KS5 APPLIED SCIENCE
At Key Stage 5 students following the OCR AAQ Applied Science Course will explore how the world works – from the chemicals in our food and medicine, to the clothes we wear and the fuels we use. Scientific knowledge drives innovation, solves practical problems and informs decision-making. Students will explore the vital work scientists do to expand knowledge and find solutions. Scientific investigation involves asking questions and testing answers through a structured process. Key skills for this course include curiosity, observation, analysis, and open-mindedness.
In this course, which is equivalent in size to one A-Level, students must complete five units:
- Two mandatory externally assessed units
- One mandatory non-examined assessment (NEA) unit
- Two optional NEA units
These units include Fundamentals of Science, Science in Society, Investigating Science, Analytical Techniques in Environmental Biology. Units are chosen based upon the teachers’ skillsets. These units provide a solid knowledge and skills base for those interested in the applied science sector, alongside other fields of study. Students will visit Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Year 12 to complete an educational study day in their labs. Students will have the opportunity to talk to research and development scientists working there to find out how they got into their careers and what a job in research looks like.
KS5 topics by year
Exam Board: OCR AAQ
Year 12
Module: Fundamentals of science
Biology topics:
- Cell structure and microscopy
- Bioenergetics
Chemistry topics:
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Quantitative chemistry
Module: Fundamentals of science
Biology topics:
- Structure and function of biological molecules
- Biodiversity and ecosystems
Chemistry topics:
- Structure and bonding
- Rates of reaction and enthalpy changes
- The Photoelectric Effect
- Collisions of electrons with atoms
- Energy levels and photon emission
- Wave-Particle duality
- Work, energy and power
- Conservation of energy
Module: Fundamentals of science
Physics topics:
- Electricity
- Motion
- Medical physics
Coursework unit: Investigating science
- Planning a scientific investigation
Coursework unit: Investigating science
- Performing a scientific investigation
Coursework unit: Investigating science
- Analysing and communicating results
- Evaluating a scientific investigation
Year 13
Module: Science in society
- What scientists do
- Handling scientific data
Module: Science in society
- Scientific developments
- Communicating science
Coursework unit: Analytical techniques in chemistry
- Techniques to categorise and separate chemical substances
- Quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques to quantify and identify substances
Coursework unit: Environmental studies
- Ecosystems and biodiversity
- Impact of human activity and natural events
Coursework unit: Analytical techniques in chemistry
- The principles of spectroscopic techniques and interpreting spectra for chemical substances
Coursework unit: Environmental studies
- Waste management
- Environmental management and conservation
- Fieldwork
Coursework submissions
Exams
Key Contact
If you would like any more information about this subject, please contact:
Bethany Nash: Bethany.Nash@thebicesterschool.org.uk
Amanda Cooper: Amanda.Cooper@thebicesterschool.org.uk