AS/A LEVEL APPLIED SCIENCE

WHAT IS APPLIED SCIENCE?

The course will allow you to study how science is applied in many different types of professions and industries. The focus is scientific usage, concentrating on how scientists and others use science in their work. During the course you will be given the opportunity to visit scientific workplaces and meet people who use science on a daily basis. You will also learn how science contributes to our lifestyle and the environment in which we live. The course is designed to allow you to spend a considerable amount of your time in the laboratory, working on the kind of practical projects that may be undertaken by employees working in science-based industries.

WHY SHOULD I STUDY APPLIED SCIENCE?

If you enjoy science and appreciate that it is an important part of our everyday lives and vital to the industries in our region then Applied Science may be for you.  It may be that you are interested in companies that manufacture or process scientific products (e.g. paints or food flavourings) or that you want to look at businesses that use science to provide services (e.g. hospitals or forensic laboratories). The course will cover topical issues which make use of science such as energy usage and health monitoring as well as the practical analytical techniques used in laboratories daily.

USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS

An enquiring mind and a willingness to research information yourself will be important characteristics if you want to do this course.

COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT

The AS level is made up of the following three modules:

Module 1 - Investigating Science at Work - this module looks at the types of organisation which use science.  You will look at one organisation in detail and research all aspects of the business which relate to science (e.g. health & safety, nature of the work and roles of staff).

Module 2 - Energy Transfer Systems - this focuses on the structure, monitoring, diagnosis and treatment of the circulatory and respiratory systems of the body and applications of energy transfer.

Module 3- Finding out about Substances - this will consist of plenty of practical work investigating chemical techniques commonly used for analysing samples in industrial laboratories.  You will demonstrate how you can work accurately and can use the results you obtain in order to draw conclusions about purity or identity of samples.

Upon successful completion of the first year you will have the option to progress to the second year of the course where you will study a further three modules. The first is a compulsory module and the final two chosen from the list below. The choice of units will depend on student interests, the composition of the class and teacher preferences and will be decided at the start of the course.

Module 4 - Planning and Carrying out a Scientific Investigation

Modules 5 & 6 –  two units from - Medical Physics, Controlling Chemical Processes, The Healthy Body, Sports Science, Colour Chemistry, Physics of Performance Effects, Actions & Development of Medicines, The Role of the Pathology Service, Ecology, Conservation & Recycling.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

In the first year of the course module two is assessed by an external exam whilst modules one and three are portfolio-based and require evidence of the work you will have done in practical classes as well as independent research. For the full A level module four and one of the optional modules will be internally assessed and the other optional module externally assessed by a written examination.

COURSE COMMITMENT

Students will be expected to work independently, outside the classroom, for about 4 hours per week.  This will allow time to complete assignments and coursework set in class as well as to review current work regularly and revise for the external examination.

COURSE COSTS

You will need a scientific calculator, which can be purchased for less than £10.  Industrial visits will involve a minimal charge of about £2 for each trip.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Students should have gained a minimum GCSE grade C in Science or Applied Science. A grade C in GCSE Mathematics is required and candidates are expected to have a grade C in English (if this is not the case then the department should be consulted).

PROGRESSION ROUTES

The GCE in Applied Science will prepare you for a career in the science industry or industries that use scientific knowledge and skills. It will also prepare you to take on learning and training in further and higher education. The types of courses include, for example, many vocational science and paramedical degrees.  You should always seek specific advice from college about the combination of subjects that may be best for your particular ambitions or career intentions. As Applied Science is a vocational course, it will not lead to an academic science degree course without the study of the other science disciplines.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Full course specifications can be found at www.aqa.org.uk

If you require further information please contact Nigel Durie, the Department Manager.