Course Details
Awarding Body: Pearson Edexcel
Staff Contacts: Miss J Lightfoot JeLightfoot@quarrydale.notts.sch.uk
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Key features of the course
- Principles and Applications of Biology – Structure and function of cells and tissues, biological molecules, enzymes and their role in organisms
- Principles and Applications of Chemistry – Structure of the Periodic Table and its implications on physical and chemical properties of substances, through analysis of different bonding methods
- Principles and Applications of Physics – Waves and their applications; force principles and their application in transportation and construction of electrical circuits
- Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques – Practical applications across the sciences, including chromatography, colorimetry and electrical circuits.The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics:
Year 12
Students then do a further unit covering the following topics:
- Scientific Investigation Skills – Investigative research, including planning, data collection, analysis and evaluation.
Entry Requirements:
5 GCSE’s at grade 4 or above (including English and Maths) and Separate Sciences Grade 4 or above or Combined Science Grade 4 – 4 or above.
What could this course lead on to?
This qualification can lead to progression to several degrees for example:
- BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences
- BSc (Hons) Nursing
- BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
- Level 3 BTEC’s are also an excellent qualification for acceptance onto higher level apprenticeships.
Future prospects and careers
Students will develop the following knowledge:
• Fundamental scientific principles and applied knowledge
• Laboratory techniques, including health and safety assessment, and associated professional practice
• Scientific Research skills, including researching and planning methodologies, data collection and analysis, drawing justified conclusions, evaluation and interpretation.
Students develop the ability to apply scientific concepts in practice, which supports the analytical approach of related degrees. Critical thinking and independent learning help students to be better prepared for the self-directed learning approach used in higher education and become more open-minded to learning.
What type of student is this course suitable for?
This course is designed for Post-16 students with an interest in science and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate-level employment. Equivalent to one A level in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in science alongside two other level 3 qualifications (one of which can be the AAQ in Medical Science).
Assessment Structure
| Title | Style of Assessment | |
| Unit one | Principles and Applications of Biology | An external examination set and marked by Pearson. • 50 marks |
| Unit Two | Principles and Applications of Chemistry | An external examination set and marked by Pearson. • 50 marks |
| Unit Three | Principles and Applications of Physics | An external examination set and marked by Pearson. • 50 marks |
| Unit Four | Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques | Internally assessed units are assessed by a Pearson Set Assignment Brief (PSAB), which is set by Pearson, |
| Unit Five | Science Investigation Skills | Internally assessed units are assessed by a Pearson Set Assignment Brief (PSAB), which is set by Pearson, |