OCR Applied Science (level 3)

Level 3 Certificate and Extended Certificate

This course provides students with a broad understanding of vocationally-related sciences. It is suitable alongside other A-Level sciences or Level 3 vocational qualifications.

Students develop their knowledge and understanding of scientific principles, as well as practical skills recognised by higher education institutions and employers. Students acquire transferable skills, such as problem-solving, research and communication. The qualification is equal to one GCE A-Level.

It provides a sound basis for progression to a range of science-based Higher Education courses. The qualification also maintains and supports recognised standards demanded for science education and training to meet the requirements of many employers in the science sector.

Subject requirements:
Minimum GCSE of 5/5 in Combined Science. GCSE 5 in English and a GCSE 4* in Maths (*grade 5 strongly recommended).

Teacher to contact - Mrs D Chadwick 
Science Area Coordinator - Dr M Gwyer 

Course content

Teachers from each specialism teach the course to Year 12 and Year 13 with nine lessons a fortnight.

Units covered are the following

F180 – Fundamentals of Science - Exam

F181 – Science in Society - Exam

F182 – Investigating Science - NEA

F183 – Analytical techniques in Chemistry - NEA

F185 – Forensic biology - NEA

Assessment criteria

In Year 12 students will complete F180 Fundamentals in Science which is an exam written at the end of year that will cover content taught in biology, chemistry and physics. They will also complete F182 Investigating Science which will cover a particular scientific investigation that they will research, perform and write up as their coursework by the end of the year.

In year 13, students will cover the remainder of the units above.  F182 Science in Society is an exam based on pre-released material. The content covers the roles of scientists, how they handle data and communicate their results. F183 Analytical techniques in Chemistry and F185 Forensics are both coursework units that students will complete over the year.

Exam Board: OCR
Science (Applied)

Are you interested in:

  • How things work?
  • Doing experiments and working in a laboratory?
  • How science is used in the real world?
  • Solving crimes and collecting evidence

Leading to a career in:

  • Police and forensics
  • Pharmacy and bioengineering
  • Nursing, midwifery and healthcare
  • Medical and Laboratory technician
  • Chemical industry

This subject goes well with:

  • Health and Social Care
  • Criminology
  • Environmental Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Physical Education
  1. Getting Ready for Science (Applied)

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