining, processing and interpreting these measurements. For a worker in a scientific environment this will be a constant and important part of their duties. This unit enables learners to explore and develop their techniques and skills in practical statistics. (This unit is a half unit combined with unit 6).
6. Criminology (Unit 31)
This unit gives you an introduction to criminology. You will look at the different criminologies that explain crime in different ways, and as a result will consider types of crime and criminals that rarely feature in the media.
7. Forensic Photography (Unit 33)
This unit will introduce you to the practices of photography, the use of photographic evidence in forensic work and the development of a portfolio of photographic work and its use in the criminal justice system (CJS). This unit covers both traditional silver-based photography and the use of modern digital imaging technology, and will give you the opportunity to compare and contrast the suitability of 35mm film and digital imaging for use in the criminal justice system.
Year Two – National Certificate
8. Working in the Science Industry (Unit 2)The unit starts by exploring the essential procedures and practices found in all laboratories. This is supported by a look at specialist laboratories. They are examined on their different individual requirements in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and safety. This unit will give you an appreciation of how scientific data and records are kept in a modern laboratory information system. Finally, the unit provides an essential insight into how laboratories are organised today in the light of up-to-date safe working practices and safety regulations.
9. Scientific Investigation (Unit 3)
All scientists need to have good investigative skills and this unit develops these essential skills. Working in science often means teamwork but there are many instances of independent work. In this unit, you will have to make the best use of the laboratory time allocated by the tutor. You will be asked to carry out a practical investigation designed by somebody else, or to suggest ways of doing an investigation themselves.
10. Chemical Laboratory Techniques (Unit 22)
In this unit, you will develop confidence in handling chemicals safely and the ability to set up equipment, monitor and control the reactions that they use to produce compounds. You will use a variety of analytical techniques to assess the quality of your products. As you become more experienced, you will refine your practical skills to achieve greater percentage yields and higher purity more quickly.
11. Forensic Collection Evidence and Analysis (Unit 32)
In this unit you can practically explore much of the science that supports the techniques used within a forensic investigation. It also gives you the opportunity to undertake a simulated crime scene investigation, allowing you to develop an understanding of the importance of being objective in your approach to the evidence.
12. Forensic Psychology (Unit 35)
This unit builds on Unit 34: Criminal Psychology, and extends your understanding of how psychology has developed to inform decision-making in the criminal justice system - CJS. You will revisit the definitions of forensic psychology and criminal psychology, and consider the similarities and differences. Learners will see that where criminal psychology looks at the behaviour of those involved in the CJS, forensic psychology is used to inform courts’ and other tribunals’ decision-making.
13. Traffic Accident Investigation (Unit 38)
With our increasing dependence on road transport for getting around, car crashes are sadly a fact of life. In this unit you will look at how and why accidents happen and what is being done to make our roads safer for everyone. You will study and practice the techniques of evidence-gathering and accident reconstruction as part of the investigation process. You will also look at the factors (human, environmental and vehicle) that relate to traffic accidents.
