Why do Science?
The majority of pupils who study a science course do so because it is in some way relevant to a career. Each course, however, provides an education in its own right, and these courses may be used as a springboard into higher education in disciplines not normally available, and not necessarily related to the subjects studied at school, e.g. Law, PPE and Sociology.
Some University courses do have specific requirements: -
Medicine: Chemistry, plus a science, plus another subject is the general requirement at A Level. Some universities are starting to ask for Biology as the second science. Pupils should, therefore, include both Chemistry and Biology in their AS choices, to give them the full range of choices available.
Veterinary Medicine: The majority of the six universities that offer this course require Chemistry plus two other sciences. Three of the six require Biology as one of the other sciences.
Engineering: Although engineering has many branches, Mathematics plus Physics provide a good base for a wide range of courses. Chemical Engineering requires Chemistry. Engineering courses at Oxford and Cambridge require a good understanding of Mathematics.
Biology: In the main, Biology plus a science is required. Though it is possible to find a course requiring Biology only, there is a severely limited choice of universities.
NB: Although the minimum entry requirement for an A level course in any of the sciences is B/B in Dual Award, it is expected that a B standard will have been attained in the individual science to be taken at AS/A2.
Biology A-level
Most of the content of the course follows on from the GCSE course (Dual Award or Separate Science). Biology can be studied along with other sciences leading to courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Biochemistry etc. It can also be followed as a 'stand-alone' science, combined with a wide range of other subjects. It is not necessary to combine it with Chemistry. However, a good understanding of that subject at GCSE level (Dual Award or Separate Science) is desirable. Sets are taught by two members of staff.
The AS course has three units:
1: Foundation: Cell biology, cell structure, molecules, enzymes, cell division.
2: Human Health and Disease: Diet, smoking, exercise, immunity, AIDS, TB, malaria.
3: a) Transport: Heart, blood, circulation, CHD, transport in plants. b) Practical Assessment: Internal assessment.
The A2 Course has three further units:
4: Central Concepts: Respiration, photosynthesis, meiosis and genetics, selection and evolution, coordination and homeostasis.
5: Growth and Reproduction: Control of growth, human and plant reproduction.
OR
Mammalian Physiology and Behaviour: Diet and digestion, liver, support and movement, nervous system, sense organs, behaviour.
6: a) Practical Assessment: Field Trip project (in the Lower Sixth year: April 2003, Dale - Pembrokeshire)
b) Synoptic Papers: This course is both stimulating and relevant to current issues. Modern developments of biological principles such as genetics and biotechnology will take society into a new era.
Chemistry A-level
The AS/A2 specification offered builds on the knowledge and skills set out in the Key Stage 4 programme of study for Dual Award Science. It provides opportunities for candidates to develop further their rigorous chemical knowledge, understanding and skills. The specification adopts a traditional, academic and practical approach to the subject.
The AS course comprises three units:
Unit 1: Atomic Structure, Bonding and Periodicity
Unit 2: Foundation Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
Unit 3: a): Introduction to Organic Chemistry b): Cousework
NB: The student needs to have a thorough understanding of the three AS units above inorder to progress onto the A2 level, as these subjects are the foundation for everything which will be studied here.
The A2 course comprises a further three units:
Unit 4: Further Physical and Organic Chemistry
Unit 5: Further Inorganic Chemistry and Thermodynamics
Unit 6: a): Synoptic Paper, b): Coursework
NB: Inorganic: A study of the elements and their compounds, excluding carbon.
Organic: A study of the unique chemistry of carbon.
Physical: The principles and laws that explain the way in which chemical reactions take place.
The delivery of the specification will aim to show the link between theory and experiment, to appreciate the contribution of Chemistry to society and to bring together knowledge of the ways in which different areas of Chemistry relate to each other. The practical part of the AS/A2 examination is delivered through internal assessment of practical skills. Sets are taught by one member of staff in each of the years.
Physics A-level
The specification we have chosen has the following features:
- A good degree of interest for the students.
- A practical element, which is not overburdening.
- A sensible arrangement of units.
- Good continuity between the Lower Sixth and the Upper Sixth.
- Relevance to modern areas of physics (e.g. particle physics, astrophysics etc.)
- A sensible ICT content.
- A sensible volume of work to cover.
- A sensible examination format.
It should enable us to: -
- Maximize the use of the skills available in the department.
- Maximize the student's final grade.
The following topics are common to all specifications:
Lower Sixth AS course:
Unit 1
Forces and Motion
Radioactivity
Unit 2
Electricity
Thermal physics
Unit 3
Practical
Nuclear and Particle physics
Upper Sixth A2 course:
Unit 4
Waves and Our Universe
Unit 5
Fields
Practical
Unit 6
Synoptic Element
The department will ensure that comprehensive schemes of work are quickly developed. Students will receive a booklet for each unit, which will contain the specification, basic notes and revision questions.
The department will provide a firm grounding in the theoretical principles and basic techniques of Physics. The student will become proficient in the application of fundamental laws by problem solving, experimentation and data handling. There will be a dedicated practical session once per week. Here the student will work individually so that (s)he becomes confident in handling apparatus and writing analytical reports. The use of ICT will be encouraged.
Most students will already have sufficient mathematical requirements for the chosen course. In recent years, Physics examination questions have not relied on complex mathematics. Nevertheless, help can be given to any student who needs to improve in this area.
All students will be carefully monitored using revision tests, past papers and mock examinations. Before each unit examination, there are (voluntary) "Physics Help" sessions with an "open house" for questions. When a set of unit results is received, each student is interviewed to discuss any re-sits that may be required in the next session.