This qualification will provide learners with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in a range of key concepts within Biology, Chemistry and Physics and builds upon the Key Stage 3 science curriculum. This qualification will allow learners to further develop the following skills:
Cross-Curricular Skills:
• communication
• using mathematics
• using ICT Thinking
Skills and Personal Capabilities:
• self-management
• working with others
• problem solving
 
Progression Opportunities
This qualification will enable you to progress to further qualifications in applied science at a higher level; to study particular aspects of science in greater depth and to acquire knowledge and skills that would support progression to employment within the STEM sector.
 
Course Delivery
Lessons are delivered online via webinars - you can always replay the recording in case you miss a lesson. 
To gain this qualification, you are required to carry out 10 hours of laboratory practicals at our local University partner in Derry-Londonderry. These practicals will be delivered over 3 days, 1.5 days in Semester 1 and 1.5 days in Semester 2.
 
What Will I Study? 
 
Module 1. Physical Processes
​In this module you will understand fundamental physical processes:
 
	
	
You will learn about energy transfer
	
	
	
You will explore electricity
	
	
	
You will understand forces and motion.
	
	
	
You will learn about waves and radiation.
	
 
Module 2. Life Processes and Living Things
​During this module you will learn the fundamentals of biological science:
 
	
	
You will gain insight on cellular structure and functions plants
	
	
	
You will learn about transport of nutrients and gases in plants
	
	
	
You will understand genetics and inheritance
	
	
	
You will explore how organisms interact with the environment and each other
	
	
	
You will learn what enzymes are and their role in living organisms and industrial processes
	
 
Module 3. Materials and their Chemical Properties​
During this module you will learn about materials and their chemical properties:
 
	
	
You will understand atomic structure and bonding
	
	
	
You will learn about the periodic table
	
	
	
You will explore the nature of chemistry and the main types of chemical reaction
	
	
	
You will gain insight on rates of reaction
	
​
Module 4. Chemical Analysis and Detection
​In this module, you will be able to demonstrate a range of chemical analysis and detection techniques:
	
	
You will learn the reagents and techniques used to analyse a variety of chemical compounds.
	
	
	
You will be able to classify chemical substances according to their pH.
	
	
	
You will be able to show how chromatography is used to analyse materials.
	
	
	
You will be able to detect different chemicals in unknown compounds
	
 
Module 5. Mathematics for Science
​In this module, you will learn to use mathematics in a science context:
​
	
	
You will be able to use mathematical tools in a scientific context.
	
	
	
You will be able to collect and record scientific data
	
	
	
You will be able to display and interpret scientific data
	
 
Module 6. Planning, Conducting and Reporting on Scientific Projects
​During this module, you will learn to be able to plan, conduct and report on a given scientific project:
​
	
	
You will be able to plan a practical scientific project.
	
	
	
You will be able to carry out practical scientific project
	
	
	
You will be able to analyse and present results on practical scientific project.