Course Content:

Year 1 Units:

Principles and Applications of Science

Scientists and technicians working in science and science-related organisations must have a good understanding of core science concepts. A strong grasp of these concepts will enable you to use and apply this knowledge and understanding in vocational contexts when studying other units within this specification. The topic areas covered in this unit include: animal and plant cells; tissues; atomic structure and bonding; chemical and physical properties of substances related to their uses; waves and their application in communications.

Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

 

This unit introduces you to standard laboratory equipment and techniques, including titration, colorimetry, calorimetry, chromatography, calibration procedures and laboratory safety. You will become proficient in the quantitative analytical techniques of titration and colorimetry, including learning to calculate the concentration of solutions. You will use measurement of temperature to study cooling curves and be introduced to paper- and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). You will also have the opportunity to calibrate equipment.

 

Year 2 Units:

Science Investigation Skills

In this unit, you will develop the essential skills underpinning practical scientific investigations. As well as drawing on Units 1 and 2, these skills will be delivered through subject themes ranging from enzymes and diffusion to electrical circuits. The subject themes provide different contexts for the development of the investigative skills. Science investigative skills will help you in many scientific or enquiry-based learning courses in higher education, as well as prepare you for employment in a science-related industry.

 

Optional Unit - Unit 8 – Physiology of Human Body Systems

The human body is a complex mix of organs and organ systems. Knowledge of how these function to maintain human life is an essential part of the study of human physiology. In the unit you will focus on three body systems: musculoskeletal, lymphatic and digestive. You will focus on each of the systems as a functioning unit, identifying their structure and function. By exploring the anatomy of these systems, through experimentation and use of simulations, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of their role in the human body.

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Course Unit & Assessment

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Unit 1 Principles and Applications of Science

Written examination set and marked by the external exam board and is 2 hours long. The paper is split into three sections, each worth 30 marks: Section A – Biology, section B – Chemistry & Section C – Physics.

The paper will include a range of question types, including multiple choice, calculations, short answer and open response. These question types by their very nature generally assess discrete knowledge and understanding of the content in this unit.

 

Unit 2 - Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (50% of AS)

• Assessed via written assignments on different topics

• Internally assessed

• Assignments can take the form of written reports, presentations, displays, video recordings, etc

 

Unit 3 - Science Investigation Skills (33% of A Level)

• Assessed via written assignments on different topics

• Assignments are written and externally marked by exam board.

• Assignments can take the form of written reports, presentations, displays, video recordings, etc

 

Unit 8 – Physiology of Human Body Systems (17% of A Level)

• Assessed via written assignments on different topics

• Internally assessed

• Assignments can take the form of written reports, presentations, displays, video recordings, etc

 

Progression into careers via:

No matter what career you eventually follow you will be employed using scientific skills of some kind. Through studying this course you will have an understanding of the way in which industry operates using science. Many of our students move on to study Sports science, physiotherapy, nursing and other science related jobs. If moving into employment post Sixth Form then this qualification illustrates to employers that you are proficient in practical techniques and are able to work on your own initiative. You will develop the skills of report writing, data presentation and analysis, interpretation of information and research skills; all of these are real skills that employers will be looking for in potential employees.