Medical Science

What causes disease and how are diseases diagnosed? What treatment should be used and how effective is the treatment? How do drugs work within the body and how do we develop new cures? Medical scientists are at the forefront of healthcare services. This qualification provides learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills in key scientific principles to support employment in areas of Medical Science, such as jobs in physiological sciences or clinical laboratory services.

Structure of the course

AS Unit 1: Human Health and disease Written exam worth 12.5%

AS Unit 2: Physiological measurement techniques Written exam worth 12.5%

AS Unit 3 Medical science research methods Written exam worth 25%

A2 Unit 4 Medicines and disease treatment Written exam worth 25%

A2 Unit 5 Clinical laboratory techniques Written exam worth 12.5%

A2 Unit 6 Medical case study Written exam worth 12.5%

FAQ about the subject

Do I need to have studied a specific subject at GCSE to study Medical Science? We want candidates who have an interest in the subject and who are keen to study it. Pupils are required to have two GCSE’s in science at a grade C

What structure do the lessons follow?

This is a new course and is comprised of both internal and external assessments throughout the 2 years. Throughout the delivery our aim is to ensure that the teaching is vocationally relevant. This is achieved by pupils being given the opportunity to visit workplaces, such as clinical laboratories. The course uses a range of healthcare professionals to speak and work with the pupils.

Exam technique is developed through regular exam technique lessons, where learners are encouraged to ask questions as well as evaluating their own work and sharing good ideas with the rest of the group.

How much independent study is there?

As with all Advanced level courses there is a need for independent study. Pupils are encouraged to use online resources and work using Google classrooms. This enables teachers to maintain a dialogue with pupils to help raise attainment.

Teacher Profiles

Teacher: Science teacher qualified to degree level

Qualifications: To degree level in Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Biomedical Science and Biology

Specialism: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology and clinical case studies