Science in Society AS Level
A Level
In West Sussex
Description
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Type
A Level
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Location
West sussex
Is the radiation from mobile phones a health risk? Are wind farms aesthetically pleasing or a blot on the landscape? Do the benefits of mass vaccination for the community as a whole justify the risks of serious side effects for a few children? If you were seriously ill and needed a transplant, would you consider a xenotransplant, for example, the organ from a genetically modified pig.
Important information
Government funding available
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
Entry Requirements: You automatically qualify if you are at present on or have followed an AS science course. Otherwise BB in GCSE Science or Bs in at least two science related GCSEs are recommended. At present the course is offered to second year students only.
Reviews
Course programme
Science, Psychology & Engineering
Board and Syllabus details
Board: AQA - Syllabus: 5401
About the subject
" Is the radiation from mobile phones a health risk?
" Are wind farms aesthetically pleasing or a blot on the landscape?
" Do the benefits of mass vaccination for the community as a whole justify the risks of serious side effects for a few children?
" If you were seriously ill and needed a transplant, would you consider a xenotransplant, for example, the organ from a genetically modified pig?
If these questions interest you, Science for Public Understanding could be for you. The course focuses on the life sciences and the physical sciences. Topical issues and key episodes from the history of science will be used to help you develop a rounded approach to work covered in traditional science courses. Medical ethics, alternative medicine, the use of energy resources, sources and effects of radiation and cosmology are all tackled.
Learning Styles
You will take part in discussions, debate issues and form your own opinions.
Subject combinations and progression
The emphasis of the course is not on learning new science but understanding scientific explanations and the ideas about science that lie behind them. This makes the course relevant to both arts and science students but because the course is taught in 21/2 hours per week, students are recommended to have a strong science background.
Subject modules and assessment
Unit 1 Issues in the Life Sciences. 1¼ hours written paper, 35%.
Unit 2 Issues in the Physical Sciences. 1¼ hours written paper, 35%.
Unit 3 Coursework - 1) A study of a topical scientific issue
2) A critical account of a scientific book or article. 30%.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements: You automatically qualify if you are at present on or have followed an AS science course. Otherwise BB in GCSE Science or Bs in at least two science related GCSEs are recommended. At present the course is offered to second year students only.
Science in Society AS Level