Students should have a good understanding of GCSE Science and an interest in human biology and healthcare.
Suggested subject requirements: Grade 5 or above in GCSE Biology or 55 in Combined Science. A grade 5 or above in maths.
Assessment
The qualification is assessed through a combination of external examinations and internally assessed assignments. Students will complete two externally assessed units:
Unit 1: Principles of Human Physiology – January of Y12
Unit 2: Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases – summer of Y12.
The remaining units are assessed through assignments and practical work, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding and scientific skills in different ways.
Next Steps
Medical Science can support progression to university courses, degree apprenticeships, and careers in healthcare, biomedical science, nursing, physiotherapy, radiography and other science-related fields.
Students interested in a future healthcare career are also encouraged to join our Medical Pathways Programme, where they can take part in clinical skills sessions, university outreach activities and opportunities to explore a range of healthcare professions.
BTEC in Medical Science
Medical Science is a course for students interested in understanding how the human body works, what happens when things go wrong and how science is used to diagnose and treat disease.
The course combines biological knowledge with practical laboratory skills, giving students the opportunity to explore the science behind modern healthcare. It is particularly suited to students interested in careers in nursing, physiotherapy, biomedical science and other healthcare professions.
Students will study human anatomy and physiology, exploring how different body systems work together to keep us healthy.
Topics include biological molecules, the nervous and endocrine systems, the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and the digestive and renal systems.
Students will also develop practical laboratory skills, learning how scientific investigations are carried out and how results are analysed and interpreted.
The course encourages students to apply their scientific knowledge to real medical situations, developing problem-solving, analytical and communication skills.
