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GAC Science

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GAC Science is two modules and they do different jobs. GAC013 is about science itself, its history, the scientific method, the language of units and notation, how the discipline is organised and the issues it raises. GAC023 is combined subject content, covering biology and classification, ecosystems, earth resources, chemistry and its environmental effects, and wave motion in physics.

The investigation is the centrepiece. Planning and carrying out an experiment, then writing it up to scientific and academic conventions, appears as an outcome in both modules and carries substantial weight.

Units and notation are assessed explicitly. Writing a quantity with the right symbol, the right unit and a sensible number of significant figures is a named outcome, not a presentation detail.

The breadth is deliberate. GAC023 crosses biology, chemistry, earth science and physics in one semester, so the aim is confident general science in English rather than specialist depth in one subject.

Practice on this site is original, and the science content borrows explanations and diagrams from our IGCSE and A-Level material where the topic is genuinely the same.

GAC Science Study Materials

  • 1

    GAC013 Science II: Scientific Principles
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    • 1.1 The History of Science

      Unit 1 of 5 in GAC013 Science II: Scientific Principles (Level II). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      Module purpose: On completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic laws, theories and principles of contemporary science.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC013.1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the historical development of scientific ideas, and apply that knowledge to differentiate between the different areas of science.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 1.2 The Scientific Method

      Unit 2 of 5 in GAC013 Science II: Scientific Principles (Level II). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC013.2: Apply the scientific method to plan and conduct scientific investigations.

      Learning Objective GAC013.3: Create an investigation report following scientific and academic conventions.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 1.3 The Language of Science

      Unit 3 of 5 in GAC013 Science II: Scientific Principles (Level II). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC013.5: Demonstrate knowledge of scientific concepts and terminology from the different areas of science.

      Learning Objective GAC013.6: Demonstrate familiarity with and ability to use scientific language, units and notation correctly.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 1.4 The Organization of Science

      Unit 4 of 5 in GAC013 Science II: Scientific Principles (Level II). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC013.1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the historical development of scientific ideas, and apply that knowledge to differentiate between the different areas of science.

      Learning Objective GAC013.5: Demonstrate knowledge of scientific concepts and terminology from the different areas of science.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 1.5 Scientific Issues

      Unit 5 of 5 in GAC013 Science II: Scientific Principles (Level II). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC013.4: Discuss the contribution of scientific advances.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

  • 2

    GAC023 Science III: General Science
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    • 2.1 The History, Nature and Practice of Biology

      Unit 1 of 7 in GAC023 Science III: General Science (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      Module purpose: On completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the laws, theories and principles of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science and Earth Sciences.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC023.1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of major biological concepts and ideas.

      Learning Objective GAC023.7: Collaboratively plan and implement a scientific investigation following scientific and academic conventions.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 2.2 The Classification of Living Things

      Unit 2 of 7 in GAC023 Science III: General Science (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC023.1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of major biological concepts and ideas.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 2.3 Ecosystems

      Unit 3 of 7 in GAC023 Science III: General Science (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC023.2: Describe the main components of an ecosystem and the main processes that take place in it.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 2.4 Earth Resources

      Unit 4 of 7 in GAC023 Science III: General Science (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC023.3: Identify and describe the physical, chemical and biological features of the local environment.

      Learning Objective GAC023.8: Create a written report following scientific and academic conventions using Internet research.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 2.5 Chemistry

      Unit 5 of 7 in GAC023 Science III: General Science (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC023.4: Demonstrate an understanding of atomic structure, the changes it can undergo and the use of the Periodic Table.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 2.6 Chemistry and the Environment

      Unit 6 of 7 in GAC023 Science III: General Science (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC023.5: Explain how applications of chemistry affect the environment.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 2.7 Physics

      Unit 7 of 7 in GAC023 Science III: General Science (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC023.6: Demonstrate an understanding of wave motion.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

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