AAQ in Applied Science

Syllabus: Pearson (Edexcel)

Why Study Applied Science?

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. There is a lot of overlap in the content in AAQ with Science A-level courses which are assessed in external examinations. In addition you will develop strong research skills through project-based assessment. This will help you develop good time management, organisation and ability to explain scientific processes accurately, which are all important in university-level courses. You will also develop strong practical skills and learn how to operate safely in a science lab environment.

There are many exciting and fulfilling careers that you can use AAQ Applied Science to access, including jobs in healthcare, research and development and environmental science. Science qualifications are highly sought-after, and may also help with applications to many non-science courses and jobs.

What will you study?

Students will study the following units as part of this qualification over the two years:

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.

How will you be assessed?

Overall AAQ grades are reported as:

AAQ Grade	A-Level Equivalent
Distinction *	A*
Distinction	A
Merit	C
Pass	E

Three units (Units 1, 2, and 3) are assessed via an external examination at a time set by Pearson, in either January or June. These exams are 50 marks each. These are graded at Unclassified (U), Near Pass (N), Pass (P), Merit (M), or Distinction (D). Students need to achieve at least a Near Pass grade to achieve the qualification.

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. These are graded at Unclassified (U), Pass (P), Merit (M), or Distinction (D). Students need to achieve at least a Pass grade to achieve the qualification.

The three exam units total 50% of the overall grade, with the two internally assessed units weighing 25% each. Sufficient units at Distinction (D) grade earn a student a Distinction * (D*) qualification.

What skills will you develop?

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.

All AAQ subjects are also developed to ensure students have the opportunity to improve on a range of transferable and digital skills, including:

Transferable Skills:

Managing Yourself: (1) Taking personal responsibility; (2) Personal strengths and resilience; (3) Career orientation planning; (4) Personal goal setting
Effective Learning: (1) Managing own learning; (2) Continuous learning; (3) Secondary research skills (4) Primary research skills
Interpersonal Skills: (1) Written communications; (2) Verbal and non-verbal communications; (3) Teamwork; (4) Cultural and social intelligence
Solving Problems: (1) Critical thinking (2) Problem solving; (3) Creativity and innovation

Digital Skills:

Problem Solving – The use of digital tools to analyse and solve problems
Digital Collaboration and Communication – Using digital tools to communicate and share information with stakeholders
Transacting Digitally – Using digital tools to set up accounts and pay for goods/services
Digital Security – Identify threats and keep digital tools safe
Handling Data Safely and Securely – Follow correct procedures when handling personal and organisational data

What makes a good Applied Science Student?

A good AAQ student is one who:

Can manage their time effectively, as there will be a number of deadlines throughout the two years
Is organised, as they will be working on multiple assignments and units simultaneously.
Can apply theory to practice, as this is a vocational course and will require students to contextualise their theory to scenarios involving practitioners
Enjoys wider reading, as completing the course will require students to carry out independent reading on the topics
Enjoys understanding how and why natural processes happen, and is able to explain these processes clearly in their own words

Where can Applied Science lead?

This qualification can lead to progression to the following degrees:

BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences
BSc (Hons) Nursing
BSc (Hons) Secondary Science Education