You will cover 8 units of which 6 are mandatory.
Core modules include:
- Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
- Laboratory Techniques and their Application
- Investigative Project
Optional modules cover such topics as:
- Physiology of Human Body Systems
- Forensic Evidence, Collection and Analysis
Delivery of the qualification will be through a mixture of theory and practical sessions.
Unit 1:
Principles and Applications of Science I (GLH:90)
This unit covers some of the key science concepts in biology, chemistry and
physics. The topic areas covered in this unit include: animal and plant
cells; tissues; atomic structure and bonding; chemical and physical
properties of substances related to their uses; waves and their application
in communications.
This unit is
assessed through an examination worth 90 marks with a total time of 2 hours,
undertaken in three timed sessions of 40 minutes for each of Biology,
Chemistry and Physics. Pearson (exam board) sets
and marks the task.
Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (GLH:90)
Learners will be introduced to quantitative laboratory techniques,
calibration, chromatography, calorimetry and laboratory safety, which are
relevant to the chemical and life science industries.
This unit is assessed by four summative
assignments - three are related to practical work and one assignment requires
you to reflect on your skills development.
Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills (GLH:120)
Learners will cover the stages involved and the skills needed in planning a
scientific investigation: how to record, interpret, draw scientific
conclusions and evaluate. This unit
will be assessed through a written task (Part B) worth 60 marks that is set
and marked by Pearson. The assessment task will assess learners’ ability to
plan, record, process, analyse and evaluate scientific findings, using
primary and secondary information/data. In order to complete the written task
in Part B, learners will need to obtain results/observations from the
practical investigation in Part A.
Unit 4: Laboratory Techniques and their Application (GLH:90)
This unit covers the importance of health and safety in workplace
laboratories, how data is stored and communicated and how organic liquids and
solids are made and tested industrially.
This unit is assessed by four summative assignments - two are related
to practical work, one is related to health and safety and one is related to
communication.
Unit 5: Principles and Applications of Science II (GLH:120)
This unit builds on and extends the range of key science concepts in
biology, chemistry and physics that were covered in Unit 1: Principles and
Applications of Science I.
This unit
is assessed through an examination worth 120 marks with a total time of 2.5
hours, undertaken in three timed sessions of 50 minutes for each of Biology,
Chemistry and Physics. Pearson sets
and marks the task.
Unit 6: Investigative Project (GLH:90)
This unit enables learners to gain an understanding and the skills required
to undertake an investigative project. In agreement with your tutor you will choose one topic area that
interests you and this will form the basis of your investigative project.
This unit is assessed through two assignments. One relates to you carrying out a
scientific literature search and review, considering the project’s aims and
objectives, and then producing a realistic plan. The second assignment relates to you
carrying out the project safely using your scientific investigation skills,
project management skills and what you have learnt from the other units and
submitting an evaluative report that will consider the project outcomes and
suggest amendments that may have improved those outcomes.
Unit 8: Physiology of Human Body Systems (GLH:60)
Learners will focus on the physiological make up of three human body
systems (musculoskeletal, lymphatic and digestive), how the systems function
and what occurs during dysfunction.
This unit is assessed by three summative research assignments - one
related to the musculoskeletal system, one to
the lymphatic system and one to the digestive system.
Unit 23: Forensic Evidence, Collection and Analysis (GLH:60)
This unit covers techniques used in the collection, analysis and reporting
of biological, chemical and physical evidence during forensic
investigations.
This unit is assessed
by three summative research assignments - one relates to the gathering of
forensic evidence, one to the investigation of a simulated crime scene using
forensic procedures and a one related to the analysis of physical, chemical
and biological evidence.