Applied Sciences Level 5

General Information

This NPA has been designed to provide a qualification which will equip you with a range of skills and knowledge in key areas of science. These skills will be beneficial for progression to further qualifications and would also be considered as transferable skills that will travel with you wherever your future lies.

The NPA in Applied Sciences level 5 will provide you with knowledge and understanding of biology, chemistry and physics as well as practical laboratory skills in each area. You will use a variety of scientific techniques incorporating a range of equipment which will aid and enhance your learning experience and development.

Aims

The specific aims of the group award are to:

  • Develop knowledge and understanding of biology, chemistry and physics.

  • Prepare learners for progression to extended qualifications at SCQF level 5 and above.

  • Develop skills in good laboratory practice.

  • Develop an understanding of science health and safety practices.

Assessment

This NPA in Science and Technology will be assessed via a combination of practical and knowledge assessments under closed- and open-book assessment conditions.

To achieve this group award you must pass all the units shown below:

Cell Biology

Chemical Changes and Structure

Physics: Waves and Radiation

Laboratory Science: Practical Skills

Information on Units

The following is a summary of the content of each unit:

Cell Biology

This unit covers the key areas of cell structure; transport across cell membranes; DNA and the production of proteins; proteins; genetic engineering and respiration. Learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.

Chemical Changes and Structure

This unit covers the key areas of rates of reaction, atomic structure and bonding related to properties of materials, formulae and reaction quantities and acids and bases.

Physics: Waves and Radiation

This unit covers the key areas of waves and nuclear radiation including wave parameters, the electromagnetic spectrum and light.

Laboratory Science: Practical Skills

This unit will provide you with the opportunity to develop the skills most commonly used in laboratories. You will learn how to work safely with potentially hazardous materials such as microorganisms, measure radioactivity, develop competence using laboratory equipment, perform a titration, chromatographic separation and distillation.

Overview

The content of the group award has been designed to provide you with an opportunity for:

  • progression within the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework

  • achievement of a national group award that recognises existing skills and competences in science

  • development opportunities in core and essential skills, specifically to:

— Communication

— ICT

— Numeracy

— Working with others

— Problem solving

— Employability skills

  • preparation for progression to extended programmes of study at SCQF level 5 or above

  • development of a range of key skills that are aligned to industry standards