Level 3 Applied Science BTEC

This subject is broken down into 363 topics in 26 modules:

  1. Science Investigation Skills 23 topics
  2. Laboratory Techniques and their Application 10 topics
  3. Principles and Applications of Science II 10 topics
  4. Investigative Project 11 topics
  5. Contemporary Issues in Science 6 topics
  6. Physiology of Human Body Systems 9 topics
  7. Human Regulation and Reproduction 8 topics
  8. Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways 10 topics
  9. Genetics and Genetic Engineering 12 topics
  10. Principles and Applications of Science I 69 topics
  11. Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques 36 topics
  12. Diseases and Infection 12 topics
  13. Applications of Inorganic Chemistry 7 topics
  14. Applications of Organic Chemistry 8 topics
  15. Electrical Circuits and their Applications 13 topics
  16. Astronomy and Space Science 16 topics
  17. Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques 12 topics
  18. Industrial Chemical Reactions 5 topics
  19. Practical Chemical Analysis 5 topics
  20. Biomedical Science 7 topics
  21. Medical Physics Applications 10 topics
  22. Materials Science 14 topics
  23. Forensic Evidence, Collection and Analysis 15 topics
  24. Cryogenics and Vacuum Technology 13 topics
  25. Forensic Fire Investigation 10 topics
  26. Forensic Traffic Collision Investigation 12 topics
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  • 26
    modules
  • 363
    topics
  • 123,894
    words of revision content
  • 15+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Applied Science

Science Investigation Skills

Developing a Hypothesis for an Investigation

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Developing a Hypothesis for an Investigation

Understanding the Hypothesis:

  • A hypothesis is a statement that proposes the answer or outcome of an investigation. It is derived from your initial observations and research.
  • It is not a random guess; rather, it is a predictive statement based on scientific principles and past work.
  • It should be focused on a specific relationship between variables.
  • The 'null hypothesis' simply states that there isn't a meaningful relationship between the variables.

Developing the Hypothesis:

  • Start with a clear and specific scientific question you want to answer through your investigation.
  • Conduct a thorough literature review to understand the existing knowledge about the subject.
  • Outline the variables in your investigation. There should be a dependent variable (the one you measure or observe changing) and an independent variable (the one you manipulate to create change).
  • Develop a supposition about what you expect will happen when you manipulate the independent variable.
  • Make sure your hypothesis is testable. It should be possible to prove it true or false through the experiment.
  • Your hypothesis should be expressed in a way that it can be clearly measured.

Refining the Hypothesis:

  • Refine your hypothesis so that it is focused, concise, and nominalizes your prediction.
  • Use precise language and terms. Vague terminologies provide opportunities for misinterpretations.
  • An effective hypothesis should be useful, i.e., has significance for the field of study and has potential practical applications.
  • It should be falsifiable, meaning there should be a possible negative answer to your hypothesis.
  • Lastly, your hypothesis should tell a true story, meaning it should be logical and entail a clear idea of what is supposed to be tested.

Remember, formulating a hypothesis is just the first step towards scientific investigation. The true skill and excitement come in using smart experiments to prove or disprove it!

Course material for Applied Science, module Science Investigation Skills, topic Developing a Hypothesis for an Investigation

Applied Science

Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

Interpretation of a Chromatogram

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Interpretation of a Chromatogram

Section 1: Understanding Chromatograms

  • A chromatogram is a visual output from chromatography, a technique used for separating the components of a mixture.
  • The purpose of a chromatogram is to analyse the composition of the mixture in question.

Section 2: Chromatogram Components

  • Baseline: All chromatograms start with a baseline, representing the initial unseparated sample.
  • Bands or Peaks: These indicate the separated components of the mixture. Each band or peak corresponds to a different substance.
  • Retention Time: Measured from the baseline to the mid-point of each peak, this reflects how long the component was in the chromatography system.

Section 3: Interpreting Chromatograms

  • The number of peaks in a chromatogram corresponds to the number of substances in the mixture.
  • The height or area of a peak can be used to determine the relative amount of that component in the mixture.
  • The position of each peak indicates the retention time, which can help to identify the component, especially when compared to reference substances.

Section 4: Practical Application of Chromatograms

  • Chromatograms are used in a wide range of scientific fields, such as forensic analysis, pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and food analysis.
  • The technique allows for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of complex mixtures.

Section 5: Safety Considerations with Chromatography and Chromatograms

  • Ensure appropriate safety measures are followed during chromatography procedures, especially with potentially harmful substances.
  • Analysis should be carried out in a controlled laboratory environment, with adequate ventilation and personal protective equipment.

Section 6: Precision in Creating and Reading Chromatograms

  • Careful planning and precise execution of chromatography is crucial to generate an accurate chromatogram.
  • Reading chromatograms requires a high level of precision to correctly identify and quantify the individual components of the mixture.

Course material for Applied Science, module Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques, topic Interpretation of a Chromatogram

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