The course develops themes in Biology, Chemistry and Physics that explore the applied context of these subjects. The course includes a variety of activities including practical experimentation and investigation in the laboratory, research tasks, presentation tasks and written assignments. The aim is to provide learners with transferable skills such as reading and analysing scientific texts, effective scientific writing and investigative methods that are highly valued by both Universities and employers.
Course content
Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science I
Learners develop an understanding of periodicity and properties of elements, structure and bonding in applications in science, production and uses of substances in relation to properties, cell structure and function, cell specialization, tissue structure and function, working with waves and the use of electromagnetic waves in communication.
Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
Learners develop an understanding of laboratory equipment and its calibration, preparation and standardisation of solutions using titration, colorimetry, thermometers, cooling curves, chromatography as well as personal and professional skills required in a modern laboratory.
Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills
In this unit, learners gain competence in planning a practical investigation, gathering data, interpreting and evaluating scientific data. They will also learn about enzymes, diffusion of molecules, plants and their environment, fuels and energy and electrical circuits
Unit 4: Optional Unit from one of the qualifying options
Course Assessment
Units 1 and 3 are assessed by externally marked, written exam papers and a practical investigation carried out under controlled conditions, while Unit 2 and one further optional unit are internally assessed via a series of internally marked assignments throughout the course.
