BTEC International Level 3 Applied Science

Unit 2: Chemistry and Our Earth — assessment criteria

BTEC International Level 3 Unit 2 (Chemistry and Our Earth) — 30 Guided Learning Hours.

Internal / Optional30 GLH20 criteria4 learning aims

Teaching this subject at Level 2?

Assessment criteria

Reproduced verbatim from the Pearson specification — the same grid the assignment brief carries. A unit grade is the highest band where all criteria in that band (and every band below it) are met.

Pass

9 criteria

A.P1Describe how the Periodic Table and its features relate to atomic structure.

A.P2Determine relative atomic mass and isotope composition of elements.

A.P3Explain the rules used to determine the electronic structure of atoms and ions.

B.P4Describe different types of bonding, intermolecular force and structure.

B.P5Explain how bonding and structure influence physical properties.

C.P6Investigate the physical and chemical properties of s block elements and of the halogens.

C.P7Explain the chemistry of s block elements and halogens in terms of oxidation number and electron transfer.

D.P8Calculate moles from mass, concentration and volumes, and vice-versa.

D.P9Correctly prepare and dilute a standard solution for quantitative analysis.

Merit

7 criteria

A.M1Explain trends in atomic and ionic radius down a group and across a period.

B.M2Assess the use of electronegativity in determining bonding characteristics of a compound.

B.M3Predict the shape and polarity of molecules using electron pair repulsion theory and electronegativity.

C.M4Compare the properties of s block elements with transition metals and halogens with noble gases.

C.M5Explain the use of reduction and oxidation to extract elements from compounds.

D.M6Carry out a gravimetric technique to determine the mass of an analyte.

D.M7Carry out volumetric techniques to determine the concentration of a solution.

Distinction

4 criteria

A.D1Analyse how ionisation energy changes down a group, across a period and successively for each electron in the atom of an element.

B.D2Analyse how melting/boiling point changes for elements and their compounds across a period and down a group.

C.D3Assess different industrial methods of extraction of elements from their compounds and their uses.

D.D4Evaluate the accuracy of the procedures used in gravimetric and volumetric analysis and suggest improvements.

Command verbs in this unit

The verb decides the depth expected — that is what separates Pass from Merit and Distinction work on the same learning aim.

DescribeDetermineExplainInvestigateCalculateCorrectlyAssessPredictCompareCarryAnalyseEvaluate

Pearson's ladder runs Identify → Describe → Explain → Compare / Analyse → Evaluate / Justify / Assess. A Merit or Distinction criterion on the same aim always implies the Pass beneath it: an “evaluate” answer that never first “explains” fails, however polished it reads. Hover a verb for what it demands.

Learning aims

A. Understand how atomic and electronic structure influence the arrangement
B. Understand how bonding and structure influence physical properties of
C. Investigate how the properties of elements change in the Periodic Table and
D. Be able to determine reacting quantities in chemical reactions

How checkb.tech checks this unit

Upload a learner's submission and checkb.tech reads it against exactly these criteria, reporting each one as met, partly met, or not met — with the evidence that informed the verdict cited, so every call is auditable.

The check runs against the official Pearson documents for this unit, and identical evidence always produces an identical result — the same script gets the same verdict every time.

It never awards a grade. You stay the assessor: confirm, dismiss, or act on every criterion before your assessment decision is final.

Verification & Quality Tools for Unit 2

Free Lead IV and assessor utilities configured for Pearson BTEC International specifications.

Authenticity CheckerAudit Unit 2 Evidence with Free Authenticity Checker

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Lead IV UtilityCalculate IV Sample Size

Generate a JCQ-compliant square-root sampling plan with assessor risk tiers and P/M/D grade distribution.

Compliance CalculatorCheck Resubmission Window

Compute the exact 15th working day deadline excluding term holidays and audit Pearson conditions.

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More Level 3 Applied Science units

Unit 1 — Principles of Science Unit 3 — Energy and Our Universe Unit 4 — Biology and Our Environment Unit 5 — Applications of Chemical Substances Unit 6 — Applications of Physical Science All units →

Criteria and aim text reproduced for teacher reference from the official Pearson qualification documentation (Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Qualifications). BTEC is a registered trademark of Pearson Education Limited. checkb.tech is an independent tool — not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Pearson. It never awards a grade; the teacher stays the assessor.