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OCR Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Science (600/4790/2)
Who is this qualification for?
This qualification is for students aged 14–16 who wish to develop applied knowledge and practical skills in
Science.
What will the student study as part of this qualification?
All students will study three topics.
The first topic of study is understanding how scientific ideas have an impact on our lives and this will be delivered
through a practical approach.
Students will cover:
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personal and social choices related to energy supply
the risks and benefits related to the applications of nuclear radiation
measuring energy transfers (e.g. using voltage, current) and calculating (energy) efficiencies
how human health can be improved
the risks and benefits of medical treatments
measuring the environmental effects of human activity
materials we use that are made from natural resources
how the properties of materials (e.g. boiling points, hardness) we use are determined by structure
(e.g. molecules) and bonding
 measuring the properties of materials to recommend appropriate uses.
The second topic of study is understanding how scientific ideas have developed.
Students will cover:
 how the work of scientists has resulted in the development of scientific ideas
 the process of science – the scientific method, i.e. the standard ways in which scientific ideas are
developed and tested using practical examples
 the evaluation of scientific information including how analysis and interpretation of scientific information
helps to form conclusions
 communicating scientific information, i.e. using scientific, technical and mathematical language.
The third topic of study is about how scientists test their ideas and students will be test ideas themselves using
different techniques.
They will cover:
 planning a scientific investigation
 collecting scientific data
 analysing scientific information
 evaluating scientific information
 communicating scientific information.
Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England. Registered office: 1 Hills Road, Cambridge CB1 2EU. Registered company number: 3484466. OCR is an exempt charity.
What knowledge and skills will the student develop as part of this qualification and how might these be
of use and value in further studies?
The Cambridge National Certificate in Science will equip students with sound scientific knowledge and skills for
everyday use. It will provide tasks that develop a combination of practical, analytical and communication skills.
These transferable skills will improve their learning in other subjects with the aim of enhancing their employability
when they leave education, contributing to both their personal development and future economic well-being.
Students will develop an awareness of personal and social choices relating to energy supply, and be able to
analyse them. They will understand how energy transfers are measured and energy efficiencies are calculated,
and they will learn how to measure the environmental effects of human activity. Students will develop the ability
to measure the properties of materials and recommend appropriate uses.
Students will acquire an understanding of:
 the risks and benefits related to application of nuclear radiation
 how human health can be improved
 the risks and benefits of medical treatments
 the way natural resources are used to produce materials (such as plastics, construction materials, metals)
 how the properties of materials used are determined by their structure and the bonding between these
structures.
Students' knowledge of how the work of scientists has resulted in the development of scientific ideas and theory
will cover:
 how the variety of life on Earth has evolved
 our knowledge of the internal environment of the human body
 theories on the history of the Earth and the Universe
 how radio waves are used to communicate.
Students will develop skills in practical scientific investigation by using scientific methods to research, evaluate
and communicate scientific information.
The skills and knowledge gained will be a foundation for further study in scientific subjects at GCE level
or vocational courses including scientific apprenticeships.
Which subjects will complement this course?
The Cambridge National Certificate in Science is equivalent in size to a GCSE and will take 120 guided learning
hours to deliver.
The qualification is complemented by a wide range of GCSEs for example, Maths. This works closely with the
Cambridge National in Science in the Workplace to deliver a practical understanding of Science. It can also be
delivered alongside other vocational courses in subjects such as Engineering, Business and Health and Social
Care where transferable skills such as research and analysis will be relevant.
Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England. Registered office: 1 Hills Road, Cambridge CB1 2EU. Registered company number: 3484466. OCR is an exempt charity.