

Level 2 Applied Science
Subject Area
Engineering & Science
Student Type
Students aged 16-18
Study Mode
Full Time
Course Type
Technical
What is the course about?
Are you interested in making incredible scientific discoveries? Or perhaps you're an inquisitive person with a curious mind? This one-year course is designed to allow you to build your key scientific skills in preparation for progression onto the level 3 course, or an apprenticeship in science. You will experiment in our state-of-the-art, dedicated science laboratory and develop your knowledge of biology and chemistry.
Why should I choose the course?
This course is designed for students who want to progress on to further study in applied science or related areas at level 3. This might be via further education or an apprenticeship. The course will enable you to acquire a range of practical scientific skills, including carrying out practical laboratory tasks, planning investigations, collecting, analysing and presenting data, and reviewing and refining the methodology of practical and laboratory-based work. You will develop and apply your knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics to a range of vocational contexts, leading to an understanding of how scientific knowledge is applied in practice.
What will I learn?
You will develop and apply your knowledge of biology and chemistry to a range of vocational contexts, leading to an understanding of how scientific knowledge is applied in practice. Key modules will include chemistry and our earth, energy and our universe, biology and our environment, the living body, chemical analysis and investigating a crime scene. The majority of the units are internally assessed. One unit will be assessed via a short exam. Each unit within the qualification has specified assessment and grading criteria which are to be used for grading purposes.
What will the course lead on to?
A career in science will open up a world of opportunities, whether you wish to work in a laboratory, hospital, factory or even a crime scene. The science industry is fast-paced and ever growing, so if you’re looking for a career that could make a huge difference to the problems facing society today, this could be the course for you. Achievement of this course will help you prepare to progress directly to further study at level 3. In the future you may wish to progress on to a range of Access to HE courses (nursing, midwifery pharmacy, health, medical science), or on to further learning through an apprenticeship in the science industry.
Are there any links with industry and university?
Our team of dedicated tutors work with countless local industries to broaden students’ perspectives. We have previously worked with Warrington Pathology Department, Cheshire Police Road Traffic Department, Cheshire Fire Department, Warrington and Manchester Courts of Law, and local forensic and genetic laboratories. You will also have the opportunity to regularly hear from guest speakers o further your academic experience. For example, the University of Bolton have previously wowed our students with a workshop on tissue engineering.
What support is available?
You will be allocated a progress coach who will provide you with support to help you succeed on your study programme and progress on to your chosen career or progression path. We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if required, as well as a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed.
Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help them during their time at college.
Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support
Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support
Why should I choose to study the course at Warrington & Vale Royal College?
The college is committed to ensuring that all students benefit from the opportunity to undertake a work placement during their time here and we will support you to obtain a placement in a relevant vocational setting. There are no formal forensic work placements, however students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular voluntary placements, which tutors are happy to support.
Trips and visits are also an integral part of this course. Examples of previous trips include The Human Body Revealed at Liverpool One and a laboratory tour at LGC Forensics. Students have also attended Liverpool and Warrington Crown Courts and taken part in a national Bar Mock Trial Competition, which involved students playing the roles of barristers, witnesses, and defendants. There are also trips to the Warrington Hospital pathology department for a full tour of the facilities, and to Sheffield's Medico-Legal Centre to see their digital post-mortem body scanning unit. Students also participate in role play exercises with the police, such as hostage situations.
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum of four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and/or maths, or successful completion of a level 1 qualification. Students will be expected to continue to study towards a grade 4 in GCSE English/maths if not already achieved.
Are there any additional costs associated with the course?
Costs will be kept to a minimum, however you should expect to contribute to trips and visits, and you will be required to wear a uniform top. We have a recommended reading list of relevant science/forensic books which you shall be informed of on commencement of the course. You will also need stationary, USB pen drive/memory stick, scientific calculator, and money for printing.
Careers Information
Course Enquiry
Please complete this form if you would like any other information about this course
Other similar courses
These courses may be more suited to your interests or needs