Science and Health Level 4

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 Science and Health at SCQF level 4 will provide you with knowledge and understanding of health science and technology, aspects of chemistry and physics of particular relevance to health science 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 of the Qualification

  • develop knowledge and understanding of health science, chemistry and physics.

  • develop knowledge and understanding of science and its applications in relation to human health.

  • prepare learners for progression to qualification at SCQF level 5 in areas related to human health and science

  • develop skills in good laboratory practice.

  • develop an understanding of science health and safety procedures.

Assessment

This NPA in Science and Health 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:

Physics: Waves and Radiation

Nature's Chemistry

Science: Human Health

Science Practical Skills

Health Sector: Life Sciences Industries

Information on Units

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

Physics: Waves and Radiation

This unit covers the key areas of wave characteristics, sound, electromagnetic spectrum and nuclear radiation. It includes details of medical applications of waves and radiation.

Nature’s Chemistry

This unit covers the key areas of fuels, hydrocarbons, everyday consumer products and plants for products. It includes details of health science applications such as medicinal chemistry and dietary considerations.

Science: Human Health

This unit covers the key areas of what is health, threats to health, and health claims.

Science Practical Skills

This unit is designed to introduce you to scientific practical techniques. The unit will develop your practical skills in performing scientific experiments and develop your skills in processing and reporting the results obtained.

Group Award Specification: NPA in Science and Health at SCQF level 4 (GR2R 44), NPA in Science and Technology at SCQF level 4 (GR2T 44) and NPA in Applied Sciences at SCQF level 5 (GR2P 45) 26

Health Sector: Life Sciences Industries

This unit will introduce you to the range of product types made by the life sciences industry and their application in the health sector. You will participate in a practical activity which will help to develop knowledge and skills in the correct use of a biomedical device.

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 SCQF level 5 in science or a related discipline.