Course profile

The Advanced Science GNVQ

Entry Requirements:

Four or more GCSE passes at grade C or above, including Dual Award Science.

About the Subject:

The Advanced Science GNVQ is designed to provide opportunities for you to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific principles which are necessary for a career in a science or medically-related field. The course is recognised nationally by employers, and is accepted by Universities and Colleges of FE for entry into higher education. Great emphasis is placed on the development of practical skills and the confidence to use them in a wide range of practical applications.

Suitable Subject Combinations:

The course can be studied in combination with:

A or AS level GCEs in a related subject (eg Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths), or an unrelated subject which may interest you.

A Single Award GNVQ

A GCSE resit programme

Guidance about suitable course combinations will be given at admissions and enrolment interviews.

Course Content:

The course gives you a broad understanding of the uses of science. Learning is based wherever possible on investigations and assignments that are carefully designed to model actual tasks and problems, which are carried out by scientists in their everyday working environment. The main areas of study include:

Investigating science at work

Monitoring the activity of the human body

Controlling chemical processes

Controlling the transfer of energy

Synthesising organic and biochemical compounds

Carrying out scientific investigations

A range of related units including chemical investigations, chemical trends and patterns, chemical synthesis, disease and diagnosis, biotechnology, and drugs for medicine.

Special features of the course:

The College has a suite of purpose-built, state of the art laboratories in which to carry out the tasks normally done by scientists and engineers. The course includes work placements in local science and health industries, fieldwork, and visits to appropriate industrial sites.

Assessment:

The course consists of twelve Units of study, which make up the full award of Advanced GNVQ in Science. Four Units are assessed by external tests and the remainder is assessed by building up a portfolio of evidence throughout the course. The portfolio is assessed by the Course Tutors.

Progression:

The course opens up a career in science or health-related industries, often by progression onto a higher education course in a broad range of subjects. Students gaining a good grade in GNVQ can progress onto an HND course in Chemistry offered by the College, which leads to a Chemistry degree course at the University of Salford.

Previous students have taken up Higher Education places in Animal Science, Biomedical Science, Medicinal Chemistry, Engineering, Occupational Therapy, Radiography, Applied Biology, Nursing (adult, children, psychiatric), Midwifery,