Year 1

Unit 1 – Principles and Applications of Science I This unit is assessed through an external examination. In this unit you will develop an understanding of key concepts relating to the major sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This creates a solid foundation for the other units you will study of over the rest of the course.

Unit 2 – Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. You will develop practical scientific skills, including techniques used in experiments and the ability to analyse results. You will also learn how to calibrate laboratory equipment as well as other transferable skills required for working within different scientific industries.

Unit 3 – Science Investigation Skills – This unit is assessed through an external examination. You will discover and explore the various stages of planning a scientific investigation and the skills required to conduct investigations, including how to record and interpret results, how to draw valid scientific conclusions from the results as well as evaluating the outcomes of different experiments.

Unit 4 – Laboratory Techniques and their Application – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. You will develop an understanding of the importance of health and safety in work-place laboratories, explore how data is stored and communicated within these organisations as well as preparing organic liquids and solids in the laboratory. You will also compare how industrial production and testing of compounds compares to the processes that you carry out in the laboratory.

Unit 8 – Physiology of the Human Body – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. You will look at the make-up of three human body systems: The musculoskeletal, the lymphatic and the digestive system. You will explore how these systems function and what happens when there is a problem with them.

Unit 19 – Practical Chemical Analysis – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. You will develop further the key practical skills from Unit 2 of the course, and you will gain insight into analytical techniques used in laboratories. You will explore different chemical analysis techniques to analysis commercially available products. You will learn how to interpret data from spectroscopic and instrumental chromatographic methods, which have become the techniques of choice for many industries.

Year 2 - Biomedical specialism

Unit 5 – Principles and Applications of Science II – This unit is assessed through an external examination. This units builds on and extends the range of key concepts in Biology, Chemistry and Physics that were covered in Unit 1. The knowledge and understanding you gain in this unit will give you a strong basis for progression in the applied science sector. It is important that scientists and laboratory technicians are able to use and apply key science concepts to work efficiently and effectively in science and science-related organisations.

Unit 6 – Investigative Project – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. In this unit, you will carry out an investigative project that you have chosen in collaboration with you teacher. You will plan and carry out the project safely using scientific investigation skills, project management skills and draw on knowledge you have learnt from other units in your course.

Unit 7 – Contemporary Issues in Science – This unit is assessed through an external examination. In this unit, you will explore contemporary science issues and their impact on the world we live in. You will develop your critical thinking skills and analysis skills by learning how to assess the reliability of published scientific information. You will look at the environmental, ethical, moral, social, political and financial impacts of a range of contemporary science issues; from advances in medical treatments, including stem cell therapy and genetic engineering, to developments in nanotechnology and food technology.

Unit 11 – Genetics and Genetic Engineering – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. Massive advances in DNA technology over the last few decades have driven genetic research forward at an extraordinary rate. This unit you will develop your practical and theoretical knowledge and understanding of genetics and genetic engineering techniques. This unit will be of interest to learners wishing to follow careers in forensic science, biomedical science, veterinary science, agricultural science or industrial science.


Unit 17 – Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. In this unit, you will explore the characteristics of microorganisms and develop practical skills relating to their study. You will learn how to safely handle some types of microorganisms in a laboratory setting and develop skills in using microscopes to be able to identify these microorganisms. Microbiologists are at the centre of developments in areas such as biochemical and biomedical products, crop health and food production, livestock health, genetic engineering and forensic science.


Unit 20 – Biomedical Science – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. In this unit, you will develop an understanding of the role biomedical scientists play in identifying the causes of disease and in helping medical personnel to offer suitable treatments. You will focus on biomedical science in relation to the human body, but many of the same techniques are used in veterinary science. You will explore three key areas of biomedical science; haematology, histology/cytology and biochemical balance. Understanding these key areas would be beneficial for learners interested in pursuing a career within the health profession or looking to study biomedical science degree courses.


Unit 21 – Medical Physics Applications – This unit is assessed through internal assignments. In this unit, you will gain an understanding of the principles and production of ionising and non-ionising radiation, applications of medical physics and their uses in the diagnosis and treatment of the human body. You will explore a number of technological advances that have resulted in the use of faster, less invasive and more effective medical physics diagnosis and treatment technologies such as Ultrasound scans, X-Rays, CT scans, MRI scans and proton beam therapy. You will also learn about health and safety, risks and the side effects of using ionising and non-ionising radiation.