This course covers a wide range of topics across biology, chemistry and physics. It allows students to acquire a high level of practical laboratory skills, which supports the theory taught. Students who want to continue to study a mixture of all three scientific disciplines would enjoy this course. Learning takes place through laboratory-based practical assignments which are based on real workplace situations. Students also undertake a mixture of coursework, both practical and written, as well as short written examinations, which suits students who relish the chance to get hands on and carry out practical science investigations. In Year 12 students study Unit 1, covering biology, chemistry and physics topics. Each topic is examined by 40 minute external exams. The remainder of Year 12 is spent developing specific laboratory skills. Students organizational skills and attention to detail is tested, as every stage of the practical work carried out has to be written up and submitted as coursework in Year 13, students study biology, chemistry and physics further in Unit3. This prepares them for a practical exam, which they carry out independently and analyze. Finally, they carry out an internally assessed piece of work involving independent study, in order to achieve the Applied Science Extended Certificate. Upon completion, this course allows you to apply to universities for a range of science based degree courses, or you could go on to complete a science based apprenticeship at a high level.