Assessment

A total of 5 units will be studied across the 2 years of the course which include all 3 sciences:

• Unit 1 Principles and Applications of Biology (External examination)
• Unit 2 Principles and Applications of Chemistry (External examination)
• Unit 3 Principles and Applications of Physics (External examination)
• Unit 4 Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (Internal assignments)
• Unit 5 or Unit 6 Optional Unit (Internal assignment)

Unit 1 – Principles and Applications of Biology (External examination)

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 and tissues, including specialised cells
• biological molecules, including water, carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acid
• cell transport
• enzymes activity

Science professionals need to understand the structure and workings of cells. They build on this knowledge to understand how the body stays healthy as well as the symptoms and causes of some diseases. This allows them to diagnose and treat illnesses. The study of bacterial prokaryotic cells gives an understanding of how some other diseases are caused and can be treated. Scientists and technicians in the food industry also need to understand the structure and function of plant cells to enable them to develop food crops that produce greater yields.

The knowledge and understanding you will learn in this unit will provide a strong basis for you to progress in the science sector and to a variety of science related programmes such as higher nationals and degrees.

Unit 2 – Principles and Applications of Chemistry (External examination)

Chemistry is not just a subject; it influences many aspects of other sciences. Everything you see, everything you do, everywhere you go, you are surrounded by chemistry and the chemical reactions that are needed for it. Chemistry makes up the world we live in today.

In this unit, you will re-examine basic chemistry (the periodic table, atomic and electronic structure, bonding and structure) with more advanced concepts such as ionisation energy, electronegativity, polarity, molecular shape and intermolecular forces. Periodicity will be explored through the study of Period 3 elements and their compounds, focusing on changes in oxidation number, physical and chemical properties, and making predictions for other elements. You will learn about the main branches of physical chemistry (chemical kinetics, energetics and equilibrium), perform mole calculations, and consider the impact of green chemistry in the chemical industry. You will learn the basics of organic chemistry, naming and drawing formulae, understanding isomerism and other properties, the reactions of different types of organic compounds, and the benefits or problems that organic chemistry can provide.

The content covered at the beginning, will provide you with the pre-requisite knowledge to explore the subject further in the latter stages of the unit. The content enables you to build on your understanding as you progress towards your final assessment.

This unit will help you progress to higher education and professional qualifications either in chemistry, or other science-based qualifications. It will also help you to progress to employment in the chemical or scientific industry.

Unit 3 – Principles and Applications of Physics (External examination)

If you’ve ever considered how the mechanics of a car, your mobile phone or how circuitry works, you shouldn’t be surprised that physics plays a huge part in their actions. This unit will explore the role physics has on our everyday tasks and activities, communication networks and our work with electrical circuits.

In this unit, you will learn about waves and how electromagnetic waves are the basis for our modern communication systems. Mobile phones, Wii-FI and Bluetooth will no doubt be concepts you’re already familiar with. This unit will enable you to develop an insight into how these systems work and the activities they perform. The study of motion and laws of motion are also important when developing safety products for our everyday lives. Seat belts, air bags and crumple zones are just three innovations that came about through the study of motion. Electricity, electrical circuits and their relationship to energy usage, are also very important as our use of electrical devices continues to rise. By using physics, it is possible to understand how we can create energy alternatives that can help us develop greater sustainability in our future environment.

Understanding the physical principles, practical investigations and mathematical skills developed in this unit will allow for progression to higher education and professional qualifications such as nursing, health and social care, technicians in medicine, dentistry and laboratory quality control.

Unit 4 - Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (Internal assignments)

This unit introduces you to standard laboratory equipment and techniques, including titration, colorimetry, chromatography, calibration procedures and laboratory safety.

Through the practical tasks in the unit, you will develop proficiency 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 and will be encouraged to be aware of the safety aspects of given laboratory procedures and techniques.

While you develop your practical skills, the discussion and analysis of group results will allow you to understand your progress in relation to that of others and also to gain an understanding of the reliability, repeatability and reproducibility of various procedures and techniques. You will have the opportunity to use problem-solving skills when you undertake chromatography work. There is scope throughout the unit to reflect on the skills you have gained and how you may develop further.

The fundamental knowledge, practical skills, transferable skills – for example, organisation, self-assessment and critical thinking, and the ability to interpret data – all developed in this unit will give you confidence when you undertake the more complex practical techniques.

The experience you gain will be invaluable in scientific higher education where there is a requirement for you to follow written scientific procedures and a desire to ensure accuracy by utilising correct technical procedures. Additionally, calibration procedures may be beneficial for allied health profession routes, where pipettes, balances, pH meters and thermometers may be appropriate to use.

Unit 6 - Contemporary Issues in Science (Internal assignment)

Scientific issues are all around us and impact on the day to day lives of everyone. Some of the problems facing humans and the planet have been the result of some scientific and technological advances, but science is also key to finding solutions.

These issues affect us in various ways, for good or harm, and in various dimensions. They may have social, economic, political, ethical and environmental implications and you will explore these in this unit. You will develop skills of analysing information and research to find out how various organisations exert effects on the issues. You will need to draw on your learning from across the Applied Science qualification.

You will develop critical thinking skills and be able to analyse various articles that convey scientific information and be able to evaluate the effects of misinformation and disinformation spread via social media. You will understand the importance of validity and reliability when reporting scientific information and how it can influence the accuracy of information that’s needed in contemporary science. You will also write articles on scientific issues that are suitable for a general audience and for a professional audience.