The course provides an excellent opportunity for students with a general interest in science to extend their knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. It can be studied alongside A Levels in sciences or humanities subjects, as it aims to develop a broad scientific training and a good understanding of how different areas of science are applied at work in everyday life. You will develop skills in independent learning, problem-solving and project based research as well as a range of generic and transferable skills. Learning is assessed by exams and the completion of practical laboratory work tasks. This qualification is accepted in the entry requirements of a wide range of university courses, particularly in science-related areas e.g. biomedical, forensic and sports science and paramedic courses, as well as nursing and primary teaching. It can also prepare you to take up employment or apprenticeships in the applied science sector directly after achieving the qualification.


The course consists of 2 units which are assessed by exam and 2 coursework units which are assessed by a student portfolio. External assessment is carried out throughout the course rather than depending on exams at the end of two years. The 4 units involve study of Biology, Chemistry and Physics in approximately equal proportions.

Study of these units develops knowledge and understanding of a wide range of key concepts in Biology, Chemistry & Physics. The course also involves completion of a range of experiments. This enables students to gain credit for developing their practical scientific competence and skills in planning, analysis and evaluation.

Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science (assessed by exam)

Topics studied include: 

Heart, Cells, Nerves, Muscles, Bonding & Structure, Atomic structure, Moles, Periodic Table, Waves & Communication

Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (assessed by coursework)

Practical investigations include: 

Colorimetry, Titration, Calorimetry & Chromatography

The structure of the second year course builds on knowledge gained from the first year course and is also assessed by an exam and a coursework portfolio.

The 2 units covered in the second year of the course are:

Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills (assessed by an exam based on a practical investigation)

Developing your practical laboratory skills and scientific analysis & evaluation skills.

Unit 8: Physiology of Human Body Systems (assessed by coursework)

Topics studied include: 

Muscles & Skeleton, Digestion, Lymphatic system

(Exam board: Pearson) 

(Specification code: 601/7436/5)

An important activity is the completion of coursework assignments, with half of the final grade being based on this internally assessed work. You learn research skills and spend a significant amount of time preparing your portfolios, which involves the use of computers. There are opportunities to develop practical laboratory skills and carry out investigations. Preparation for the examined units involves more formal teaching, with note-making, problem-solving and data analysis exercises in each year.

Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science (assessed by exam)

Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (assessed by coursework)

Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills (assessed by an exam based on a practical investigation)

Unit 8: Physiology of Human Body Systems (assessed by coursework)

You must have at least a grade 4 in GCSE Maths and English. In addition, you should have a minimum grade 4 in at least one GCSE Science subject or grade 4 in both of the Combined Science grades.

In this subject, particular skills and aptitudes will be required, many of which will be demonstrated by students’ GCSE profiles.

Students will also need to meet the general College entry requirements. Entry requirements are subjects to change.

This is an excellent course for progression onto a wide range of higher education and training. This enables Applied Science students to develop careers which need an understanding of science e.g. teaching, nursing, midwifery, health care, environmental sciences, forensics, and sport science. Students will find the UCAS points awarded for this qualification useful for pursuing careers in Humanities subjects. This qualification allows you to progress to technical training in a wide range of industries.

The employability of students completing this Applied Science course will be enhanced by the wide range of transferable skills that they develop throughout the course.

This subject combines well with any other programme of study. It can be taken as your only science subject, providing breadth; it can also be combined with other science A Levels, providing opportunities to study scientific issues in a range of contexts.