The topic areas covered in this unit include animal and plant cells and tissues.
Medical professionals need to understand the structure and workings of cells. They build on this knowledge to understand how the body stays healthy as well as the symptoms and causes of some diseases. This allows them to diagnose and treat illnesses. The study of bacterial prokaryotic cells gives an understanding of how some other diseases are caused and can be treated.
Scientists and technicians in the food industry also need to understand the structure and function of plant cells to enable them to develop food crops that produce greater yields.
40 minute intro test
40 minute biology test
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The topic areas covered in this unit include atomic structure and bonding and chemical and physical properties of substances related to their uses.
Scientists and technicians working in the chemical industry need to have an understanding of atoms and electronic structure. This allows them to predict how chemical substances will react in the production of a wide range of products – anything from fertilisers in the farming industry to fragrances in the perfume industry. Metals play an important role in the construction industry, in providing the structure to buildings, as well as in electrical wiring and the production of decorative features. So understanding the chemical and physical properties of metals is essential when selecting appropriate building materials.
40 minute intro test
40 minute chemistry test
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The topic areas covered in this unit include waves and their application in communications.
Knowledge of waves is essential in a wide range of industries and organisations. In the communication industry, scientists and technicians apply their knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum when designing mobile phone and satellite communication, and fibre optics are used to transmit telephone and television signals. Fibre optics are also used in diagnostic tools in medicine.
40 minute intro test
40 minute physics test
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This unit introduces you to titration, colorimetry and laboratory safety. Through the practical tasks in the unit, you will develop proficiency in the quantitative analytical techniques of titration and colorimetry, including learning to calculate the concentration of solutions.
Internally assessed:
· Pro formas of results for checking the calibration of a pipette and balance(s) and calibration of a pH meter.
· A report on the use of Na2CO3 to standardise HCl, used in turn to standardise NaOH. pH curve from the titration plus a differential plot.
· Results, calculations and calibration graph for the determination of the concentration of a coloured solution using colorimetry.
· Explanations of how the accuracy, precision and safety of the quantitative techniques may be optimised.
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This unit introduces you to calorimetry, calibration procedures and laboratory safety. You will use measurement of temperature to study cooling curves. You will also have the opportunity to calibrate equipment and will be encouraged to be aware of the safety aspects of given laboratory procedures and techniques. You will have the opportunity to use problem-solving skills when you undertake calorimetry work.
Internally assessed:
· Results from checking the calibration of at least two types of thermometer.
· A table of time/temperature data and a graph of temperature against time for a substance cooling.
· Calculations of the rate of cooling at points on the graph.
· An analysis of how the rate of cooling is related to intermolecular forces and the state of the substance.
· A report evaluating the accuracy of the cooling curve experiment.
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This unit introduces you to paper and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). There is scope throughout the unit to reflect on the skills you have gained and how you may develop further. The fundamental knowledge, practical skills, transferable skills – for example, organisation, self-assessment and problem-solving, and the ability to interpret data – all developed in this unit will give you confidence when you undertake the more complex practical techniques involved in higher education science courses such as biochemistry, chemistry, forensic science and environmental science.
Internally assessed:
· Results from the paper chromatography and TLC of extracted plant pigments from paper chromatography of amino acids.
· An explanation of the principles behind the chromatographic separations.
· Suggestions for improvements to the chromatographic procedures carried out and full justification of these suggestions.
· A presentation or report that focuses on the evaluation of learners’ performance and skill development across all scientific procedures and techniques carried out in learning aims A, B and C.
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