Sixth Form Options 2014 - Life Sciences UTC · Sixth Form Options Making your choices ... the OCR Biology A Level Specification ... skills in Biology 2 • A2 Practical Skills assessment

Sixth Form Options

2014

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Making your choicesWhen it comes to choosing your options, many people will tell you to choose the subjects you enjoy and that interest you – which is good advice. But, it is also important to think further ahead and to consider what you might like to do in the future.

It is scary to realise that the choices you make now will influence the choices you are able to make at the end of your A Levels and in turn, which degree courses, jobs and apprenticeships are open to you at the end of your time with us.

Having the right information to hand now will give you more options when the time comes. For some degrees/ jobs, you will need to have studied a particular subject or range of subjects beforehand.

It is our job here at the Liverpool Life Sciences UTC to help you make decisions that won’t make things harder for you in the long term. We need to be sure that the subjects you take equip you for your chosen university course, apprenticeship or employment desire, or of course show off your skills in a particular subject area. And most importantly, if you haven’t yet decided what you would like to do in the longer term, we can advise you on the subjects that help keep your options open until you do.

We have put together a grid below that will help you to tackle your A Level Options. You can look at it in a number of different ways:

1. If you know what direction you want to take when you are older, use the Possible Careers row and work from bottom to top to select the course options you need to take now.

2. If you know what subjects you want to study, work from top to bottom to see the different apprenticeship, university and career options they open up for you.

We have suggested possible university courses, apprenticeships and careers. These lists are not exhaustive and we can help you look at the wider range of choices that you might wish to consider.

When making your choices, think about:

1. Reflecting your strengths and interests

2. Keeping your options open with a range of subjects

3. Thinking about balance in your combination

4. Making sure you know why you are making this choice

The Liverpool Life Sciences UTC Options Process

1. Look at the information grid

2. Discuss possible choices with your parents and subject teachers – both at your current school and at the UTC

3. Think about what subjects you will enjoy and perform well in

4. Think about your preferred careers paths whilst thinking about your subjects

5. If you have questions, talk to the UTC team. Any prospective student can make a careers interview appointment with UTC Professional Guidance Leader, Mr McCann

6. Fill out and return the Curriculum Choices Form at your Enrolment Session

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Possible Post-16 Options

A Level Biology

A Level Chemistry

A Level Physics

A Level Maths

A Level Further Maths

A Level Psychology

A Level English Language

A Level History

A Level Geography

A Level Biology

A Level Chemistry

A Level Physics

A Level Maths


A Level Psychology

A Level Geography

A Level Chemistry

A Level Physics

A Level Biology

A Level Maths


A Level Geography

A Level Economics

A Level Maths

A Level/ BTEC L3 Business Studies

A Level English Language

BTEC Level 3 Enterprise &

A Level Biology

A Level Chemistry

A Level Physics

A Level Maths


A Level Psychology

A Level Sociology

BTEC Health & Social Care

BTEC Health & Social Care

CACHE Childcare

BTEC Applied Science

A Level Sociology

A Level Psychology

Possible UTC Post-16 Pathway

Exploring Medicine/ Veterinary/ Dentistry

Exploring Life Sciences

Exploring Physical Sciences

Exploring Leadership & Management

Exploring Health Sciences

Exploring Healthcare

Possible University Courses

Medicine

Veterinary Sciences

Dentistry

Biomedical Sciences

Bio veterinary Sciences

Life Sciences

Biochemistry

Biotechnology

Microbiology

Biomedical Sciences

Pharmacology

Zoology

Chemistry

Physics

Engineering

Earth and Marine Sciences

Astronomy

Mathematics

Metallurgy

Business

Marketing

Law

Social Policy

Public Health

Radiography

Midwifery

Nursing

Occupational Therapy

Ophthalmology

Physiotherapy

Psychology

Health & Social Care

Social Work

Early Years

Possible Apprenticeships

Medical Laboratory Assistant

Operating Health Professional

Haematology Technician

Dental Nurse

Veterinary Nurse

Laboratory Technician

Sterile Services Technician

NHS Pharmacy

Health Informatics

Chemistry Technician

Engineering

Process Manufacturing

Medical Secretary

Advertising and Communications

Legal Administration

Public Health

Radiotherapy Assistants

Dietetic Assistants

Physiotherapy Assistants

Clinical Support Workers

Dental Nursing

Healthcare Assistant

Early Years Assistant

Residential Care Assistant

Play work Coordinator

Possible Careers (a few to start you off)

Doctor

Dentist

Vet

Pharmacologist

Biotechnologist

Geneticist

Microbiologist

Pharmacologist

Analytical Chemist

Formulations Chemist

Engineer

IP Lawyer

Patent Attorney

Regulatory Affairs

General Practice Manager

Records Clerk

Nurse

Midwife

Physiotherapist

Radiographer

Emergency Care Assistant

Nursery Nurse

Care Assistant – Elderly/ Disabled

Health Promotion Specialist

We are also currently exploring opportunities to create an Exploring Animal Sciences Pathway. If this would be of interest to you, please let us know as soon as possible.

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Subject Name and Level:

A Level ChemistrySyllabuses: OCR

What will I learn? Building on the concepts of GCSE Science courses, the OCR Chemistry A Level Specification is divided into chemical topics, each containing different key concepts of Chemistry. Following consideration of key concepts, students are encouraged to explore their applications.

What topics will we cover? How will my learning be assessed?

Topic Examples Assessed by Worth

F321 Atoms, Bonds and Groups

• Atoms and reactions

• Electrons, bonding and structure

• The periodic table

1 hour written examination

15% of A level

F322 Chains, Energy and Resources

• Basic concepts and hydrocarbons

• Alcohols, halogenoalkanes and analysis

• Energy

• Resources

1 hour 45 min written examination

25% of A level

F323 Practical skills in chemistry

• AS Practical Skills assessment Internal assessment

10% of A level

F324 Rings, Polymers and Analysis

• Rings, acids and amines

• Polymers and synthesis

• Analysis


15% of A level

F325 Equilibria, energetics and elements

• Rates, equilibrium and pH

• Energy

• Transition elements

1 hour 45 minutes written examination

25% of A level

F326 Practical skills in Chemistry

• A2 Practical Skills assessment Internal assessment

10% of A level

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A Level BiologySyllabuses: OCR

What will I learn? Building on the concepts of GCSE Science courses, the OCR Biology A Level Specification is divided into biological topics, each containing different key concepts of Biology. Following consideration of key concepts, students are encouraged to explore their applications.



F211 Cells, Exchange and Transport

• Cell Structure, Membranes and Organisation

• Transport in Plants and Animals


15% of A level

F212 Molecules, Biodiversity and Health

• Biological Molecules

• Health and Disease

• Biodiversity and Evolution

1 hour 45 min written examination

25% of A level

F213 Practical skills in Biology 1

• AS Practical Skills assessment Internal assessment 10% of A level

F214 Communication, Homeostasis and Energy

• Nerves and Hormones

• Photosynthesis

• Respiration

• Excretion


15% of A level

F215 Control, Genomes and Environment

• Genomics

• Cloning in Plants and Animals

• Ecosystems and Sustainability

• Response to Environment

1 hour 45 minutes written examination

25% of A level

F216 Practical skills in Biology 2

• A2 Practical Skills assessment Internal assessment 10% of A level

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A Level PhysicsSyllabuses: AQA

What will I learn? The AQA Physics A Level Specification provides a seamless transition from previous study, aiming to develop students interest and enthusiasm for Physics. It provides an excellent route to university courses in physics and other subjects, such as engineering, where physics is a key component.

Students will develop their understanding of “How Science Works” by linking general criteria on the nature of science to specific topics throughout the physics courses. They will have a deep awareness of science in practice.



PhyA1 Particles, quantum and electricity

• Particles & radiation

• Electromagnetic radiation and quantum phenomena

• Current electricity

1 hour 15 minute Written examination

20% of A level

PhyA2 Mechanics, materials and waves

• Mechanics

• Materials

• Waves


20% of A level

Investigative Practical Skills

Practical skills assessment Internal assessment 10% of A level

PhyA4 Fields and further mechanics

• Further mechanics

• Gravitation

• Electric fields

• Capacitance

• Magnetic fields


20% of A level

PhyA Nuclear, thermal physics & options

• Radioactivity

• Nuclear energy

• Thermal physics

• Astrophysics (option)

• Medical physics (option)

• Applied Physics (option)

• Turning points in physics (option)


20% of A level

Investigative Practical Skills

Practical skills assessment Internal assessment 10% of A level

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BTEC Level 3 Applied ScienceSyllabuses: BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science (Forensic Science).

This is equivalent to two A Levels.

What will I learn? Ideal for students wanting to specialise in Forensics, The BTEC Nationals in Applied Science are a suite of qualifications that reflect aspects of employment with science organisations and enable learners to develop practical scientific skills. These qualifications will appeal to learners who prefer portfolio-based assessment covering a variety of scientific investigations.



Perceptions of Science Internally assessed coursework

10 Credits

Using Mathematical Tools in Science Internally assessed coursework

5 Credits

Options including:

• Genetics and Genetic Engineering

• Criminology

• Criminal Psychology

• Using Statistics in the Workplace

• Chemical Laboratory Techniques

• Medical Physics Techniques

Internally assessed coursework

5 or 10 Credits per unit

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A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics

Syllabuses: Edexcel

What will I learn? With an emphasis on both theory and applied mathematics, the Edexcel Mathematics A Level Specification is divided into different topics, each containing different key concepts following a pathway to their desired qualification through selecting between the optional modules in Mechanics, Statistics and Decision. Those wishing to do Further Pure Mathematics can also select modules relevant to this.



C1 • Algebra and functions• Differentiation• Integration

Written Examination 16.7% of A level

C2 • Co-ordinate Geometry in the (x,y) plane

• Trigonometry


C3 • Exponentials and Logarithms• Numerical Methods


C4 • Vectors• Sequences and Series


M1 • Mathematical Models in Mechanics• Vectors in Mechanics


M2 • Centres of Mass• Statics of Rigid Bodies


S1 • Mathematical Models in Probability and Statistics

• The Normal Distribution


S2 • Binomial and Poission Distributions• Hypothesis Tests


D1 • Algorithms• Critical Path Analysis


D2 • Game Theory• Dynamic Programming


FP1 • Complex Numbers• Numerical Solutions of Equations


FP2 or FP3 (below)

• Inequalities• Second Order Differentiation


FP3 • Further Matrix Algebra• Hyperbolic Functions


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A Level Psychology Syllabuses: AQA A

What will I learn? With an emphasis on understanding and integrating Psychological themes and methodologies, the AQA Psychology A A Level Specification is divided into different psychological topics, each containing different key concepts. Following consideration of key concepts, students are encouraged to explore their applications.



PSYA1 • Cognitive Psychology

• Developmental Psychology

• Research Methods

Written examination 25% of A level

PSYA2 • Biological Psychology

• Social Psychology

• Individual Differences


PSYA3 • Topics in Psychology, includes Perception, Gender and Relationships.


PSYA4 • Psychopathology

• Psychology in Action

• Research Methods


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A Level SociologySyllabuses: AQA

What will I learn? With an emphasis on understanding and integrating Sociological themes and methodologies, the AQA Sociology A Level Specification is divided into different Sociological topics, each containing different key concepts. Following consideration of key concepts, students are encouraged to explore their applications.


Topic Examples – options include Assessed by Worth

SCLY1 • Culture and Identity; Families and Households; Wealth, Poverty and Welfare


SCLY2 • Health with Research Methods Written examination 30% of A level

SCLY3 • Beliefs in Society; Global Development; Mass Media Power and Politics


SCLY4 • Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods or Stratification and Differentiation with Theory and Methods


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A Level GeographySyllabuses: AQA

What will I learn? Building on the concepts of GCSE Geography, the AQA Geography A Level Specification is divided into different Geographical topics, each containing different key concepts of Geography. Following consideration of key concepts, students are encouraged to explore their applications.



GEOG1 Physical and Human Geography

• Rivers, Floods and Management or Population Change


GEOG2 Geographical Skills

• Geographical Skills Written examination 15% of A level

GEOG3 & GEOG4 Contemporary Geographical Issues

• Tectonics, Weather or Ecosystems or World Cities, Globalisation or Conflicts and Challenges

Written examination

Written examination

30% of A level

20% of A level

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A Level English Language ASyllabuses: AQA

What will I learn? With an emphasis on language’s contexts and critical and analytical skills, the AQA English Language A A Level Specification is divided into different topics, each containing different key concepts. Following consideration of key concepts, students are encouraged to explore their applications.



ENGA1 • Seeing Through Language

Written examination (2 hours)

30% of A level

ENGA2 • Representation and Language

Coursework 20% of A level

ENGA3 • Language Explorations Written examination (2.5 hours)

30% of A level

ENGA4 • Language Investigations and Interventions

Coursework 20% of A level

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A Level English LiteratureSyllabuses: AQA

What will I learn? This specification encourages students to develop their interest in English Literature through reading widely, critically and independently. Texts range across centuries, genre and gender.

Students are encouraged to become informed, independent readers of literary texts and gain an understanding of a variety of views about texts and how to read them.



Unit 1 – LTA1 Texts in Context

Victorian Literature

World War One Literature

The Struggle for Identity in Modern Literature

Written examination 30%

Unit 2 – LITA2 Creative Study Coursework 20%

Unit 3 – LITA3 Reading for Meaning Written examination 30%

Unit 4 – LITA4 Extended Essay and Shakespeare Study

Coursework 20%

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A Level HistorySyllabuses: AQA

What will I learn? A Level History is one of the most sought after subjects by universities. As it is an academic subject which requires a variety of intellectual skills it is seen as ideal preparation for successful study at university, whatever subject you choose to do your degree in.


Unit 1 – HIS1A–HIS1N

Change and Consolidation

Choice of 13 different optional units


Unit 2 – HIS2A–HIS2S

Historical Issues: Periods of Change


Coursework 25%

Unit 3 – HIS3A–HIS3N

The State and the People: Change and Continuity



Unit 4 – HIS4X Historical Enquiry Coursework 25%

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A Level SpanishSyllabuses: OCR

What will I learn? This course will help you to enhance your Spanish skills of speaking, reading, listening and writing. You will need a GCSE equivalent in Spanish to take this course.


Topics Assessed by Worth

Unit 1 Speaking 1 Roleplay and Topic Discussion 15%

Unit 2 Listening Reading Writing 1 Written examination 35%

Unit 3 Speaking 2 Discussion of article and topic discussion

15%

Unit 4 Listening Reading Writing 2 Written examination 35%

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A Level Applied Business Studies

Syllabuses: Edexcel This is equivalent to two A Levels

What will I learn? With an emphasis on enterprise and researching and developing their own business ideas, the Edexcel Business Studies A Level Specification is divided into different topics, each containing different key concepts. Following consideration of key concepts, students are encouraged to explore their applications.


Topic Examples Assessed by

Unit 1 • Investigating People at Work Externally Assessed

Unit 2 • Investigating Business Internally Assessed

Unit 3 • Investigating Marketing Internally Assessed

Unit 6 • Investigating Promotion Externally Assessed

Choice of two from • Investigating Electronic Businesses or Investigating Customer Service or Investigating Enterprise

Internally Assessed

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A Level EconomicsSyllabuses: OCR

What will I learn? The OCR Economics A Level Specification is divided into different economic topics, each containing different key concepts of economics. Following consideration of key concepts, students are encouraged to explore their applications.



F581Markets in Action

• Competitive markets

• Government Intervention


F582 The National and International Economy

• Aggregate Supply and Demand

• Economic Policy Objectives

• Application of Macroeconomic Policy Instruments


F583 Economics of Work and Leisure

• Market Structure and Competitive Behaviours in Leisure Markets


F584 Transport Economics with

F585 The Global Economy

• Transport Trends and the Economy

• Macroeconomic Performance or Economics of Globalisation


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BTEC Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Subsidiary Diploma

Syllabuses: Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Award This is equivalent to two or more A Levels

What will I learn? This qualification will allow you to plan and prepare for enterprise by developing entrepreneurial skills and a business plan. These in turn can be taken forward into the BTEC Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.

The business you plan may be a social enterprise if you wish.

Through this course you will develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life.



The Innovative Entrepreneur Coursework 8%

Business Planning and Pitching Coursework 25%

Leadership and Teamwork Coursework 17%

Working as an Intrapreneur Coursework 17%

Market Research and Analysis Coursework 17%

E-Marketing and Design Coursework 17%

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BTEC Level 3 Health & Social Care

Syllabuses: BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care. This is equivalent to two A Levels.

What will I learn? Health and Social Care looks at all aspects of health and well-being and the factors that can affect health in both a positive and negative way. You will study a range of units gaining vocational experiences in the workplace developing the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to support both your own and others health and well-being in the future.


Unit Topic Examples Assessed by

(Core) Unit 1: Developing Effective Communication in Health and Social Care


(Core) Unit 6: Personal and Professional Development in Health and Social Care


Optional Units Include: • Development Through the Life Stages

• Values and Planning in Social Care

• Promoting Health Education

• Technology in Health and Social Care Services

• Human Inheritance for Health and Social Care

• Physiological Disorders

• Values and Planning in Health and Social Care


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BTEC Level 3 Children’s Play, Learning and Development

Syllabuses: Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Award This is equivalent to two or more A Levels

What will I learn? The BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Children’s Play, Learning and Development (Early Years Educator) gives underpinning knowledge of child development and related theories of child development, enabling you to:

• gain a broad understanding and knowledge of the early years

• develop essential skills such as observation, assessment skills and reflective practice skills prized by employers and higher education institutions.

• progress either to academic or to more specialised vocational pathways, and support progression into employment.

Learners who successfully complete the BTEC Level 3 National in Children’s Play, Learning and Development (Early Years Educator) will be able to practise as early years educators.


Qualification structure Assessment Work experience

Award (360 GLH

5 core units + 1 optional

‘Child Development’ unit externally assessed (via written exam)

Other units internally assessed unit

50 hours

Evidenced by the Practical Evidence Portfolio (PEP)

Documents

Sixth Form Options 2014 - Life Sciences UTC · Sixth Form Options Making your choices ... the OCR Biology A Level Specification ... skills in Biology 2 • A2 Practical Skills assessment