Applied Science

Applied Science

Why study Applied Science?
Applied Science is aimed at students who prefer assessment through coursework rather than exams. It is a good alternative to a separate science course, for those students who wish to study only one science A level to progress to their desired programme at university. The course is especially suitable for students considering careers in areas such as nursing and sports science. The first year has a mixture of human biology, chemistry and physics. The second year is entirely based on human biology.

What are the entry requirements?
You should have at least grade C in two science GCSEs. If you have studied applied science or GNVQ science at GCSE, then this course is particularly appropriate for you.
You should be aware that Applied Science does not count towards the National Curriculum subject requirement for teaching courses. If you want to be a teacher, you should do another National Curriculum subject as well as Applied Science, such as English or PE. Any person choosing Applied Science will need to be very well organised, hard working and attend regularly.

What will I study and how will it be assessed?
You will study different aspects of biology, chemistry and physics, but the work will be related to the real world wherever possible. In the first year of the course, you will study three units of work.

Unit 1 Investigating Science at Work
This unit looks at just how much science is taking place all around us. You will use the internet and other resources to survey all the places of work in Northwich and the surrounding area where some sort of science is taking place. You will describe the science they do, who works there and what their qualifications are. You will then study one organisation in detail, for example, Chester Zoo. You will find out about conservation and captive breeding programmes, learn about the health and safety issues and the scientific qualifications of the staff. This unit is assessed by coursework worth 33.3% of the AS marks.

Unit 2 Energy Transfer Systems
In this unit you will study the lungs and heart, focussing particularly on how different measurements are made on these organs and what they tell us. You will find out what normal blood pressure is and what it means if your blood pressure is higher or lower than this. You will also study different methods of investigating the body, like X-rays and ultrasound. You will also learn about energy transfer systems in the home and in industry. This unit is assessed by an external examination, worth 33.3% of the AS marks.

Unit 3 Finding out about Substances
This unit involves lots of practical work, using a variety of techniques to analyse and identify different chemical compounds and learn how these techniques can be used in areas like medical pathology and forensic science. For example, you will use colorimetry to show the presence of glucose in the urine of a diabetic and flame tests to analyse a contaminating compound in a drug sample. This unit is assessed by a coursework worth 33.3% of the AS marks.

If you continue with the course at A2, there will be three further units of study. Two of these are assessed by coursework and one by an external examination.

Where will the course lead me?
This course is ideal if you need a science A level to support a university application for such courses as PE, nursing, or midwifery. You may want to take the course just because you like science. If you are trying to choose whether to take Applied Science, or another science AS level such as Biology or Chemistry, ask yourself these questions:

• 
  How do you learn best? Do you enjoy researching information for yourself and organising it into a really good piece of coursework?
  

• Do you find examinations very challenging and find that they don't allow you to show what you can really do?


• Are you well organised and good at meeting deadlines?

If these things apply to you, Applied Science may well be a good choice for you.