Module Descriptors
APPLIED SCIENCE
FORE30361
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 3
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Susan Bird
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 108
Independent Study Hours: 192
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
  • PORTFOLIO 3000 words weighted at 70%
  • INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION 15 minutes weighted at 30%
Module Details
SPECIAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
None.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Develop an understanding of the application of classroom science to real world problems and challenges
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, APPLICATION)

2. Identify a topical challenge or issue and propose a realistic solution using appropriate scientific understanding
(LEARNING, ENQUIRY)

3. Demonstrate the ability to plan and undertake a practical investigation, and collect and analyse data in support of tackling an identified topical challenge
(ANALYSIS, PROBLEM SOLVING)

4. Communicate the findings of scientific investigations through both written and oral approaches
(COMMUNICATION)
Assessment Details
A Portfolio of tasks based upon at least one component from each of the three areas of science listed in the indicative content that the investigation of investigates topical issues in the areas of science under study to assess outcomes 1 to 3 70% 3000 words

Individual Presentation supported by a poster or slides on one of the areas included in the portfolio. At a length of 15 minutes to assess outcomes 4 30% 15 minutes

Students will be required to complete 2 pieces of summative assessment, namely a Portfolio (learning outcomes 1 – 4) and an Individual presentation (learning outcomes 1-4). These will be used to assess both comprehension of the subject of each module and the attainment of subject specific and transferable study skills.

Opportunities will be given to submit drafts for formative feedback to support the students. Deadlines will be staggered to ensure that the student work load is spread throughout the year.
A tutor will be assigned to monitor and coordinate study skills support across the modules, thereby ensuring that each student has the opportunity to attain the study skills learning outcomes outlined in the programme specification.
Indicative Content
This module will provide an introduction to the application of science in a variety of contexts. It will build, but not be dependent, upon the content covered in the other modules studied on the Science Foundation Year.
Topics covered may include:
Forensic Science
• Methods available to the forensic scientist
• Analysis of evidence and its evidential value in court
• Storage, handling and examination of samples
• Roles and responsibilities of the forensic scientist
• Pharmaceutical Science
• The different categories of medicines and their actions
• The development of a medicine
• Methods of analysing medicines
• Food Science
• The type of diet required for different client groups
• The causes of food spoilage and methods of food preservation
• The packaging and labelling of products
• Testing the product by government agencies
Environmental Science
• The type and populations of organisms that live in a habitat
• The relationships of organisms with their physical and biological environment
• Fuels and energy, and the generation of electricity by sustainable and non-sustainable methods
• Environmental change, damage and policy
• Managing conservation
• Recycling materials

Biomedical Science

• The role of a biomedical scientist in diagnosis and treatment of disease.
• Introduction to analysis of disease markers.
• The importance of scientific literature and communication in health and well-being i.e. the role of a biomedical scientist in the broadest sense.
• Health and safety relevant to the role of a biomedical scientist
Texts
Jackson, A. R.W.; Jackson, J. M.; Mountain, H.; Brearley, D. (2016) Forensic Science (4th edition), Pearson
Enger, Eldon D; Smith, Bradley F (2016) Environmental Science : a study of interrelationships, McGraw-Hill Education, New York
Hartley, J. et al. (2016) BTEC Nationals Applied Science: Student Book Level 3, Pearson Education

Pitt, S. J. and Cunningham, J. M. (2013) An Introduction to Biomedical Science in Professional and Clinical Practice, Wiley-Blackwell
Resources
Laboratory facilities, IT facilities
Learning Strategies
"The module will be delivered by tutor led theory sessions, problem solving classes and practical work, throughout which the emphasis will be on student involvement.
The information will be delivered using lectures, videos and demonstrations. Worksheets will be used to engage students in an active role in the learning process. Problem solving activities will be used to consolidate learning The active learning is continued in the practical sessions where investigative procedures will be discussed, planned and carried out by the students.
Formative learning will be aided by assignments, tutorial exercises and the ability to receive formative feedback of coursework drafts prior to submission.
The lecture and laboratory classes will be for 96 hours spread over 24 weeks so that there will be 4 hours of class contact per week. Each week the classes will contain an appropriate combination of theory and practical exercises for the individual topic being delivered.
The time for independent study will be taken up by preparation and completion of assignment work, library research, preparation for class discussion and report writing.
Study Skills
The programme will be designed to emphasise and develop independent study, whilst delivering the general study skills outlined in the programme specification. Dedicated IT workshops are to familiarise the students with the use of the common computer packages, within a scientific context. The overall ethos will be one of encouraging active learning and developing a sense of responsibility for learning. This will comprise 12 hours spread over 24 weeks
"