If you like doing science practicals and you prefer coursework to exams then this is the course for you; 50% of your final grade comes from the three exam units and 50% of your final grade comes from the three coursework units.

During this course you will be able to:

• practice experimental scientific techniques and explore how they’re applied in industry;
• follow a balanced science curriculum covering biology, chemistry and physics;
• plan and carry out a scientific investigation;
• explore ways in which topical scientific issues (such as cloning and fracking) are presented in the media;
• gain ideas about employment opportunities in science and prepare for courses in higher and further education.

 

Unit	Unit title and brief description	Area of science that you will study
1	Key concepts in science	Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
2	Applied experimental techniques - Coursework	Experimental techniques in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
3	Science in the modern world - Exam	Investigate topical scientific issues. Understand the public perception of science and the influence of the media. Ethical, moral, commercial, environmental, political and social issues involved in scientific advances.
4	The human body - Exam	The digestive system. The musculoskeletal system and movement. How oxygen travels in the blood and how physiological measurements can be applied. The structure and function of the nervous system and the brain as well as nerve impulses.
5	Investigating science - Coursework	How to plan and carry out an investigation. Recording and processing the data obtained. Evaluating and drawing conclusions Presenting the outcomes of the investigation.
6	Medical physics - Coursework	The use of diagnostic techniques, such as X-rays and ultrasound The uses of lasers and fibre optics in medicine. Demonstrate the ability to work with radioisotopes.

 

Where the course leads

Past students have gone on to study the following at university:

• nursing,
• paramedic science,
• radiography,
• environmental science
• forensic science
• midwifery
• psychology
• sports science (and related degrees)
• law

Other students have entered the world of work, joined the armed forces or secured higher level apprenticeships.

Entry requirements

Academic qualifications:

• Grade 4 or above in Science at GCSE
• Grade 4 or above in English & Maths at GCSE

Desirable qualities:

• The ability to work independently on written projects.
• A good level of written English.
• The work ethic needed to improve coursework (the ability and commitment to work independently) as well as good research skills.

Exam board: AQA

For further advice contact: Miss Stewart cstewart@purbeck.dorset.sch.uk