Science National 4
SCQF Framework
SCQF Level: 4
SCQF Credit Points: 24
Skills Framework
Delivering Centre
Vale of Leven Academy
Purpose and Aims
The purpose of the Course is to develop learners’ curiosity, interest and enthusiasm for science in a range of contexts. The skills of scientific inquiry and investigation are integrated and developed throughout the Course. The relevance of science is highlighted by the study of the applications of science in everyday contexts.
The Course is an up-to-date selection of ideas relevant to the central position of science within our society. It is practical and experiential, and develops scientific awareness of issues relating to science.
The Course gives opportunities for learners to develop the ability to think analytically, creatively and independently, and to make evaluations. The Course covers a variety of contexts relevant to science’s impact on the environment and society through covering the topics Fragile Earth, Human Health and Applications of Science. This will enable learners to become scientifically literate citizens, able to review the science-based claims they will meet. It provides a skills set for progressing to all of the science Courses at National 5.
The Course also serves to equip all learners with an understanding of the impact of science on everyday life, and with the knowledge and skills to be able to evaluate media reports. This will also equip learners to make their own decisions on issues within a modern society where the body of scientific knowledge and its applications and implications are ever developing. By using the skills base and knowledge and understanding of science, learners will become scientifically literate citizens.
Recommended Entry
Entry to this Course is at the discretion of the centre. However, learners would normally be expected to have attained the skills and knowledge required by one or more of the following or by equivalent qualifications and/or experience:
National 3 Science Course or relevant component Units
Progression
This Course or its Units may provide progression to:
other qualifications in science or related areas
further study, employment or training
Career Options
Further Information
National 4 Science Course Specification
Course Content
The Course has four mandatory Units including the Added Value Unit.
Fragile Earth
In this Unit there are opportunities for personalisation and choice. Learners will focus on two choices from the following four:
energy
metals
water
food
They will investigate these resources through activities related to their source, origin, production and/or extraction. Uses and benefits will be explored. Conflicts and also possible local, national, or global solutions will be identified. Learners will gain knowledge of how science is involved in environmental issues.
Human Health
Learners cover procedures to measure physical fitness, investigate mental/social health issues and research media reports of national/international health areas.
Applications of Science
In this Unit, learners explore science’s contribution to communication technologies and the impact that these have had on the environment/society. Learners research the production and use of new materials. They cover how science helps the understanding of risk and how it can be reduced in modern life.
Added Value Unit: Science Assignment
In this Unit, learners will draw on and extend the skills they have learned from across the other Units and demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and skills acquired, in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways.
Course Assessment Structure
To achieve the National 4 Science Course, learners must pass all of the required Units, including the Added Value Unit.
All Units are internally assessed on a pass/fail basis within the school.