APPLIED SCIENCE
BTEC A Level Equivalent

Applied Science is aimed at students who are interested in how science can be applied to a practical setting. Throughout the 2 years, the focus will be practical investigations and the science that explains what is taking place within those experiments.

In the first year, 50% of the year is focused on an exam (Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science) which is made up of a third biology, a third chemistry and a third physics. The remaining 50% is a coursework unit (Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques) which involves practical investigations into each of the 3 sciences and detailed write-ups for each.

In the second year, two thirds of the year (Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills) is an examined practical and written paper based on one of a choice of five potential experiments, spanning all 3 sciences, that have been studied in preparation. The remaining third is a coursework unit (Unit 10: Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways) involving experiments in addition to independent study and research into aspects of “biochemistry".

Please revise the Biology topics you were less confident at whilst doing GCSEs. Using this link, go through the notes sheets (on left of web page) and then practice past GCSE papers (on right of webpage) for OCR.

To prepare you for Chemistry, we’ve included a link to a useful resource. Please download this booklet.

There is a large emphasis based on mathematical skills in Physics. Ensure you are comfortable with the following:

Rearranging equations
Converting units
Trigonometry
Calculating areas and volumes
Calculating gradients
Finding the equation of a straight line graph ( y=mx + c )

More about the course

What will I study?

Applied Science is a great choice for those who are interested the scientific principles associated with the application of biology, chemistry and physics. It focuses on the fundamental concepts and practical skills of science, and then builds your understanding of how they are utilised within the sector. The course has also been designed for learners who are interested in learning about the science sector alongside other fields of study. It can therefore be studied alongside both science and non-science subjects. However, to further support your subject knowledge, it is recommended that you combine this course with either Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

The Applied Science course is part exam and part coursework covering content from all three sciences, but with a more in depth focus on Biology. Over the two years, you will study four units that will allow you to develop your knowledge and understanding of key concepts in science and how they are applied in the medical, healthcare, food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Alongside theoretical lessons, you will be taught through regular practical work, thereby reinforcing your knowledge and developing practical skills suitable for use in future careers.

Why choose Applied Science at KGV

With newly refurbished, spacious laboratories, tailored to the specific sciences, KGV has the facilities to enable students to get the best understanding of what it is like to be a scientist. With specialist teachers who are passionate about the endless possibilities within the world of science, you are guaranteed to be inspired every time you step in one our laboratories. In addition, during the second year, because of the extensive knowledge of our teachers, they are able to tailor the modules to your individual interests, allowing you to gain further knowledge into your preferred subject area.

Taking this qualification alongside another science A Level will give you a great advantage when starting out your career in the sector. In recent years we have had many aspiring students go on to a number of science related higher education courses, including biological, forensics, sports science and nursing.