course overview

A level courses/topics
New A level courses are being introduced for science disciplines for examination from summer 2016.

AQA Applied Science

A-level Applied Science offers students the chance to concentrate on some of the vocational aspects of Science. As well as being ideal for students seeking a broad background in Science, it also suits those entering this vocational area for the first time.

A-level Applied Science is a good choice for students considering higher education in any Science-based course, including: Biochemical Sciences, Chemistry, Food Technology, Human Physiology, Nursing, Sports Science, Materials Science, and Medical Physics.

AS GCE  (3 Units)

UNIT 1 - Investigating Science at Work (coursework unit )
• The types of organisation which use science
• How science is used in organisations
• How health and safety regulations are used in the workplace
• How the organisation impacts on the local community

UNIT 2 - Energy Transfer Systems* (exam unit)
• The structure and function of the circulatory and respiratory systems
• How to find out about physiological status through monitoring
• The process of respiration
• Ethical issues relating to monitoring, diagnosis and treatment of the circulatory and respiratory systems Imaging methods used in monitoring and diagnosis
• Applications of energy transfer

UNIT 3 - Finding out about substances (Coursework Unit)
• How to obtain and prepare samples for analysis
• Qualitative chemical analysis
• Volumetric analysis
• Chromatographic techniques
• Colorimetric techniques
• Energy changes that take place when substances react

Advanced Level GCE  (3 AS  and an additional 3 A2 Units)

UNIT 1 - Investigating Science at Work
UNIT 2 - Energy Transfer Systems*
UNIT 3 - Finding out about substances

Plus

UNIT 7 - Planning and Carrying out a Scientific Investigation (coursework Unit)
• How to plan an investigation
• How to carry out the investigation
• Recording and processing the data obtained
• Evaluating and drawing conclusions from the investigation
• Presenting the outcomes of the investigation

UNIT 14 - The Healthy Body (exam unit)
How basic homeostatic mechanisms maintain a healthy body

Cellular respiration

How to monitor concentrations of substances in the blood
• blood pH
• oxygen saturation
• blood glucose
How a healthy diet helps to maintain a healthy body

Monitoring the levels of cholesterol, vitamins and minerals in the body

The structure and function of the digestive system
 
UNIT 16 - Ecology, Conservation and Recycling (coursework Unit)

This unit involves a residential field trip to Norfolk to investigate the ecology of sand dunes and the impact of humans on the environment

The type and populations of organisms that live in a habitat
The relationships of organisms with their physical and biological environment
Environmental change and damage
Managing conservation
Recycling materials