Applied Science Level 3
Examination board:
We are currently waiting for specifications to be approved for the new Applied Science Level 3 course for
first teaching from September 2016. We are likely to be following the OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3
Science course and this will be confirmed by March 2016.
Specification Code:
We will likely be offering the OCR Level 3 Single Award, Introductory Diploma (Scheme code 5847) –
equivalent to one A-Level, but will also offer the OCR Level 3 Double Award, Diploma (Scheme code 5849)
–equivalent to two A-levels, if there is sufficient demand.
Course Structure and Assessment:
The Level 3 Applied Science course is following a new specification from 2016. The description of the
course below is the most likely path we will take, but this is subject to change.
The tables below describe the assessments that you will be required to complete in order to be awarded a
Level 3 Certificate in Applied Science. These will be taught over the course of two years.
Externally-Examined Units
Unit Description
1
Science Fundamentals
2
Laboratory Techniques
3
Analytical Techniques
All exam units will take place in January and June.
Coursework Units
Unit Description
4
Human Physiology
5
Genetics
7
Human Nutrition
. The coursework aspects are taught throughout the year.
Applied Science Level 3
Qualifications:
You need to have at least an average of a C grade for Science (either Core + Additional or Core, Additional
and Further Additional).
Skills:
Applied Science A-Level requires a wide range of skills which you will develop during the course. These
include:
· Research and consolidation of information.
· Problem-solving using real-life scenarios.
· Plan and carry out practical investigations.
· Make detailed observations including drawings and make accurate and precise measurements.
· Recognising patterns in data and explain them using your knowledge.
· Evaluate reliability of data and experimental methods.
Career opportunities
Possession of an Applied Science Level 3 Certificate can lead to degrees in many subjects at universities.
Due to the practical nature of the course, applied scientists gain excellent training in logical reasoning, in
the art of presenting an argument, in evaluating evidence and in developing scientific laboratory skills. It is
well accepted in diverse fields such as health services, including nursing and midwifery, forensic science,
nutrition and animal welfare.
If you are interested in any of the above careers, we recommend that students contact career specialists
and universities to obtain detailed information on your chosen career and grade requirements normally
required before committing yourself to enrolling on this course.
Description of Course Modules:
Unit 1 Science Fundamentals
A thorough understanding of scientific principles and practices is essential for science technicians.
Knowledge learnt in this unit will create a solid foundation in the fundamentals of science that you will be
able to build on in your further study through your choice of additional optional units, which will provide
you with greater depth of knowledge and practice in your chosen specialisms.
Unit 2 Laboratory Techniques
The aim of this unit is to provide you with a good grounding in working in a laboratory. This is a general
skills unit and covers generic skills required by technicians working in any kind of scientific laboratory,
including working for an industrial company, the NHS, contract analysis of environmental samples and
working in the education sector. You will learn about the roles and duties of a scientific technician and the
Applied Science Level 3
systems used to ensure the effective operation of a laboratory. You will understand the importance of
health and safety in the laboratory and know how to carry out and record the outcomes of standard
laboratory procedures.
Unit 3 Analytical Techniques
Scientists are often required to collect and analyse information and data, and to present it in a form that
can be easily understood. Scientific experiments require the accurate and reliable gathering of data and
ultimately its interpretation. The techniques presented in this unit underpin the work of scientists in the
collection, analysis and presentation of data and information. The unit will develop your knowledge and
understanding of a range of useful analytical techniques that can be applied in experimental and
investigative settings.
Unit 4 Human Physiology
This unit aims to enable you to understand why these essential processes are so important in maintaining
health; how organs and body systems have to interact to ensure that the body can provide the conditions
necessary for movement and growth and protection. Unfortunately, things do go wrong and each system
has well-known associated malfunctions. This unit will target some of the more common ones that relate
to each system allowing you to appreciate the effects on individuals and what has to be done, on possibly a
daily basis, to enable them to lead as full and independent life as possible. At the end of the unit, you will
have knowledge and understanding of how body systems are structured, how they function and how they
are inter-related.
Unit 5 Genetics
Genetics is the study of inheritance. We now know that in all organisms, genes control the characteristics
that are passed on from generation to generation. This unit looks at how characteristics are inherited using
the long-established techniques of crossing plants and animals, and in humans, by looking at the
inheritance of certain characteristics and clinical conditions. By studying this unit, you will understand how
geneticists have been able to produce genetic chromosome maps using data from crosses, but are now
able to produce detailed chromosome maps using the science of genomics. Advances in DNA technologies
have demonstrated the potential of this work in several areas of science, including our understanding of
disease and screening for inherited conditions, epidemiology and disease control, forensic science, and
historical and archaeological investigations.
Unit 7 Human Nutrition
The human body requires a range of nutrients to ensure sufficient bodily function and health. The aim of
this unit is to provide you with knowledge of the nutrients needed and the way the body uses them. You
will be able to calculate the energy content of food and compare with requirements. You will also
understand the importance of hydration and supplements. Finally, the unit links the development of
deficiency and disease from a biological and psychological perspective.