BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science - Physical Science Application 

The physical science application topic consists of 5 assignments. Each assignment will be awarded a pass, merit or distinction. The assignments are marked according to the following criteria:

 Assignment 1

Pass - describe energy cycles in diagrams and in writing
Merit - explain situations involving energy conversions and energy conservation within energy cycles
Distinction- calculate energy consumption and the efficiency of energy conversion in energy cycles

Assignment 2

Pass - list the different types of ionising radiations and their properties
Merit - investigate the penetrating ability of different types of ionising radiation through different thickness of materials
Distinction - explain the reason for the different penetrating abilities of different types of ionising radiation through paper, aluminium and lead

Assignment 3

Pass - identify different type of waves and their main characteristics
Merit - investigate different types of waves travelling in different materials (including a vacuum) and between different materials
Distinction - explain how waves may be used for communications

Assignment 4

Pass - describe two ways in which electricity may be produced
Merit - explain two applications of electricity
Distinction - analyse the problem of energy losses when transmitting electricity and when converting it into other forms for consumer applications

Assignment 5

Pass - state methods used to investigate the universe, its galaxies, planets and stars.
Merit - describe methods used to investigate the universe, its galaxies, planets and stars.
Distinction - analyse the effectiveness and limitations of methods used to investigate the universe, its galaxies, planets and stars.

A merit will only be awarded if the evidence for the assignment covers both the criteria for pass and merit.
A distinction will only be awarded if the evidence for the assignment covers all the criteria for pass merit and distinction.