Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification Cambridge Advanced National in Applied Science (Extended Certificate)
The OCR Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification Cambridge Advanced National in Applied Science (Extended Certificate) is for students aged 16-19 years old. It will develop knowledge, understanding and skills that will help you to progress to university and are relevant to the Applied Sciences sector. This course is 360 GLH in size. You should take this Extended Certificate qualification if you want a Level 3 qualification that builds applied knowledge and skills in applied science. This qualification is an Alternative Academic Qualification that is the same size as an A Level. When it is taken alongside A Levels it will complement them, helping you to build broader knowledge and skills that are valued in undergraduate study, and relevant for progression to higher education. You would take this qualification alongside A Levels as part of your programme of study at Key Stage 5.
When taken in addition to A Levels, OCR’s Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification Cambridge Advanced National in Applied Science (Extended Certificate) qualification aims to prepare you for undergraduate study in a wide range of science related courses by developing and assessing specific skills and foundational knowledge not covered in A Levels.
This qualification provides you with an understanding of applied science practical techniques and applications. Through a combination of theoretical study and hands-on experience, you will develop the necessary knowledge and skills that can support progression to higher education study.
You might be interested in this qualification if you want to develop key theoretical knowledge and understanding of the subject, but also apply what you learn to different situations, contexts and practical tasks, such as:
• Researching the fundamentals of science
• Planning and performing laboratory investigations
• Researching and undertaking an ecological survey report • Conducting a forensic crime scene investigation and evidence analysis
• Testing unknown organic and inorganic compounds
The qualification will also help you develop independence and confidence in using skills that are relevant to the sector and that prepare you for progressing to university courses where independent study skills are needed.
You will develop the following transferable skills that can be used in both higher education and other life and work situations:
• Communicating effectively with individuals or groups.
• Researching topic areas and recording research sources, then using them to interpret findings and present evidence.
• Presenting information, this will involve managing time and identifying aims, purpose, resources, methods.
• Problem solving when matching and analysing data.
This qualification will complement other learning that you're completing at Key Stage 5. If you are a full-time student, it will be part of your studies along with your A Levels.
What you will study
The qualification is made up of 40% examined content and 60% non examined assessment (NEA) content. This approach supports you to develop both theoretical knowledge and understanding and the skills needed to apply it in a range of contexts, helping you to develop a broad and relevant set of skills and experiences. In the examined units, you will study key knowledge and understanding relevant to Applied Science. In the non examined assessment (NEA) units, you will demonstrate knowledge and skills you learn by completing applied and practical assignments.
The qualification has 5 units, 2 of which are examined externally. These are the externally examined units
Fundamentals of Science
This unit is assessed by an exam. In this unit you will learn about the key topics that are important in biology, chemistry and physics and you will study two key practicals for each of those components to be assessed as part of section D of the exam. Topics include:
Section A (Biology)
o Topic Area 1 Cell structure and microscopy
o Topic Area 2 Bioenergetics
o Topic Area 3 Structure and function of biological molecules
o Topic Area 4 Biodiversity and ecosystems
Section B (Chemistry)
o Topic Area 1 Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
o Topic Area 2 Quantitative Chemistry
o Topic Area 3 Structure and Bonding
o Topic Area 4 Rates of reactions and enthalpy changes
Section C (Physics)
o Topic Area 1 Electricity
o Topic Area 2 Motion
o Topic Area 3 Medical physics
Section D
o Practicals
Science in Society
This unit is assessed by an exam. In this unit you will learn about the skills scientists use and the roles they perform in an international scientific community. You will examine different types of scientific data and learn how scientists use them to draw conclusions that can contribute to scientific advancement. Topics include:
o Topic Area 1 What scientists do
o Topic Area 2 Handling scientific data
o Topic Area 3 Scientific developments
o Topic Area 4 Communicating science
Investigating Science
This unit is assessed by an assignment. In this unit you will learn about the role of a research scientist in industry by learning how to conduct your own scientific investigation. You will develop the skills to research, plan and risk assess your investigation before safely undertaking the practical tasks. Topics include:
o Topic Area 1 Planning a scientific investigation
o Topic Area 2 Performing a scientific investigation
o Topic Area 3 Analysing and communicating results
o Topic Area 4 Evaluating a scientific investigation
Centre assessed units:
Analytical techniques in chemistry
This unit is assessed by an assignment. In this unit you will learn how to plan and perform practical investigations to separate substances and purify them. Topics include:
o Topic Area 1: Techniques to categorise and separate chemical substances
o Topic Area 2: Quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques to quantify and identify substances
o Topic Area 3: The principles of spectroscopic techniques and interpreting spectra for chemical substances
Forensic Biology
This unit is assessed by an assignment. In this unit you will learn how to perform investigations of the macro- and ultrastructure of cells and tissues from fresh and prepared material, using optical microscope techniques and electron micrographs. Topics include:
o Topic Area 1: Forensic biology disciplines and evidence
o Topic Area 2: Cells, Tissues and Organs in Forensic Biology
o Topic Area 3: Investigation and Evidence Collection
o Topic Area 4: Analytical Techniques and Evidence Interpretation
How the course is assessed
- Units 1 and 2: Externally assessed
- Units 6, 18 and 21: Internally assessed
Entry requirements
- Five subjects at grade 4 or above, including English and maths
- Grade 4 in combined sciences or a grade 4 in the separate sciences
Why study Applied Science Level 3 at Windsor Sixth Form?
- Achieve your potential and progress to the next stage of your life - Whether that’s Higher Education, an Apprenticeship or employment. We have refreshing and exciting content that’s up to date, engaging, fit for purpose and suitable for your needs.
- Gain the right combination of knowledge, understanding and skills required for the laboratory or further study - To do this, Cambridge has consulted with universities, employers and industry specialists to make sure you students will follow a programme of study that’s right for you and what you want to do next.
- Benefit from a combination of externally assessed modules and internally assessed coursework - There is an extensive range of centre-assessed units with practical and wider project-based assessment opportunities, as well as examined units on Science Fundamentals, Laboratory Techniques and Scientific Analysis and Reporting.
Other courses that go well with Applied Science Level 3
This qualification is designed to be taken alongside A Levels to enhance learning and support a balanced, engaging, broad and relevant programme of study.
These A Level subjects might complement this qualification:
• A Level Biology
• A Level Chemistry
• A Level Geography
• A Level Environmental Science
• A Level Physical Education
What you can do after the course
This subject is useful if you have aspirations to follow career paths such as:
- Forensic Science
- Nursing
- Sports Science
- Environmental Science
Where do our students progress to after the course?
The types of courses you may progress to:
Both the subject-specific knowledge, understanding and skills, and broader transferable skills developed through this qualification, will help you progress to further study in related areas such as:
• Biomedical Science degree
• Allied Health and Nursing degree
• Physiotherapy
• Life Sciences degree
• Forensic Science degree
Student success stories
- Student 1: Studying Engineering and Applied Science at Aston University after completing sixth form
- Student 2: Studying Forensic pathology at Newman