10 minute read
Science
Our wide range of separate Science or Applied Science courses are ideal if you are logical, analytical and interested in developing research and technical skills. You will be mostly taught in our purpose-built laboratories and lecture rooms at the Maths and Science Centre. The Maths and Science Centre is a completely renovated building which has a study area and meeting rooms, as well as spacious science labs, classrooms and a computer science lab. Find out about our excellent Maths and Science Centre, see page 30.
Look out for this icon in the course information
Advertisement
You can combine that course with other courses with this icon to create a full time programme of study
Physics is my favourite subject and I particularly enjoy atomic physics. There is a helpful link between Physics and Maths, which is very interesting and lots of cross over, for example, when studying kinematics.
Henry, studying Physics, Biology and Maths A Levels. Previously studied at Isca Academy.
BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma/Extended Diploma | Duration: 2 years
This exciting, practical course will equip you with a range of scientific principles and skills, such as chemical analysis, microbiology and mathematical applications in science.
On this course you will:
Look at the principles and applications of all three sciences Use practical scientific procedures and techniques, particularly in
Biology and Chemistry Develop your science investigation skills, lab techniques and their uses across the sciences Carry out an investigative project Consider contemporary issues in science Use a dedicated forensic science lab Enjoy frequent visits to several universities and employers Develop your employability skills and engage in work experience You will also take additional maths support lessons leading to the Level 3 Certificate in Maths, equivalent to an AS Level. This often enables learners to gain better offers from top universities. Choose this course if… you are interested in a full time rigorous Science course with a level of demand equivalent to A Level, but mainly assessed by coursework. You will be aspirational and wanting to develop a career in an area such as biomedical or forensic science.
Future Steps: Successful students can continue their studies with many different university degrees such as Forensic Science, those supporting NHS-related careers and Biomedical courses. Similar proportions of students progress to university from this BTEC course as from our A Level science routes. Alternatively, you may seek employment or an Apprenticeship in a variety of roles, including laboratory technician, crime scene investigator and the police or fire service. Entry requirements: You will need six GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Maths and two Sciences (or Double Award in Science). Success at the end of year one in the Foundation Diploma is required to progress on to year 2, with the expectation of consistent work of at least Merit level.
BIOLOGY
AS/A Level | Duration: 2 years
This course will give you the skills to make connections and associations between all living things around you. Being such a broad topic, you are bound to find a specific area of interest, plus it opens up the door to a fantastic range of careers.
On this course you will:
Gain an understanding of scientific methods Learn about scientific advances in technology relevant to biology Attend a field work visit Take part in a DNA technology workshop Improve your communication skills in science, including how to reference, writing a synoptic essay and lab reports Develop your practical and investigative skills through lab work in our new laboratories Enhance your data analysis and evaluation skills
Assessment is by written examinations which will include the assessment of your knowledge of practical procedures. Choose this course if… you enjoy learning about how processes in living organisms really happen and how all living organisms are interconnected. It is also ideal if you are interested in studying topics related to health and human effects on the environment.
Future Steps: You could progress to university level or a career in pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and related health subjects. Progression routes include biological science, biochemistry and biomedical science.
LEVEL 3
Entry requirements: You will need grade 4 in English Language, grade 5 in Maths, grade 6 in Biology and Chemistry or grade 66 in Science, plus four more GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
This course can be combined with others (see pages 13-14) and goes particularly well with Chemistry and Maths (A Level or the Level 3 Certificate). Psychology, PE and Environmental Science are also popular combinations.
AS/A Level | Duration: 2 years
This course offers you a structured transition from GCSE Science and Chemistry courses and prepares you for the more in depth scientific study of university level courses or the world of work in a scientific field.
On this course you will:
Gain an appreciation of important chemical principles which are fundamental to our understanding of the world Learn how scientists investigate scientific phenomena in their attempts to explain the world Undertake practical work in new, well-equipped laboratories Study physical, organic and inorganic
chemistry, analytical chemistry techniques and chemistry in action Assessment is by written examinations which will include the assessment of your knowledge of practical procedures. Choose this course if… you enjoy problem solving, building connections within subject knowledge and understanding the scientific principles behind processes. Future Steps: You could progress to university level and then on to careers in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, forensic science, medicine and related subjects. A scientific training stands you in good
COMPUTER SCIENCE
A Level | Duration: 2 years
Are you keen to understand how computing could change the world? If so, Computer Science is for you. It is all about designing new sets of instructions (algorithms) to solve new problems.
On this course you will:
Gain insight into computational thinking: a kind of reasoning used by humans and machines in logical thought processes Look at the future: could we be computing with DNA at some stage, with computer circuits made of genes? Conduct experiments to learn more about the natural world through software simulations Develop transferable skills including abstract thinking, mathematical reasoning and problem solving Study programming and operating systems Assessment is by examination, with some coursework in the second year. Choose this course if… you love programming and want to work in computer science, software engineering or games development, or with Big Data and the Data Scientists of the future. Or you enjoy logic problems and working through complex algorithms. Future Steps: Computer Science A Level students go on to university courses in Computer Science, Mathematics, and a range of other sciences or courses such as Law, Business and Politics. stead for careers in a whole range of occupations, including management. Entry requirements: You will need grade 4 in English Language, grade 6 in Maths, grade 6 in Chemistry and Biology or Physics or grade 66 in Science, plus four more GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
This course can be combined with others (see pages 13-14) and goes particularly well with Biology, Maths (A Level and the Level 3 Certificate), Physics and Geology.
LEVEL 3
Entry requirements: You will need eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including grade 4 in English Language, grade 6 in Maths, grade 6 in Physics or grade 66 in Science. You are advised to study A Level Maths alongside this A Level, and this is essential to progress to Computer Science at a top university.
This course can be combined with others (see pages 13-14) and goes well with Mathematics (which is highly recommended) and Physics. Further Mathematics is an excellent option for strong mathematicians who have the grade profile for a four A Level programme to take alongside these courses to help prepare them for courses at the top universities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
A Level | Duration: 2 years
Students who enjoy a multi-disciplinary approach to learning and have a keen interest in the science behind the sustainability of our planet will find this course engaging and thought provoking.
On this course you will:
Gain a scientific understanding of
Earth’s systems to propose changes in society that would produce sustainable lifestyles Learn about why species are important, how they are threatened and methods to conserve them Have the opportunity to attend various trips, for example ecological sampling, Paignton Zoo and National
Marine Aquarium Study the science of climate change Learn about the impacts and management of unsustainable
exploitation of water, mineral resources and soil Study how we manage pollution, energy and biological resources Develop your practical and investigative skills through lab work
Assessment is by examination which will include the assessment of your knowledge of practical procedures. Choose this course if… you enjoy a multi-disciplinary approach to science and have a keen interest in the sustainability of our planet, from the conservation of wildlife to the development of technology to improve renewable energy resources. Future Steps: You could progress to a wide range of university courses, or to employment with organisations such as the Environment Agency, the National Trust and conservation agencies. Entry requirements: You will need eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Maths and two Sciences.
LEVEL 3
This course can be combined with others (see pages 13-14) and is most successful when combined with another science or Maths (A Level or the Level 3 Certificate). It goes particularly well with Biology, Geography or Geology.
GEOLOGY
AS/A Level | Duration: 2 years
Geology is a subject that brings Science and Physical Geography together to help us understand one of the most interesting subjects imaginable - the Earth we live on - and how it formed and developed over billions of years.
On this course you will:
Learn about the formation and structure of our Earth Study earthquakes and volcanoes and the hazards they can produce Consider the evolution of life and climate Understand how geology influences water supply, energy resources, construction materials and civil engineering Go on trips to experience geology
in the field and to acquire essential practical skills Assessment is by examination which will include the assessment of your knowledge of practical procedures. Choose this course if… you enjoy applying scientific knowledge to the study of our planet. Geology involves elements of Physics, Chemistry and Biology and appeals to students who like a practical and problem solving approach to support rigorous learning. Future Steps: You could progress to a wide range of university courses in Geology and Geophysics. It also supports the physical aspects of a Geography degree. It supports employment in fields such as geology, seismology, geoengineering, or resource exploration. Entry requirements: You will need eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English Language, Maths and two Sciences.
LEVEL 3
This course can be combined with others (see pages 13-14) and goes well with A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Environmental Science and Geography.
PHYSICS
AS/A Level | Duration: 2 years
If you choose to study Physics, you are opting for a subject that is stimulating, exciting and challenging in its own right, and an essential foundation for many careers.
On this course you will:
Cover a wide range of topics, from elementary particle physics to
Newton’s laws of motion and gravity Gain great satisfaction and enjoyment from understanding the most recent developments in physics research Develop your logical thinking, problem solving and mathematical skills Carry out practical work in fully equipped physics laboratories Assessment is by written examinations which will include the assessment of your knowledge of practical procedures. Choose this course if… you want to know how the natural world works in a mathematical way and what the fundamental forces and principles are which underlie the building blocks of the universe.
Future Steps: You could progress to university, training or an Apprenticeship in Physics or Engineering. Physics is a great A Level for a range of mathematical and scientific careers including Architecture, Medicine, Computer Science and Geology. It is also a well-respected qualification for a range of professions such as law or management. Entry requirements: You will need eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including a grade 4 in English Language, a grade 6 in Maths, grade 6 in Physics or 66 in Double Science. If you have a grade 6 in Maths, a compulsory supplementary Maths course is provided - this requires attendance at an extra Maths lesson per week.
