Level 2 Applied Science

The units you will study are varied and will help you progress regardless of your chosen area of study in the future. They are likely to include:

Core Units:

• Chemistry and our Earth
  • Energy and our Universe
  • Biology and our Environment

Specialist Units:

• Forensic science The Living Body
  • Principles of Science (External Exam)
  • Biology and our Environment
  • Applications of Chemical Substances
  • Applications of Physical Science
  • Health Applications of Life Science
  • Scientific Skills (External Exam)

All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.

This course is ideal for you if you have an interest in Science and wish to eventually enter employment in the science or health industry which will require you to study for a further vocational qualification at a higher level. You may wish to continue with the Level 3 Applied science or Forensic science qualification which could enable you to progress on to University, apprenticeship or employment. You will have a love of science and will have studied it prior to this course. You will need a basic GCSE understanding of science to enable you to learn how to apply the knowledge, skills and behaviours to a range of scenarios. If you have an interest in what things are made of, how the body functions and how we stay alive, how the earth's processes operate and why it is hard to get away with a crime, then this is the course for you.

The course assessment is a mixture of coursework and external exams. Both coursework and the examined element are graded and students can achieve grades of pass, merit or distinction grade if they achieve the overall assignment/exam. Assessment will vary depending upon the unit but there is a large practical element which students will be expected to complete and achieve. You will learn the skills required for lab based employment. Good attendance is needed for the course as many tasks and activities plus the practical work are carried out in class.

English and maths GCSE assessment is by final exams.

If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can. All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE and we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses). Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. We encourage students to seek out their own work experience so that they develop the skills suitable for their future career. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career. A large part of your programme is developing your skills and behaviours applicable to the science industry so students are encouraged to work cooperatively, in teams and to build rapport with their classmates. Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which will comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.

• A range of subject knowledge focused on the three main sciences of biology, chemistry and physics plus a a variety of options involving applied sciences such as forensic, environmental and food technology. This is your opportunity to learn about the science and health industry and the processes and information underpinning them.

A wide range of skills will be developed that provide the basics needed for progression to higher level courses. Most of your classes will be a mixture of practical learning in either the lab based environment or the crime scene room or even outside activities depending upon the subject area. Classes enable students to experience learning with a range of different people involving group or team work, individual problem solving or independent research work. Skills will include: communicating scientific knowledge, critical thinking, decision making, Problem solving, using apparatus and identifying equipment, producing risk assessments, forming conclusions, independent thinking, researching, problem solving and applying scientific knowledge

Behaviours describes the characteristics that are required by an employer and these are reinforced and developed within your science classes. They can include a variety of responses such as adaptability, resilience, collaboration, communication, punctuality and time management, teamwork, professional conduct and having a positive attitude - all of which will be explored and refined throughout your course.

You will be expected to purchase a lab coat, safety glasses and scientific calculator prior to starting the course as these are essential for completing the activities during the course. There may be opportunities to take part in visits/trips to the science/natural history museum and local industry. The cost will be approximately £20-30 and is payable during the year as and when trips happen. There will be the opportunity to experience guest speakers from various organisations to give you an idea of the various industries and occupations that are available to science students

After successful completion of this course you can progress to a vocational qualification, such as a BTEC Level 3 in Applied Science, Forensic science, Health & Social care, Beauty Therapy or a related Apprenticeship programme or straight into employment. Or join one of the new Level 3 T level programmes.

With further training or study, students go into careers such as:

• Forensic Science
• Food Technology
• Analytical Science Paramedic science Nursing Midwifery Radiography Biomedical science Veterinary nursing Dental nursing
• Quality Control
• Environmental Science

4 GCSEs at Grade 3 including English, maths and science

We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply. These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.