Applied Science

Applied Science

What will the course involve?
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.

Investigating science at work
Your first task is to become familiar with 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 Huddersfield 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. For example, at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary there are doctors, nurses, midwives, radiographers, dieticians, physiotherapists and so on !

You will then study one organisation in detail. This year, we have visited Chester Zoo. We studied conservation and captive breeding programmes, learned about the health and safety issues (an elephant keeper was killed there 3 years ago) and the scientific qualifications of the staff. We were surprised to find out that most of the keepers have degrees in biology!

Finding out about substances
This unit involves lots of practical work. You will learn to do lots of different techniques to analyse and identify different chemical compounds and learn how these techniques can be used in areas like medical pathology and forensic science. We have used colorimetry to show the presence of glucose in the urine of a diabetic and flame tests to analyse a contaminating compound in a cocaine sample.

For both of these units, you will be assessed on the quality of your portfolio work.

Energy transfer systems
In this unit you will study the lungs and heart, focusing particularly on how different measurements are made on these organs and what they tell us. So, what is a normal blood pressure and what does it mean if yours is 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 examined.

What other subjects go well with Applied Science?
Our current students study a wide variety of subjects, including psychology and sociology, PE, and business studies. Applied Science goes particularly well with and Health and Social Care. If you want to be a teacher, you should do another National Curriculum subject as well as applied science, such as English or PE.

As there is a considerable amount of overlap with the AS biology, human biology and chemistry course, we would recommend studying applied science instead of these courses, rather than alongside them.

Why do Applied Science rather than Biology or Chemistry AS?
One of the main differences is that applied science is mainly assessed by portfolio work: two out of the three units are assessed this way. Bear in mind that this does not make it an easy option - there is a lot of work involved!

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 orgainsed and good at meeting deadlines?

If these things apply to you, applied science may well be a good choice for you.

What careers could Applied Science lead into?
All of last year's students went on to university, to study for careers in areas such as radiography, biomedical sciences and nursing. Students also went on to do degrees in business studies, Sports Science and law.

Sarah is going to study Midwifery. Alana is going to study audiology. Danielle is going to study Adult Nursing. Vicky is going to study Sociology and Criminology. Kerian is going to study Midwifery.