Life and Health Science

Aims

This specification aims to encourage students to:

  • develop their interest in and enthusiasm for science, including developing an interest in further study and careers in research science;
  • appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society;
  • develop competence in a range of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills;
  • develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works;
  • develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other; and
  • develop advanced study skills that help them prepare for higher education.

Staffing

Staffing varies each year but normally Science Staff.

Subject Overview

There are a range of reasons why learners should choose this qualification:

Innovative : Qualification developed in partnership with life and health sciences industry.
Career options : Wide range of careers including pharma, biomedical science, nursing and radiography.
Skills-led : Equips learners with the skills and knowledge required by the life and health sciences sector.
Varied topics: Relevant topics include genetics, medicine, clinical trials and analytical chemistry.
Embedded practical science: Practical science stimulates enthusiasm and offers fresh insight into industry.

Key Stage 5

We follow the CCEA Life and Health Science specification, studying:

AS LEVEL

AS 1: Experimental Techniques  

Practical experiments designed to develop skills in performing a range of experimental techniques useful in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

AS 2: Human Body Systems

Students learn how human body systems work and the assessments carried out by Healthcare professionals to provide information on disease or health status.

AS 3: Aspects of Physical Chemistry in Industrial Processes

Students develop skills in performing calculations in chemistry and learn to apply their knowledge of energetics, kinetics and equilibrium in the industrial manufacture of chemicals.

AS makes up 40% of the full A Level

A LEVEL

A2 1: Scientific Method, Investigation, Analysis and Evaluation

Undertake a scientific investigation by carrying out research, communicating results and conclusions and evaluating work.

A2 2: Organic Chemistry

This unit focuses on basic reactions within organic chemistry.  Students consider the uses of organic compounds in contributing to an increasing carbon footprint understand how to prepare a simple organic compound and evaluate its purity.

A2 3: Genetics, Stem Cell Research and Cloning

Students learn about the structure of DNA and how replication links to gene therapy and genetic engineering. They will evaluate the social, ethical and economic implications of modern day uses of genetics.

A2 makes up 60% of the full A level.

Career Opportunities

During this course you will develop competence in a range of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills that are important in Further and Higher Education and valued in the workplace.  In addition, you will develop an understanding of different aspects of science and how they relate to each other.  This qualification was developed in partnership with industry to foster essential skills required by this growing sector and is appropriate for entering a range of careers such as biomedical sciences, nutrition, nursing, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, sports studies, laboratory work or research.