Science – Applied GCSE
This is a Double Award qualification in Science that relates science to actual jobs, e.g. farming, hairdressing, photography, medicine, forensics and a host of others.
A pass on this course can lead to higher studies, e.g. BTEC National in Science or A levels in appropriate sciences.
Entry Requirements
Four GCSEs at least grade D, one of which must be Science, as well as previous experience in science or a keen interest and motivation to learn. Students without formal qualifications may apply through diagnostic tests.
Course Content
Unit 1: Science in the workplace
Learn how science and scientific skills are used in the workplace. Also learn about the importance of health and safety in science and scientific workplaces.
Unit 2: Science for the needs of society
Learn about some of the essential knowledge that scientists use in health and medicine, countryside management, the home environment and transport and communications.
Unit 3: Developing scientific skills
Develop some skills that particular scientists use, such as microbiologist techniques to investigate living things, the skills of the analytical chemist to carry out analysis and materials scientist skills to investigate the properties of materials.
Unit 4: Using scientific skills
Apply some of the skills that scientists use by investigating how biologists or medical scientists monitor living organisms, some of the processes used by chemists to make useful products, the function of components used by engineers to make electrical devices and the advantages of machines in the workplace.
Method of Assessment
Unit 1: In this unit you will complete two pieces of coursework – worth 10% of the total marks.
Unit 2: In this unit you will take a written exam, which is worth 35% of the total marks. You may take the exam at Higher or Foundation level - your teacher will help you make this decision.
Unit 3: In this unit you will complete three pieces of coursework – worth 27.5% of the total marks.
Unit 4: In this unit you will complete 4 pieces of coursework – worth 27.5% of the total marks.