Applied Sciences

Course summary

This is predominantly a theoretical unit in which learners develop their knowledge and understanding of key concepts in science and how they are applied to medical, healthcare, food, environmental, pharmaceutical and material industries. Key areas include: • Cell structure • Transport mechanisms • Heart • Homeostasis • Breathing and cellular respiration • Photosynthesis and food chains • Atomic structure • The Periodic Table • Amount of substance • Bonding and structure • Enthalpy changes • Useful energy and efficiency • Electricity and circuits • Dynamics Learners will produce six scientific reports about six different experimental techniques (2 x biology, 2 x chemistry and 2 x physics). The six experimental techniques include:• Rate of respiration • Light dependent reaction in photosynthesis (the Hill reaction) • Volumetric analysis • Colorimetric analysis • Resistivity • Specific heat capacity This unit enables learners to analyse and evaluate scientific information, to develop critical thinking skills and to understand the use of the media to communicate scientific ideas and theories. We will also look at the varied roles scientists can perform in an organisation such as biologist, chemist, geneticist, ecologist and material scientist. Learners will cover the benefits of scientific roles to society and the scientifically related skills needed to undertake certain roles