Chemistry A Level Electronics A Level Physics A Level Applied Science CAMTEC Level 3 (Single) Applied Science CAMTEC Level 3 (Double) Engineering CAMTEC Level 3
science
Biology A Level
Biology A Level When do I start studying for this qualification? September 2020. For how long will I study? For two years. What is this course about? Biology is a course that develops essential knowledge and understanding of humans and other living organisms, along with vital practical and study skills. You will look at cell biochemistry, DNA technology, genetics, physiology and the interactions of humans with their environment. You will be made aware of recent advances, be able to discuss the value and responsible use of biology in society and have the opportunity to sustain and develop your enjoyment of science. What topics will I study? • Biological molecules. • Cells. • How organisms exchange substances with their environment. • Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms. • Energy transfers between organisms. • How organisms respond to change in their internal and external environments. • Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems.
• The control of gene expression How will my work be assessed? There are three exams, taken at the end of the course. A combination of short and long answer questions, analysis of data, and comprehension exercises. You may be assessed for an AS qualification in this course at the end of your first year as a measure of your progress Is there any dissection? You may (if you wish) dissect and examine some animal tissue bought locally: e.g. heart, lung, kidney when we cover those organs. The specification no longer includes whole animal dissection. What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course? You need to be very confident with all biology topics covered at GCSE. You need good mathematical skills and communication skills. You need to enjoy problem solving and analysing scientific information. What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed? Good memory skills for facts, an organised approach to problem solving, careful and accurate practical skills, data analysis and evaluation.
Are there any specific entry requirements? You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at 4-9, including double 6 in Science GCSE, or 6 in Biology plus another 6 in a single Science and grade 5 in Mathematics.
“Biology is really consistently interesting – all the sorts of questions I had from GCSE about ‘how this works’ in more detail get answered. It isn’t that hard but you have to keep up with a lot of work, so be careful.”
What are the lessons like? You will experience a range of learning activities that include whole group and small group work, note taking, discussions, presentations, practical work, independent research and use of ICT sources.
“I find Biology very interesting. It is full of useful things to know; however the course is challenging.”
There will be a field trip to help with some of the ecological and environmental work, other visits and some outside speakers. What have I got to do in order to do well? You must be willing to work hard and be keen to discover more about topical issues in biology and their ethical implications. Make sure you understand all that is covered in lessons and consolidate this by completing homework tasks and preparing thoroughly for tests and exams. There are facts you need to learn, but you will be tested mostly on applying your knowledge to new situations and your understanding of how science works. What do students say about this course? “Nice teachers, interesting experiments and challenging!”
Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them? Cambridge Technical Level 3 Applied Science is similar. This is a two-year course and the equivalent of one or two A Level. The course focuses on laboratory skills, practical techniques, and biology, chemistry and physics topics. Entry requirements are different. This BTEC course is 50% exam and 50% coursework. Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one? Biology combines particularly well with Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. Also PE, Psychology or Geography. Many people take it alongside Sport courses or Health & Social Care, and some as their only science to give themselves a broad and balanced advanced level programme.
What do people do with A Level Biology? Biology provides you with the essential skills to continue to a variety of higher education courses or types of employment. Many students progress to courses such as Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Veterinary Science, Exercise Science and Nursing; others pursue scientific careers by combining Biology with other science A Levels, for example in the pharmaceutical industry. Frequently students may go on to completely different careers such as law or business.
Chemistry A Level When do I start studying for this qualification? September 2020. For how long will I study? Two years. What is this course about? A Level Chemistry is a rigorous, rewarding course that builds on the concepts and skills developed at GCSE. In your first year you will learn about atomic structure, moles, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibria, periodicity, hydrocarbons, alcohols, halogenoalkanes and equilibria. In year 2 you will progress to more complex topics such as thermodynamics, transition metals, aromatic chemistry and acids, bases and buffers. How will my work be assessed? There will be three 2-hour exams taken at the end of the course. These will include different styles of questions such as multiple choice, chemistry calculations, short structured questions and questions that require a longer response. Approximately 20% of the questions will require the use of mathematics and 15% of the total marks will be based on practical skills. Your teachers will assess your progress at the end of year 1 and you will require a minimum of a D grade to
progress to year 2. For students not achieving this grade, we offer a wide range of alternative courses such as a fast track Applied Science. Is it all practical work? Practical work is at the heart of chemistry and so you will do some lab work every week and you will keep a lab book in which you record your experimental work. Practical skills will be assessed by your teachers and you will achieve either a Pass or Fail. Students who pass will receive an endorsement of practical skills which will be reported on their A Level certificate. We expect all our successful A Level students to achieve this endorsement. What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course? You need to be fully confident with all chemistry topics covered at GCSE. You also need good mathematical skills – at least a grade 6 in GCSE. You should be interested in the importance of science in modern society and enjoy practical work. What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed? You will develop research, problem solving and analytical skills. It helps if you can challenge ideas and show how you worked things out through logic and step-by-step
reasoning. You will need teamwork and communication skills too, when working on practical tasks and carrying out projects. You will also need to be confident with the mathematical calculations involved and writing extended answers using scientific language. Are there any specific entry requirements? You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at 4-9, including double 6 in Science GCSE, or 6 in Chemistry plus another 6 in a single Science and grade 6 in Mathematics. What have I got to do in order to do well? Make sure you understand all that is covered in lessons and consolidate this by completing homework tasks and preparing thoroughly for tests and exams. There will be a minimum of 4 hours independent study set per week on top of lessons. Chemistry is a subject where you need to be good at learning lots of facts and detailed definitions. What are the lessons like? You will experience a range of teaching styles, including whole class teaching, group work and independent study tasks. The course will enable you to develop critical thinking through problem solving. Through experimental work and interpretation of your results, you will understand the unifying ideas in chemistry. You will develop your ability to communicate through
discussion, writing, summarising, using formulae, graphs and calculations. You will use models to help you understand reactions at a molecular level. Through background reading and wider research, you will develop an appreciation of the social, environmental, economic and technological importance of chemistry. Extension and enrichment opportunities • Crest awards - research and design your own science project • Cambridge Chemistry Challenge • Young Analyst Competition • Chemistry Olympiad • Chemistry workshops at Brighton University and University of Sussex • Chem Net membership • Meet the universities day What do students say about this course? “It is quite difficult; some stuff is hard to get your head around. But if you don’t understand, you will get help.” “Lots of practicals which make it interesting. Lessons are enjoyable”. “It’s fun but harder than GCSE. You need a good memory to learn lots of formulae!” “Chemistry is...the hardest A Level I study but, if you put in the work, it’s definitely the most rewarding.” “If you enjoyed and did well in
Chemistry in GCSE then I would take Chemistry A Level.” “I really enjoy chemistry because we do lots more experiments than we did at my high school.” “...a very interesting course. it’s a lot of work...very rewarding.” Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them? We also offer Level 3 CAMTEC in Applied Science. This is a one A Level equivalent course. This course includes practical laboratory techniques and how laboratories are run safely and effectively. Assessment is through coursework and two externally assessed units. Entry requirements are different; for example, you do not need to have taken higher tier maths. Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one? Chemistry combines particularly well with Biology, Maths and Physics - we recommend you select at least one of these in addition to Chemistry. Psychology or Geography are also popular combinations. What do people do with A Level Chemistry? This qualification will help you get ahead in most STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths)
careers and more besides. Chemistry is an important subject for careers in: medicine, environmental science, engineering, toxicology, developing consumer products, metallurgy (studying how metals behave), space exploration, developing perfumes and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, energy, teaching, science writing, software development and research.
Physics A Level When do I start studying for this qualification? September 2020. For how long will I study? For two years. What is this course about? Physicists explore the fundamental nature of almost everything we know of, from Newton to Einstein and beyond. They study everything from the fundamental particles that build matter, to the galaxies that make up the universe itself. Studying A level Physics develops useful and transferable skills for other careers. You’ll develop research, problem solving and analytical skills, alongside teamwork and communication. Universities and business regard all of these very highly. What topics will I study? The A Level content is split into six teaching modules which will include practical endorsement. A summary of the modules is shown below: Year 1: • Measurements and their errors • Particles and radiation • Waves • Mechanics • Electricity
Year 2: • Further mechanics and thermal physics • Fields • Nuclear physics • Plus one optional unit from: • Astrophysics • Medical physics How will my work be assessed? There will be three exam papers at the end of the two-year course with a range of questions including multiple choice, calculations and extended writing. You will be given a grade A* - E depending on your performance in these exams. The practical endorsement is assessed by the teacher and requires students to complete a minimum of 12 practical activities that demonstrate practical competence. The practical endorsement is pass/ fail and is reported separately to the A Level grade. What skills and knowledge do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course? A Level Physics builds on the work done in GCSE Science and Mathematics, so you’ll need good GCSE results from both. Written communication is also important, so you’ll need to be a strong writer.
What skills and good practice will I need to develop during the course to succeed? You need to spend 4 hours per week on homework and independent study. You will also need to develop your Mathematics and English abilities, along with your practical and most importantly problem-solving skills. Are there any specific entry requirements? You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4 or A*-C, including a minimum of grade 6 in higher tier GCSE Mathematics and either a 6 in GCSE Physics plus a 6 in one other science, or 6,6 from higher tier GCSE Combined Science. What are the lessons like? Much of the theoretical work in physics can be tested practically and lessons usually contain a mixture of theory and group practicals. Most classes contain a tutorial element where the teacher will set examples and work individually with students to check on learning and progress. 1:1 support is available to all students. What students say about this course “It is really useful for engineering at university. It is hard but rewarding.” “I found that it went well with Maths
with Mechanics.” “I love solving problems and understanding how things work” Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them? Physics A Level is most closely related to Mathematics A Level and we strongly recommend that you take both subjects. We also offer CAMTEC Engineering, and A level Electronics which are great courses if you like the more practical applications of Science. Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one? A Level Mathematics A Level Further Mathematics A Level Electronics What do people do with A Level Physics? Popular degree courses taken by students who have an A Level in Physics are: Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Economics and Business. You can also move into engineering, astrophysics, chemical physics, nanotechnology, renewable energy and more; the opportunities are endless.
Electronics A Level When do I start studying for this qualification? September 2020. For how long will I study? Two years. What is this course about? Electronics drives advances in technology in medicine, space exploration, driver-less cars, telecommunications and renewable energies. Are you keen to learn how electronics underpins our modern world? Are you interested in building and testing basic electronic circuits from fundamental principles? If you answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then Electronics AS/A Level could be for you. What topics will I study? Year 1: Semiconductor components, logic systems, operational amplifiers, Timing circuits, Sequential logic systems, microcontrollers and mains power supply systems. Extended system design and realisation tasks (20%) Coursework: Task 1 - develop a flowchart to run on a PIC microcontroller chip. Task 2 - design, build, test and a digital electronic system.
Task 3 – design, build and test an analogue electronic system. Year 2: Signal conversion, AC circuits and passive filters, Communication systems, Wireless transmission, Instrumentation systems, Digital communications, Optical communication, High power switching systems and Audio systems. How will my work be assessed? Principles of Electronics (40%) Written examination: 2 hours 45 minutes Application of Electronics (40%) Written examination: 2 hours 45 minutes Extended system design and realisation tasks (20%) Coursework: Task 1 - develop a program to run on a PIC microcontroller chip. Task 2 - design, build, test and evaluate a complete electronic system. What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course? The specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in GCSE Science and Maths. You will need to be able to use
Mathematical skills (computation, algebra and graphs) and IT skills during the course and be interested in their application in the modern world. What skills and good practice will I need to develop during the course to succeed? Develop an interest in electronics and pursue this in further study in your own time, use appropriate methods to answer questions and solve problems analyse, interpret and communicate evidence and ideas. Are there any specific entry requirements? You need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4 or A*-C, including a grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths and two grade 5s in GCSE Science. What are the lessons like? Most of the theoretical work in electronics can be tested practically and lessons usually contain a mixture of theory and group practicals. The project work in the first year is mainly ICT based. In the second year the major project is designed and developed on an individual basis with one-to-one advice and guidance given when needed. 1:1 support is available to all students.
“It helps with Physics at A Level.” Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them? Electronics has a close relationship to Mathematics and Physics but most people take a combination of these subjects. Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one? See above. Some people combine Electronics with subjects other than Maths, Sciences and IT or Computer Science to broaden the range of skills they can offer in the future. For example a combination with Music could support later progression into Music Technology. What do people do with A Level Electronics? It is an excellent preparation for most physical science first degrees, particularly those in robotics, computing and engineering. An electronic engineering degree can lead to the international job market with many vacancies throughout Europe. Good electronics engineers are scarce and starting salaries often reflect this.
What students say about this course? “It goes really well with Maths and Physics.”
As there is a programming element to Electronics A Level it is a very useful entry qualification for a degree in computing.
“I really enjoy the practical work.”
For those not intending to take
the subject to a higher level, an appreciation of the fundamental concepts of electronics is useful in careers such as the armed forces, aviation, computing and many technological industries.
Applied Science CAMTEC Level 3 (Single) Certificate/ Extended Certificate Equivalent to 1 A Level When do I start studying for this qualification? September 2020. For how long will I study? For two years. What is this course about? This practical, work-related course allows you to study aspects of biology, chemistry and physics to an advanced level. You will complete practical and theoretical assessments in all three sciences. What topics will I study? In year 1, for the Level 3 Certificate there are two units: • Unit 1 - Science Fundamentals • Unit 2 - Laboratory Techniques In year 2, for the Level 3 Extended Certificate, you will complete the coursework units: • Unit 6 - Control of Hazards in the Laboratory • Unit 18 - Microbiology • Unit 21 – Product Testing Techniques Biology covers aspects such human body systems, microbiology, genetics and cell biology.
Chemistry covers aspects such as practical chemical analysis and laboratory techniques, atomic structure and the periodic table, and industrial applications of chemistry. Physics covers energy and the structures, properties and uses of material. How will my work be assessed? The whole course is 50% exam and 50% coursework, with both Unit 1 and Unit 2 exams taken in year 1 (January and May). Your coursework units will be assessed internally by your teachers. What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course? You need a good knowledge of GCSE science as well as good maths, English and communication skills. What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed? Good time management, strong practical skills and analytical abilities, independent research skills, ICT skills, team-working skills and an interest in the application of
science across chemistry and biology. Are there any specific entry requirements? You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at 4-9, including double 4 in Science and 4 in Mathematics. What are the lessons like? You will carry out many experiments, some of which you will design yourself, learning how to analyse and evaluate your results. There will be lessons where you undertake independent and group research, discuss scientific issues, research information online, revise topics and practice exam techniques. You will develop strong independent study skills throughout your time studying applied science. Subject support is available to all students throughout the year. What do students say about this course? “I wanted to carry on studying biology but I was most interested in how the human body works – this course gave me just what I wanted.” “It’s not about learning loads of facts, it’s more a question of doing your own research – with some help of course!” “With the course work you can see how you’re doing as you go along and choose your own level.”
What have I got to do in order to do well? Students need to be well organised and you must be able to keep on schedule with your work. There is a lot of research from the internet and scientific literature, so it helps to be used to working independently. For practical work, as well as good communication skills, students need to enjoy problem solving, be analytical and work well with others. Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them? A Level Biology and A Level Chemistry have some similar content to Applied Science but have different entry requirements. We also offer CAMTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science which is equivalent to two A Levels, and also covers elements of biology, chemistry and physics. Because of the overlap you cannot combine the Diploma in Applied Science with this particular course. Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one? This qualification is commonly combined A Levels such as Psychology, Maths, Geography and other level 3 qualifications such as Engineering, Applied Psychology, Health and Social Care, Criminology, Sport and Exercise Science, and Environmental Science. Many combinations are available.
What do people do with CAMTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science? Past students have gone on to do degrees in nursing, paramedic science or pharmacology. Some have progressed to studying subjects such as Geology, Psychology, Sports Science and Business. In addition, some students have gone on to apprenticeships at GSK or got work as lab technicians. NB: this course is not normally recommended as a route into highly competitive areas such as medicine, dentistry or physiotherapy.
Applied Science
CAMTEC Level 3 Diploma (Double) Extended Certificate/Diploma Equivalent to 2 A Levels
When do I start studying for this qualification? September 2020. For how long will I study? For two years.
There are four more units in year 2 (one exam, three coursework), covering more in-depth and practical aspects of biology and chemistry and their applications in a scientific workplace.
What is this course about? This practical, work-related course allows you to study aspects of biology, chemistry and physics to an advanced level. You will complete practical and theoretical assignments, which are assessed as coursework, and three units which are assessed by exam (two in the first year and one in the second).
Biology covers aspects such human body systems, microbiology, genetics and cell biology.
What topics will I study? In year 1: for the CAMTEC Level 3 Diploma there are two exam units: • Unit 1 - Science Fundamentals • Unit 2 - Laboratory Techniques
Physics covers energy and the structures, properties and uses of material.
There are also three coursework units: • Unit 6 - Control of Hazards in the Laboratory • Unit 18 - Microbiology • Unit 10 – Product Testing Techniques
Chemistry includes topics such as atomic structure, practical chemical analysis and laboratory techniques, industrial applications of chemistry and the development of pharmaceutical drugs.
How will my work be assessed? The three externally assessed units will be examination based (January and May). These are available twice a year. Internally assessed coursework units will help you build a portfolio of coursework.
What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course? You need a good knowledge of GCSE science as well as good numeracy, English and communication skills. This should be combined with a real interest in science! What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course? You need a good knowledge of GCSE science as well as good numeracy, English and communication skills. This should be combined with a real interest in science! What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed? Good time management, strong practical skills and analytical abilities, independent research skills, good ICT skills, good teamworking skills and an interest in the application of science across chemistry and biology. Are there any specific entry requirements? You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at 4-9, including double 4 in Science and 4 in Mathematics. What are the lessons like? You will carry out many experiments, some of which you will design yourself, learning how to analyse and evaluate your results. There will be lessons where you undertake independent and group research,
discuss scientific issues, research information online, revise topics and practice exam techniques. You will develop strong independent study skills throughout your time studying applied science. There is a work experience placement in an area relevant to your career aims in each year, which allows you to develop your industry work skills further. Support sessions will be available to all students throughout the year. What do students say about this course? “Most of the work is on our own with teachers for help and guidance. I am hoping to move on to university.” “I chose this course because I prefer to do more coursework rather than exams. I get to learn a variety of things in all the areas of science. My aim next is to gain a job hopefully using my experiences in Applied Science.” “I’m pleased with the course and I’m learning new things, which I like. So I think the course is great!” Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them? We also offer CAMTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science which is equivalent to one A Level, and also covers elements of biology, chemistry and physics.
Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one? Combination with Criminology, Applied Psychology, Environmental Science or Engineering is popular. You could consider combining it with A Level Mathematics, Psychology or Geography. There is a wide range of contrasting non-scientific subjects that would enable you to achieve a good balance. What do people do with Diploma in Applied Science? If you want to enter employment straight away you could work in areas such as a hospital or pharmaceutical laboratory. Alternatively, you may wish to progress to higher or further education or an apprenticeship. Past students have gone on to do degrees in biosciences, nursing, paramedic science or pharmacology. Some have progressed to studying subjects such as geology, psychology, sports science and business. In addition, some students have gone on to apprenticeships at GSK or got work as lab technicians. NB: this course is not normally recommended as a route into highly competitive areas such as medicine, dentistry or physiotherapy.
Engineering
CAMTEC Level 3 Certificate/Extended Certificate When do I start studying for this qualification? September 2020. For how long will I study? For two years. What is this course about? This practical, work-related course allows you to study aspects of Engineering to an advanced level. You will complete exams and coursework assignments that are based on topics linked to the application of physics, electronics and mechanics in the engineering workplace. You have the chance to learn scientific practical techniques related to materials testing as well as an insight in to the environmental impact and responsibilities of engineers. What topics will I study? • Maths for engineering • Classical mechanics and thermodynamics • Principles of electricity • Mechanical engineering e.g. gears • Electronic devices and circuits • Engineering and the environment • Materials science
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How will my work be assessed? Units are assessed by both exams and coursework. You will have three exams in your first year, followed by one exam in January of Year 2. You will also complete two coursework units. Can I do this course alongside science courses? You can combine CTEC Engineering with other science courses such as CTEC Applied Science, A level Electronics and A Level Mathematics. What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course? You need a good knowledge of GCSE Science and sound numeracy, practical and communication skills. You should also have an interest in engineering. What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed? Good time management, good practical skills, independent research skills, good ICT skills (Word/PowerPoint/ excel) and good team working skills.
Are there any specific entry requirements? You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4 or A*-C including a minimum of a grade 5 in GCSE Maths, along with 5-4 in GCSE Combined Science. What are the lessons like? You will design and carry out experiments and learn how to analyse and evaluate your results. You will learn a lot about the physics and maths that underpin engineering techniques and procedures, and you will develop your research and reporting skills. You will develop strong independent study skills by studying engineering, but of course. 1:1 support is available to all students. What do students say about this course? “I wanted to carry on studying physics but I was better at coursework than exams – this course gave me just what I wanted.” “CAMTEC Engineering was really good preparation for my Degree Apprenticeship in Electronic Engineering” “Coursework gives you control over your grades – you know exactly where you are and what you need to do next”
What have I got to do in order to do well? You need to be well organised and able to meet deadlines. In addition to preparation for exams there is a lot of research from the internet and scientific literature, so it helps to be used to working independently, finding out and using information. For practicals, as well as good organisational skills, you need to enjoy problem solving and working with other students. Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them? A Level Physics is similar but has different entry requirements and a different method of assessment. We also offer CTEC Applied Science as an Extended certificate (equivalent to one A level) or as a Diploma (equivalent to two A Levels) and covers elements of Biology and Chemistry. Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one? The CAMTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate is the equivalent to one A Level so it can readily be combined with other A Levels, CAMTEC or BTEC Level 3s. Likely combinations include A Level Maths, A level Electronics, or CAMTEC Applied Science but most combinations are possible!
What do people do with an Engineering L3 CAMTEC Extended Certificate? If you want to enter employment straight away, you could work at an engineering company or apply for apprenticeships with companies such as British Airways. Alternatively, many students progress to higher or further education or a degree apprenticeship with a local engineering company.
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