Course Details
SCIENCE APPLIED AS / A2 LEVEL
Applied Science is based on the sort of work and practical skills that scientists use in business and industry. The Science studied is related to Science within the workplace. Real examples are seen on visits and fieldwork.The course is two thirds coursework and one third examination. This means that there is a lot o hands on practical experiments to complete.
Are there any special requirements?
You must have 2 C’s in GCSE Science and a total of 5 grade C’s or more.
A good attendance record is essential.
What will I be studying?
AS Year
Unit 1: Investigating science at work looks at lots of different ways in which scientists are employed. We will make a number of visits to scientific organisations for this and do some field work as well. An example is to look at The Deep in Hull. However, you may tailor this unit to a career you are interested in e.g. midwifery, army, RAF, zoologist etc.
Unit 2: Energy Transfer Systems involves studying the structure and function of the human body and how energy is used. Use of energy forms an important part of modern life. We study its use on a small scale and also the impact on the world around us.
Unit 3: Finding out about substances involves you working as an analyst in a
laboratory, working precisely and recording and interpreting data. You assess vinegar, analyse forensic powders, use a colorimeter, design a chromatography experiment and calculate the energy released from fuels.
A2 Year
Three more units are then studied. One of these units must be unit 7.
Unit 7: Planning and Carrying out a Scientific Investigation – you will undertake research and investigative work of your own. You will develop analytical, research and evaluative skills and prepare a report for your chosen client.
We choose the other 2 units from a range available, which includes the units below.
Unit 11: Controlling Chemical Processes – in this unit you will learn about the industrial manufacture of chemical components, the effect of reaction conditions on chemical change and how to investigate chemical change in the laboratory.
Unit 14: The Healthy Body – you will consider some health and fitness measurements used to monitor the activity of the body to assist with diagnosis of disease. You will study human biological systems and how they function.
Unit 15: The Role of the Pathology Service – in this unit you will learn about the role of the biochemistry, haematology, microbiology and pathology departments, and the types of test undertaken in each department. You may get to witness these at Scarborough Hospital.
Unit 16: Ecology, Conservation and Recycling – you will conduct an ecological survey and estimate
the distribution of organisms in a habitat. You will research the environmental damage caused by human activity, and the recycling of a material by a local authority.
What skills will Ineed and be developing during the course?
- You will need to be organised and capable of meeting deadlines.
- You will need very good attendance and punctuality.
- You will need to develop your research skills using a wide range of sources of information.
- You will need to develop your manipulative skills. Practical work is the key to this course.
- You will need to become numerate. Support will be given.
- You will learn to express ideas in your own words. Scientists need to be able to present their
results.
How is the Course assessed?
One third of the work is externally assessed by examination and two thirds is by internal assessment of coursework portfolios.
What career opportunities are there?
Advanced Science provides an excellent route to university for a whole range of different science based degree courses e.g. Forensics, Engineering, Nursing, Nutrition, Sports Studies etc.
Previous students have continued to courses in such subjects as Motor Engineering, Transport Studies, Information Technology, Biochemistry, Forensics, Marine Studies, Sports Science, Midwifery, etc.
Some students choose to go directly into employment in science based industries and the armed forces
.…and what else?
You would be working in well equipped. modern laboratories with good technical help. There are also excellent IT facilities and an up to date library to help you in your work. You will be encouraged to use these.
There are some industrial visits, and some key speakers come into college from industry to talk to you. Additionally, for some units you complete local fieldwork as part of environmental work.
Download Course Description File: Applied_Science_AS_A2_2012_13.pdf