Applied Science Level 2 Diploma

The course enables learners to acquire knowledge of fundamental science; it is equivalent to 4 GCSE's and does not involve any exams. The unit to be studied are:

Unit 1: Chemistry and Our Earth
Aim and purpose
This unit enables learners to acquire knowledge of fundamental chemistry concepts and the environmental effects of human and natural activity related to chemistry. Learners will develop skills that underpin applications of chemistry in the manufacturing and service industries. This unit covers the basics of chemistry and the associated skills that are in demand in industry. These topics include: basic chemical classification – elements, compounds and mixtures safe use of chemicals within work setting industrial use of chemistry in the production of items for sale and the ways to maximise the production of these items how natural factors and chemical reactions have changed the Earth since its origin and are still changing it.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit a learner should:
1  Be able to investigate different types of chemical substances related to their physical properties
2  Be able to investigate the properties of elements relating to their atomic structure
3  Be able to investigate the factors involved in the rate of chemical reactions
4  Know the factors that are affecting the Earth and its environment

Unit 2: Energy and Our Universe
Aim and purpose
The aim of this unit is to enable learners to develop knowledge and skills related to fundamental physical concepts, so that they can investigate energy transformations, radiation and their applications, and gain knowledge of waves, how electrical energy is transferred for various applications and how our universe has evolved.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit a learner should:
1  Be able to investigate energy transformations
2  Know the properties and applications of waves and radiation
3  Know how electrical energy that is produced from different sources can be transferred to electric circuits in the home and industry
4  Know the components of the solar system and the way the universe is changing.

Unit 3: Biology and Our Environment
Aim and purpose
This unit will enable learners to develop knowledge and skills related to fundamental concepts in biology. Learners will investigate living organisms, how humans impact on the environment and the factors that affect human health.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit a learner should:
1  Be able to investigate the functioning and classification of organisms
2  Be able to investigate the impact of human activity on the environment
3  Know the factors which can affect and control human health.

Unit 5: Applications of Physical Science
Aim and purpose
The aim of this unit is to enable learners to investigate how physics is used in various day-to-day applications. Learners will develop understanding of concepts such as motion, forces, waves and electricity.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit a learner should:
1  Be able to investigate motion
2  Be able to investigate forces
3  Be able to investigate light and sound waves
4  Be able to investigate electricity.

Unit 6: Health Applications of Life Science
Aim and purpose
This unit will enable learners to develop essential knowledge and skills related to life science applications which can affect our health. Learners will produce healthy living plans, investigate how the human body protects itself against disease and consider how medication is developed.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit a learner should:
1 Be able to investigate factors which contribute to healthy living
2 Know how preventative measures can be used to support healthy living
3 Be able to investigate how some treatments are used when illness occurs.

Unit 7: Practical Scientific Project
Aim and purpose
The aim of this unit is to allow learners to build on existing theories or practical work by conducting a practical science project related to their area of interest. The unit provides a natural investigative approach to extend their understanding and studies.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit a learner should:
1 Be able to plan a practical scientific project
2 Be able to use appropriate practical skills
3 Be able to analyse and present results.

Unit 10: The Living Body
Aim and purpose
This unit will enable the learner to investigate the structure and function of the digestive, respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems, along with reproductive functions and how collectively these processes work to maintain the human body.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit a learner should:
1  Know the role of enzymes as catalysts
2  Be able to investigate individual body systems, relating their structure and functions to their role in maintaining health
3  Know how the nervous and endocrine systems work to coordinate the body systems
4  Know the structure and functions of the human reproductive system.

Unit 15: Using Mathematical Tools in Science
Aim and purpose
This unit enables learners to use mathematical tools which are essential for working in a science environment. Starting with basic numbers and simple algebraic manipulation, learners then move onto collecting and interpreting data on graphs and charts.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit a learner should:
1  Be able to use mathematical tools in science
2  Be able to collect and record scientific data
3  Be able to display and interpret scientific data.

Unit 16: Designing and Making Useful Devices in Science
Aim and purpose
The aim of this unit is to be able to design and make a number of functional devices using scientific knowledge and to provide evidence for their effectiveness.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit a learner should:
1  Be able to construct a device to record an image, with available resources
2  Be able to construct a microbalancing device, with available resources
3  Be able to construct a device for seeing around corners, with available resources
4  Be able to construct devices that generate electricity, with various resources.

Unit 17: Chemical Analysis and Detection
Aim and purpose
This unit enables learners to develop the skills needed to detect and analyse a variety of chemical compounds. These skills are essential for work in pharmaceuticals, the food industry, pathology, environmental and forensic laboratories.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit a learner should:
1  Know the reagents and techniques used to analyse a variety of chemical compounds
2  Be able to classify compounds according to their pH
3  Be able to show how chromatography is used to analyse materials
4  Be able to detect different chemicals in unknown compounds.