SCIENCE IN SOCIETY (AQA)
AS Course Outline
Who Should Study This Course?
This course is attractive to students from a number of different academic backgrounds. It is useful to those with an interest in Science and Mathematics, who perhaps wish to pursue a career in Medicine or a medically related discipline, but it may also attract those who are more inclined towards Humanities or Sociology. In fact, anyone who wishes to discover the impact of modern scientific developments on the way we live and the way we think, should study this course.
What Does The Course Aim To Do?
At AS, this specification builds upon a body of knowledge already familiar to students from their study of science at GCSE. The course places an emphasis on understanding both ideas about How Science Works and broad scientific principles that can together be applied to understanding a range of issues.
It also designed to:
- broaden the curriculum for those whose interests lie mainly in the arts or humanities;
- give those studying science the opportunity to reflect on their specialist studies in a wider context;
- develop the knowledge and skills that learners need to grapple with issues related to the science and technology that they meet now and in their adult and working lives; and
- provide an insight into ideas about how science works to enable application of critical thinking skills in a coherent way when reading, writing and talking about science.
What Skills Will I Develop?
Students will generally develop their scientific literacy and be better equipped to analyse scientific claims made in the media. Students will also:
- sustain and develop their interest in, and engagement with, science
- develop and be able to express an informed, personal point of view on issues concerning science and technology; and
- make use of their understanding of science and technology in everyday contexts and in making decisions about everyday lifestyle choices.
Which topics will I study?
The specification includes the following:
- Germ theory and transmission of disease.
- Drug development and ethical issues within Medicine.
- Lifestyle and health.
- Evolution.
- The Universe and our place within it.
How is it Assessed?
The course is composed of two units. Unit 1 is a theory paper and unit 2 is internally assessed coursework. The coursework involves writing a report on a popular piece of science writing and analysing scientific articles. More detail is given in the table below:
| SCIENCE IN SOCIETY (AQA) AS Level Specification | |
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Unit 1 (SCIS1) |
The examination paper will include a number of compulsory structured questions to assess understanding of the topics, ideas and concepts outlined in Unit 1. Questions will include comprehension, data analysis and response. Some questions will require longer answers written in continuous prose that is also assessed for quality of written communication. |
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Unit 2 (SCIS2) |
Candidates' work consists of two pieces of writing:
The account of scientific reading of a substantial piece of writing for the general public is assessed for the way in which candidates provide a personal critical response which displays their understanding of the scientific ideas and concepts involved. The study of a topical scientific issue is assessed for the way in which students document research for information, and seek, present and evaluate relevant evidence. |
Structure of the Course
The course will be taught for 6 lessons per week (4.5 hours). Homework is set weekly and deadlines must be adhered to. The course will involve a substantial amount of additional reading, so pleased be prepared for this.
Course Textbook
AS Science in Society (Andrew Hunt)
Heinemann ISBN: 9780435654641
