GCSE Additional Applied Science Unit 1 (Science at Work)

Overview
Throughout this course candidates will learn that standard procedures are an important part of practice in science laboratories. They will learn about the importance of using 'scientific methodology' and following standard procedures, and how to use them correctly.

Candidates need to understand that:

When working in laboratories scientists follow standard procedures to obtain evidence.

In developing procedures, scientists will often start with an observation and make a hypothesis to explain their observation. They then test their hypothesis, with trials and experiments that can also be carried out by other people, to show why their data and results are correct.

A 'standard procedure' describes exactly how to carry out an experiment or procedure, and ensures that everyone who carries out a particular experiment does it in exactly the same way so that the results collected are consistent. For these reasons, standard procedures are very important in the scientific workplace and are used when monitoring and controlling processes and when making and analysing substances. Standard procedures are agreed within a company or organisation and may be agreed nationally or internationally.

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• 3.3.1 Following standard procedures

Overview
In this section, candidates will learn about the regulations that deal with health and safety in the workplace and about the importance of assessing and managing risk assessment and applying safe practice. Candidates will be expected to apply safe practices throughout the practical work they undertake during the course.

Candidates need to understand that:

Strict regulations control the way in which scientists work and behave in laboratories and other workplaces. Regulations are designed to protect the people who work in potentially hazardous environments. Both employers and employees have responsibilities for ensuring that these regulations are followed and that all work is carried out safely.

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• 3.3.2 Health and safety at work

Overview
In this section candidates will learn about some of the science and techniques used by healthcare scientists who work in maintaining health and fitness. Physiologists are interested in the health and fitness of the parts of the body involved in exercise. Nutritionists and dieticians help to optimise performance by controlling energy and nutrient intake. This section should be delivered as far as possible in terms of the knowledge, understanding and skills that healthcare scientists (for example, sports physiologists, nutritionists, dieticians and physiotherapists) use to carry out their work.

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• 3.3.3.1 Healthcare scientists
• 3.3.3.2 Exercise and the human body
• 3.3.3.3 Injuries to the human body
• 3.3.3.4 Nutrition for exercise and fitness

Overview
In this section, candidates will learn about some of the reasons why materials are chosen by materials scientists for particular purposes. This section should be delivered as far as possible in terms of the knowledge, understanding and skills that materials scientists use to carry out their work.

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• 3.3.4.1 Materials scientists
• 3.3.4.2 The properties and uses of materials

Overview
The application of science and technology by agricultural scientists has increased food production throughout the developed world. In this section, candidates will learn about some of the science and techniques used by agricultural and food scientists, including microbiologists, in the production of food.

Candidates will learn about how microorganisms can adversely affect human health but also how they can be used to benefit humans. They will also consider some economic and environmental aspects of food production.

This section should be delivered as far as possible in terms of the knowledge, understanding and skills that food scientists (including nutritionists, dieticians, food analysts, agricultural scientists and those working in public health) use to carry out their work.

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• 3.3.5.1 Agricultural and food scientists
• 3.3.5.2 Microorganisms and food safety
• 3.3.5.3 Useful microorganisms in the production of food
• 3.3.5.4 The use of organic and intensive farming in the production of food
• 3.3.5.5 The use of selective breeding and genetic engineering in the production of food

Overview
One of the important tasks undertaken by scientists is the analysis and identification of chemical and biological substances. Analytical scientists are found in the manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries, in the healthcare and forensic services and in public protection. It is important that an analytical scientist works, records and interprets results accurately and performs the necessary tests and experiments safely.

Analytical scientists use scientific techniques to identify and to match substances and objects.

This section should be delivered as far as possible in terms of the knowledge, understanding and skills that analytical scientists use to carry out their work.

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• 3.3.6.1 Analytical scientists
• 3.3.6.2 Analysing samples using qualitative chemical tests
• 3.3.6.3 Analysing samples using quantitative techniques
• 3.3.6.4 Analysing samples using paper and thin-layer chromatography
• 3.3.6.5 Analysing samples using instrumental techniques
• 3.3.6.6 Analysing body fluids
• 3.3.6.7 Analysing glass or plastics samples