SCIENCE FOR PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING

What is the course about?

The course aims to promote an enjoyment of, and an interest in science by considering some of the major topics that impact on our daily lives.

It leads to an AS qualification.

It will appeal to students who:

• have and interest in reading about and discussing a wide range of issues
• enjoy expressing their opinions and justifying their comments
• enjoy studying a subject that is relevant to their own lives and experiences
• want to keep options open for further study

The course is a suitable combination with any advanced general or vocational subjects.

The course is designed to:

• allow science students to explore how their chosen field of study operates in the real world
• allow non-science students to use their skills studying scientific issues which matter to everyone
• provide a new field of study with a fresh start for those beginning advanced level study and those changing courses in later years

What will I learn?

During this course you will read, research, discuss and explore real issues.

The course aims to encourage you to:

• take an informed view of media reports about issues and events involving science and technology to develop your enjoyment and interest
• develop and express your informed opinion on issues concerning science and technology, taking into account technical, economic, social and ethical aspects
• make use of your understanding of science and technology in making decisions about personal lifestyle, such as use of energy for transport, and diet and health
• learn how scientific knowledge is gained work by scientists, and the influence of social factors
• appreciate the power of scientific explanations in helping us understand and control aspects of the natural world, and the nature of the limitations of scientific knowledge
• argue knowledgeably about the quality of data, its interpretation and its implications for decisions and action
• explore how technologies vary in relation to culture, economic system and level of development
• gain experience of the Key Skills of Communication, Application of Number, Information Technology, Improving Own Learning and Performance, Working with Others and Problem Solving.

When does the course start?

The course starts in September of each year.

How do I attend?

Normal daytime attendance.

Who is the awarding Body?

AQA.

How long does the course last?

The course is taught as a one year programme.

What does this course lead on to?

The course is AS only and the exam board have no current plans to extend it to A2. However AS & A2 courses are recognised qualifications for a wide range of courses in Higher Education.

What subject entry requirements are there?

The entry requirements are grade C in Science, Mathematics and English at GCSE.

Mature student applicants may have the opportunity to gain these qualifications based on experience and prior knowledge.

Are there any other requirements?

None.

How is the course assessed?

The AS in Science for Public Understanding consists of three units of assessment:

Unit 1

Issues in the Life Sciences, 1 hour 15 minutes (35%)

You will be asked structured questions (short written answer) which ask about your studies and your own opinions in the following areas:

• infectious disease,
• health risks,
• medical ethics,
• alternative medicine,
• genetic diseases,
• genetic engineering,
• Darwin and the evolution debate.

Unit 2

Issues in the Physical Sciences, 1 hour 15 minutes (35%)

You will be asked structured questions (short written answer) which ask about your studies and your own opinions in the following areas:

• using fuels,
• electricity supplies,
• air quality,
• fuels and the global environment,
• sources and effects of radiation
• theories in cosmology.

Unit 3 Coursework (30%)

You are required to submit two written reports:

• study of a Topical Scientific Issue (1500-2000 words, 20%)
• critical Account of Scientific Reading (500-800 words, 10%)

For your study of a topical issue you may take the opportunity to study an issue personal to yourself, or one with local relevance, if suitable. It is assessed for the way in which you research information, and seek, present and evaluate relevant evidence. You must show that you are able to: research information, seek relevant data and discriminate among sources; present relevant evidence in a well-structured and readable report; weigh evidence, analyse views on an issue and draw personal conclusions from the evidence.

The purpose of the account of reading is to encourage you to discover the pleasure of reading popular science writing: fact or fiction. You are free to choose what to read but it should be related in some way to the general ideas about science and technology in the course.

Your account of scientific reading of a book, articles, or extracts is assessed for the way in which you provide a personal critical response which displays your understanding of the scientific ideas and concepts involved.

Whom should I contact for advice?

Paul Barratt, Ext 327 (barrattp@grimsby.ac.uk)
Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education
Nuns Corner
Laceby Road
Grimsby
N E Lincs
DN34 5BQ

Tel: 01472 311222
Minicom (for hearing impaired/deaf): 01472 315532

Equal opportunities (statement)

The N.E. Lincs Sixth Form College Partnership guarantees that it will deal fairly and effectively with all students, staff and visitors and offer equality of opportunity on the basis of age, creed, gender, impairment, learning difficulty, marital status, national origin, race, religion or sexuality.

Students have the right to expect that this will apply to them without prejudice or discrimination and that they also have the obligation to deal fairly and effectively with other students and staff regardless of age, creed, gender, impairment, learning difficulty, marital status, national origin, race, religion or sexuality.

Mature student information only:

APL

Mature student applicants may have the opportunity to gain these qualifications based on experience and prior knowledge.

Course fees

Band F