A2 Science in Society – A2 Unit 3 Part B exam style questions
A2 Unit 3 Part B exam style questions
Teachers Notes
Teachers’ notes
The Unit 3 exam will normally contain a single question in Section B that requires an
answer in continuous prose. It is designed to provide synoptic assessment and allows
candidates to select their own examples to illustrate How Science Works ideas.
These questions are being provided to help students practice this type of question.
Note, however, that these activities, while being in the style of a Unit 3 exam question,
have not been subject to the careful evaluation and revision of questions undertaken by
AQA during the preparation of operational exam papers. Note too that mark schemes
are revised in the light of the responses from candidates. The general policy is to give
credit for all correct answers even when they do not, initially, appear on the mark
scheme.
Marking
1. Ethics
Science explanations may not be relevant in this question. A very wide range of issues
would be suitable. These include: medicine testing in UK, in developing countries, or
using animals; biofuels; enforcement versus advice in lowering health risks; regulation of
reproductive technologies; individual rights in treatment of mentally ill patients; laws on
recreational drugs; measures to reduce climate change, individual freedoms versus
future generations; biodiversity issues and the different justifications that might be used.
Use standard 4 level mark scheme.
A level 4 answer would include the following:
 explanation of ethical dilemma –awareness of two sides
 explanation of framework used
 framework appropriate for dilemma
 clear argument using ethics
 acknowledgement of counter argument
2. The media
Suitable topics for examples would include:
MMR
factors small changes to health risks
Climate change
genetic determinism, particularly single ‘gene for ...’
harm from illegal drugs
biodiversity
Use standard 4 level mark scheme.
A level 4 answer would include at least half of the following points, relating them to
specific examples:
Good reporting should include
 an indication of the extent to which findings are accepted by scientific community
 an indication of the relevance to society and the policy options that might flow from it
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Teachers Notes
some explanation of the science behind the story
distinction between absolute and relative risk
information on sample size, spread of results and significance
a celebration of important new discoveries
It should not
 report a single study as definitive
 use a single personal story as evidence (though it might be useful to attract attention)
 give the impression that an individual with a contrary view is to be taken as seriously
as the consensus
 present controversy as failure rather than normal part of scientific process
 confuse correlation and causation
3. Interdisciplinary research teams
Use standard 4 level mark scheme.
A level 4 answer would include at least four of the following points, relating them to
examples from the topic chosen:
 expensive equipment
 collecting data from different locations
 processing large amounts of data
 complex systems are influenced by a range of factors that involve many different
scientific specialisms
 confirmation of results by different groups or using different methods
 confirmation of effects in different environments
 sharing expertise with different countries
4. An ethical code for scientists
Use standard 4 level mark scheme.
A level 4 answer would include about six of the following, relating them to relevant
examples:
Rigour, honesty and integrity
 conflict of interest can distort interpretation of results or influence advice given
 perception of conflict of interest undermines credibility
Respect for law, life and public good
 science research has many potential harms
 recognition of ethical dimension
 individual researcher must be responsible in new fields like nanotechnology
 justification involves cost benefit
 definition of public good very variable, (some would reject weapons research )
Responsibility for communication: listening and informing
 important to share knowledge with the society, it may influence policy
 results must be honest and not suppress unwanted data (such as side effects from
drugs)
 false results may lead to harmful policy or treatment
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Teachers Notes
©The Nuffield Foundation, 2010
Copies may be made for UK in schools and colleges
A2 Science in Society – A2 Unit 3 Part B exam style questions
A2 Science in Society
Unit 3 Part B exam style questions
Student sheets
Student sheets
These questions are similar to those in part B of the Unit 3 exam. They are synoptic
questions. Synoptic assessment is defined in the specification as:
Synoptic assessment requires candidates to make and use connections between
different areas of the subject form both AS and A2 to demonstrate scientific literacy, in
particular by:
 applying knowledge and understanding of ideas about How Science Works and
science explanations to any relevant situation or context
 using knowledge and understanding of principles and concepts about How Science
Works in the analysis and evaluation of a range of issues in science and technology
including novel contexts
 bringing together evidence forma range of different contexts to develop a general
argument about an aspect of How Science Works.
Quality of written communication will be taken into account in awarding marks for these
questions. Remember that this includes your ability to develop a good argument, where
claims are supported by evidence.
1. Ethics
Many policy decisions about the applications of science and technology involve more
than deciding whether the application is safe and effective. It also important to consider
ethical implications, these might be relevant for groups such as patients, animals or
future generations.
There are several frameworks used to discuss ethics. Two important frameworks are: a
consideration of consequences, and the use of intrinsic rights and wrongs.
Choose and describe any policy decision that would involve both science and ethics.
Discuss the ethical dilemmas involved and explain the decision that you would favour
using one or more ethical frameworks to justify your answer.
(12 marks)
2. The media
The popular media play an important role in providing information about science to the
public and in encouraging public debate about policy issues. However science stories,
like all others, have to attract readers.
Discuss the features of good and bad science journalism using examples from any topic
or topics you have studied.
(12 marks)
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A2 Science in Society – A2 Unit 3 Part B exam style questions
Student sheets
3. Interdisciplinary research teams
“Much scientific work ... nowadays involves collaboration in large interdisciplinary
teams, often from several countries.”
Explain the value of such teamwork in the context of climate change, biodiversity or any
other similarly complex topic of your choice.
(12 marks)
4. An ethical code for scientists
Many scientists have recognised the need for a formal code to set out the ethical
practices expected of scientists. One widely accepted code is that given below.
Rigour, Respect and Responsibility: A Universal Ethical Code for Scientists
Rigour, honesty and integrity
 Act with skill and care in all scientific work. Maintain up to date skills and
assist their development in others
 Take steps to prevent corrupt practices and professional misconduct.
Declare conflicts of interest.
 Be alert to the ways in which research derives from and affects the work of
other people, and respect the rights and reputations of others.
Respect for life, the law and the public good
 Ensure that your work is lawful and justified
 Minimise and justify any adverse effect your work may have on people,
animals and the natural environment
Responsibility for communication: listening and informing
 Seek to discuss the issues that science raises for society. Listen to the
aspirations and concerns of others
 Do not knowingly mislead, or allow others to be misled, about scientific
matters. Present and review scientific evidence, theory or interpretation
honestly and accurately. Declare potential conflicts of interest.
Discuss the benefits of such a code. Referring specifically to the three principles in
italics discuss the problems that arise if such principles are not applied in scientific
work. Give examples from topics you have studied.
You may refer to the other principles or not as you wish.
(12 marks)
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