Applied Science is a great choice for students looking for a practical scientific qualification. The courses aim to provide students with the relevant skills and knowledge that employers value, as well as the confidence to progress into a fulfilling, exciting career.
Unit 1 (exam, 25% of the course) - covers key science concepts in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. 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. This will be examined in 3 exams at the end of year 12.
Unit 8 (coursework, 17% of the course) - Learners will focus on the physiological makeup of three human body systems (musculoskeletal, lymphatic and digestive), how the systems function and what occurs during dysfunction. This work will be written up and submitted as coursework at the end of year 12.
Unit 3 (exam, 33% of the course)- Learners will cover the stages involved and the skills needed in planning a scientific investigation: how to record, interpret, draw scientific conclusions and evaluate. These skills will be examined in an exam at the end of year 13.
Unit 2 (coursework, 25% of the course) - Learners will be introduced to quantitative laboratory techniques, calibration, chromatography, calorimetry and laboratory safety, which are relevant to the chemical and life science industries. These will be written up in report form and submitted as coursework at the end of year 13.
The course is assessed through a combination of written exams, controlled assessments and assignments.
Unit 2 and Unit 8 are assignment based and internally assessed and verified by the exam board.
Unit 1 is assessed through three external written exams sat in May of year 12, in which learners will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the core principles across the three science disciplines.
Unit 3 is a practical task and written exam, set and marked by the exam board in May of year 13.
601/7436/5
Dr K Lamb
Pearson
Students are expected to have a minimum of 3 Grade 5 GCSEs including:
Grade 4 English Language
Grade 4 Maths
Grade 5 Science
Students must be motivated to succeed, organised and work to deadlines set.
You could go on to study Applied Science at a higher level or gain UCAS points to study other subjects.
Employment opportunities may include nursing, paramedics, working in a laboratory situation in quality assurance, a hospital or education setting.