New GCEs for 2008
GCE Science in Society (2400)
AS outline
At AS, this specification will build upon a body of knowledge already familiar to candidates from their study of science at GCSE. Emphasis is placed on understanding broad principles and interconnected frameworks of ideas that can be applied to understanding issues.
The AS specification has 2 units:
Unit 1: Exploring Issues
Topic list
- The germ theory of disease, infectious diseases and global public health issues
- Medicines, ethical issues and reproductive choices
- Lifestyle, transport choices and fuel issues
- The planet Earth in the context of the solar system and the universe
- The human race in the context of evolution and society
Assessment
| Written Paper: | 2 hours |
| Weighting: | 60% of total AS Level marks |
| 30% of total A level marks |
The paper will include a number of structured questions designed to assess understanding of the topics, ideas and concepts outlined in Unit 1. Questions will include comprehension, data analysis and response, some questions will require longer answers written in continuous prose.
Unit 2: Reading and Research
Topic list
- A critical account of scientific reading
- The study of a topical scientific issue.
Assessment
| Internal Assessment | |
| Weighting: | 40% of total AS Level marks |
| 20% of the total A Level marks |
Candidates' work will consist of two pieces of writing:
- a critical account of a scientific reading
- a study of a topical issue.
The account of scientific reading of a substantial piece of writing for the general public will be assessed for the way in which candidates provide a personal critical response which displays their understanding of the scientific ideas and concepts involved.
The study of a topical scientific issue will be assessed for the way in which candidates document research for information, and seek, present and evaluate evidence.
Key documents
