Life & Health Sciences
Why Study Life and Health Science?
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Life and Health Sciences is an interdisciplinary subject that encourages students to develop their interest in and enthusiasm for science while preparing them for further study and careers in research science. By studying this course, you will appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
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The GCE Life and Health Sciences qualification allows you to develop a wide range of practical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills. You will build competence in technical writing, data analysis using ICT, and independent research. This course provides a firm grounding for those wishing to progress to higher education in life and health sciences or related fields such as engineering or electronics.​
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What We Study
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Our school follows the Single Award specification, which is divided into the following units over two years:
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Staff
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Mr K Crooks MEd BSc PGCE Adv Cert (Subject Leader)
Mr P Irwin BSc PGCE
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Useful Links
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Royal Society of Biology
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Institute of Physics
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Royal Society of Chemistry
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Career Options
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Research Science, Nursing, Medicine, Physiotherapy, Medical Physics, Engineering, Electronics, Laboratory Technician, Pharmaceuticals, and Healthcare Management
​Year 13 (AS Level)
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Unit AS 1: Experimental Techniques Students develop skills in performing range of experimental techniques across biology, chemistry, and physics, including titrations, chromatography of amino acids, and determining the focal length of lenses.
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Unit AS 2: Human Body Systems This unit covers how human body systems work, including the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, respiration, and homeostatic mechanisms, as well as the role of nutrition and exercise in maintaining health.
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Unit AS 3: Aspects of Physical Chemistry in Industrial Processes Students learn to perform chemical calculations and apply knowledge of energetics, kinetics, and equilibrium to the industrial manufacture of chemicals.
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Year 14 (A2 Level)
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Unit A2 1: Scientific Method, Investigation, Analysis and Evaluation Students choose and conduct their own scientific investigation, learning how to use information resources, apply statistical tests, and evaluate their own experimental results.
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Unit A2 2: Organic Chemistry This unit focuses on nomenclature, structure, and isomerism in organic compounds, the industrial use of hydrocarbons and alcohols, and the study of polymers and spectroscopic techniques.
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Unit A2 3: Medical Physics Students explore the physical principles used in healthcare, including diagnostic imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound, as well as the medical uses of radioactive isotopes.
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Assessment Overview (Single Award)
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The full Single Award Advanced GCE is based on marks from the AS (40%) and the A2 (60%).
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Career Options
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The GCE Life and Health Sciences course is designed to provide a firm grounding for students wishing to progress to higher education or directly into various scientific and technical careers.
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According to the specification, potential career paths and areas of further study include:
Scientific Research and Industry
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Research Science: One of the primary aims of the course is to develop an interest in and prepare students for careers in research science.
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Engineering and Electronics: The specification highlights that the course provides a strong foundation for those looking to progress into these related technical fields.
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Pharmaceutical Industry: Through the study of drug development, clinical trials, and organic chemistry, students are prepared for roles in medicine manufacture, quality assurance, and pharmaceutical research.
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Chemical and Industrial Processes: Students gain skills relevant to the industrial manufacture of chemicals, including roles focused on energetics, kinetics, and waste management.
Healthcare and Medical Science
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Medical Physics: The course explores the physical principles used in healthcare for monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment, preparing students for specialized roles in medical imaging and radiation therapy.
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Pathology Services: Students learn the skills required to work in hospital pathology departments, including:
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Clinical Biochemistry: Testing for glucose, cholesterol, and electrolytes.
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Haematology: Blood analysis and diagnosing blood-related diseases.
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Microbiology: Monitoring infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance.
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Histopathology: Analysing tissue biopsies to diagnose diseases.
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Dental Health: The specification explicitly outlines the qualifications and skills required for various dental professionals, including dentists, dental hygienists, dental technicians, dental therapists, and dental nurses.
Analytical and Laboratory Roles
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Laboratory Technician: The heavy emphasis on experimental techniques (AS 1) and analytical chemistry (A2 9) builds the competence needed for technical roles in laboratories across many sectors.
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Analytical Chemist: Students develop expertise in volumetric analysis, chromatography, and colorimetry, which are used in chemical industries to identify and measure substances.
While the sources focus on these specific pathways, the broad range of transferable skills developed—such as technical writing, data analysis, and independent research—can also support entries into wider fields like healthcare management or environmental science
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