AS and A2 level Perspectives on Science

AS and A2 level Perspectives on Science

This option is usually only available for students in the second year of Advanced level study.
Are you interested in the status of scientific knowledge, the contribution of individuals and society to its development, and the ethical and philosophical questions that it generates? Do you want to develop your skills in constructing, discussing and defending reasoned opinions about science? In this unique course you will be encouraged to think critically about the nature of science and its contribution to current world views.

WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
There is no set body of subject matter for this course. We focus on the skills that need to be developed in order to approach the study of the history, philosophy and ethics ofscience. These skills relate to the acquisition, production and evaluation of evidence and research.

The course poses questions within the following topic areas and it is up to the individual which they choose for their research project:
· the origins of the universe
· the beginning and ending of life
· genetics
· animal welfare
· scientific revolutions
· the mechanistic universe

WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
You will be using a wide variety of sources: websites, videos, books, pictures, people, newspaper and journal articles in order to develop your research, analytical thinking and presentation skills through debates, informal discussions, posters, critical accounts of arguments and summaries of the content of an information source.

HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?
The course is assessed through a written research project and a formal presentation. At the end of the course, if successful, you will be awarded an Extended Project Qualification, equivalent to half an A level.

WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS COULD I DO WITH PERSPECTIVES ON SCIENCE?
You can do any combination of subjects with Perspectives on Science. It is a versatile subject and the skills you develop during the course can be applied to many areas of your academic and social education. It will usually only be available for students in the second year of A level study and should not be taken with Critical Thinking. Many students will be studying at least one Science or Social Science subject alongside this course but this is not essential.

AND AFTER THE COURSE?
The skills obtained in this course are essential in many areas of employment and university study. Former students have gone on to university to study degrees in a wide range of subjects including medical, scientific, social science, earth sciences, anthropology and philosophy. Universities like to see that students can consider ethical questions in a mature manner and this course helps students both as they apply to university and also when they complete their final year dissertation.