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
F180	Fundamentals of science (Exam)	Understand key concepts in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Such as cell structure, the heart, homeostasis, atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, energy, efficiency, electricity and medical physics.
F182	Investigating science (Coursework)	In this unit you will learn about the role of a research scientist in industry by learning how to conduct your own scientific investigation. You will develop the skills to research, plan and risk assess your investigation before safely undertaking the practical tasks
F186	Medical physics (Coursework)	In this unit you will learn about the different diagnosis techniques and therapies used in medicine
F181	Science in society (Exam)	In this unit you will learn about the skills scientists use and the roles they perform in an international scientific community. You will examine different types of scientific data and learn how scientists use them to draw conclusions that can contribute to scientific advancement.
F183	Analytical techniques in chemistry (Coursework)	In this unit you will learn how to plan and perform practical investigations to separate substances and purify them.

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 44 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.wessex.ac