Course Summary
The AAQ Applied Science course is a valuable and challenging course designed to help students prepare for further and higher education, apprenticeships or employment. Pearsons (Edexcel) have written the course in collaboration with many employers and universities to ensure the content is relevant and the qualification is challenging, and valued. Students who achieve strong grades in AAQ have access to many courses in a wide range of universities, apprenticeships, or routes into employment. Students gaining a AAQ in Applied Science will develop a deep knowledge of key principles in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This qualification is equivalent to 1 A Level.
What you will study:
Unit 1 - Principles and Applications of Biology – Structure and function of cells and tissues, biological molecules, enzymes and their role in organisms.
Unit 2 - Principles and Applications of Chemistry – Structure of the Periodic Table and its implications on physical and chemical properties of substances, through analysis of different bonding methods
Unit 3 - Principles and Applications of Physics – Waves and their applications; force principles and their application in transportation and construction of electrical circuits
Unit 4 - Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques – Practical applications across the sciences, including chromatography, colorimetry and electrical circuits.
Either: Unit 5 - Scientific Investigation Skills – Investigative research, including planning, data collection, analysis and evaluation.
Unit 6 - Contemporary Issues in Science – Contemporary scientific issues including the reliability of sources of scientific information and their associated validity.
Skills you will gain:
Students will develop the following knowledge and skills:
-Fundamental scientific principles and applied knowledge relating to biology, chemistry and physics -Laboratory techniques, including health and safety assessment, and associated professional practice
-Problem solving.
-Scientific Research skills including researching and planning methodologies, primary data collection and analysis, drawing justified conclusions.
-Secondary research skills, including collecting information from a range of sources, its evaluation and interpretation, and its use to draw reasoned conclusions.
-Transferable skills such as critical thinking, taking personal responsibility and written communications.
Career Paths:
Students go on to study a huge variety of science and non-science related degrees at University such as Biomedical science, Environmental science, Food science, Forensic science, Industrial technician, Midwifery, Nursing, Paramedic science, Radiography, Science/laboratory technician, Sport and exercise science, Zoology.
Please note: The course requires a committed and hard- working student who is prepared to meet deadlines and communicate effectively. Complementary subjects include Physics, Chemistry and Biology, PE, Geography and Psychology.
Assessment Method
Three units (Units 1, 2, and 3) are assessed via an external examination at a time set by Pearson, in either January or June. The other two units are assessed internally will be based around a Pearson Set Assignment Brief (PSAB) Task. These will be completed both in lesson time and as home learning.
Entry Requirements
GCSE Combined Science 5-5/ 2 GCSE Single Science Grade 5 GCSE Maths Grade 4
General Requirements
- 5 CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL/GCSE/i GCSE/BTEC/National Vocational Qualification/WJEC (Welsh GCSE)/Cambridge National qualifications with minimum grade 4.0
Specific Requirements