APPLIED SCIENCE

LEVEL 3: SINGLE/Triple Vocational (AAQ)
EXAMINING BOARD: PEARSON

This broad course covers key topics from all three science disciplines (Physics, Chemistry and Biology), taking a mixed approach to assessment, combining both exams and coursework to assess each area.

This practical subject will develop your experimental skills and understanding of how to plan, analyse and evaluate experimental procedures.

You will develop your mathematical skills to analyse data and develop your English skills to enable you to use specialist scientific terminology correctly.

Due to overlap in the specifications, it is not possible to take this course alongside the Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

You can select to study either an Single Vocational or an Extended Diploma:

The Single Vocational is equivalent to one A Level and can be combined with two other subjects.

The Triple Vocational is equivalent to three A Levels and carries the same UCAS points tariff, so you will not study additional subjects within your core Study Programme.

Single Vocational

In Year 1 you will study the following units:

  1. Principles and Applications of Biology
  2. Principles and Application of Chemistry
  3. Principles and Applications of Physics

Each unit covers the core respective content of their science discipline, developing on areas covered by GCSE Science.

In Year 2 you will study:

4. Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

Plus one of the following:

5. Science Investigation Skills

6. Contemporary Issues in Science

Unit 4 covers key practical work in all three of the core science disciplines including, titration, chromatography and calorimetry.

Unit 5 is an individual practical science investigation looking into one of the science disciplines in more depth.

Unit 6 looks at current scientific issues and explores their causes, potential solutions and wider impacts.

Triple Vocational

Year 1 units:

  • Principles and Applications of Science 1
  • Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
  • Science Investigation Skills
  • Laboratory Techniques and their Application
  • Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways
  • Genetics and Genetic Engineering.

Year 2 units:

  • Principles and Applications of Science 2
  • Investigative Project
  • Contemporary Issues in Science
  • Medical Physics Applications
  • Biomedical Science.

As a minimum, you will need (or equivalent to):

  • GCSE Mathematics grade 4
  • GCSE English Language grade 4
  • GCSE Combined Science grade 4 plus two more GCSEs at grade, or three Core Sciences at grade 4

It is strongly recommended you have:

  • GCSE Mathematics grade 5 or above
  • GCSE English grade 5 or above
  • GCSE Combined Science at grade 5:5 or above, or three Core Sciences grades 5 or above.

For the Triple Vocational, a Level 2 vocational qualification at grade merit or above can be accepted in place of one GCSE.

The Single Vocational  qualification is assed by coursework (50%) and exams (50%).

All examination units (1,2 & 3) are taught in the first year and all coursework units (4 & 5 or 6) are taught in the second year of the course.

The Triple Vocational is assessed by coursework (58%) and exams (42%).

Coursework takes a variety of forms including demonstrating practical techniques, writing reports and preparing literature, presentations and videos.

The exams are both written and practical and taken upon completion of specific modules.

Students progress on to degrees, apprenticeships and a range of science-related careers.

Degrees completed by previous students include:

  • Nursing
  • Midwifery
  • Paramedic Science
  • Sports Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Primary Education
  • Physiotherapy
  • Forensics
  • Radiography
  • Biomedical Sciences

Alongside careers directly relating to the above, potential job roles include:

  • Laboratory Technician
  • Allied Health Care Workers
  • Pharmacy Assistant
  • and many others

The degrees and careers available will vary depending on the other courses taken alongside Applied Science. Common subjects include Health and Social Care, PE, Earth Sciences and Psychology.

Even if you decide not to pursue science you will acquire many valuable skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, independence, report writing and presentation skills.

Are vocational qualifications as valuable as A Levels?

Yes, they are well regarded by universities and employers alike.

They carry an equal UCAS points tariff and some of the best universities highly regard Applied Science and value the practical skills that our students bring.