NOCN
Level 2
QN: 601/6278/8
Curriculum Active
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by NOCN. Classified as a Vocationally-Related Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 1125 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 2
Awarding Body
NOCN
Syllabus Units
45 Units
Guided Hours
1125 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Revision and Examination Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the role of revision in deepening understanding of scientific concepts and practical procedures.
- Apply spaced repetition and active recall techniques to retain key engineering principles.
- Evaluate the suitability of different revision methods for individual learning preferences.
- Develop a detailed, timed revision schedule aligned to the vocational qualification assessment plan.
- Demonstrate effective time allocation strategies when answering multi-part examination questions.
- Analyse typical command words in vocational assessments to structure coherent responses.
- Identify sources of examination anxiety and describe coping mechanisms to maintain focus.
2
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Introducing Physical Science
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define physical science and differentiate its main branches from other scientific disciplines.
- Describe key steps of the scientific method and justify its use in systematic investigation.
- Evaluate the impact of a specific physical science research development on society or industry.
- Identify at least three career pathways and outline the required qualifications and skills.
- Apply basic measurement and data recording techniques to a simple experimental scenario.
3
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
STEM _Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics_ Enrichment Activity
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify a specific STEM enrichment activity and describe how it aligns with personal learning goals.
- Explain how the activity will enhance your understanding of relevant scientific or engineering concepts.
- Analyse the skills developed through participation in the activity.
- Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of your performance during the activity.
- Propose improvements for future STEM learning experiences based on your reflection.
4
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Health and Safety in Scientific Investigations
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify common hazards present in a scientific laboratory environment.
- Describe the purpose and key steps of a risk assessment in minimising health and safety risks.
- Explain the role of key legislation (e.g., COSHH, Health and Safety at Work Act) in scientific investigations.
- Apply appropriate control measures to given scenarios to reduce identified risks.
5
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Writing Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Apply standard English grammar rules to produce clear and accurate technical descriptions.
- Distinguish between different writing styles and formats appropriate for scientific and engineering contexts.
- Construct a coherent plan for a piece of technical writing, including outlines and logical sequencing.
- Compose a well-structured essay that presents scientific information with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of written communication in vocational scenarios to refine personal writing practice.
6
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Common Measures and Shape
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Calculate time durations and convert between different time formats, including 12-hour and 24-hour clocks.
- Estimate, measure, and compare temperature using appropriate instruments, reading scales, and applying conversion formulas.
- Perform conversions between metric and imperial units for length, weight, and capacity, and solve related problems.
- Interpret and apply scale factors to determine real-world dimensions from scale drawings.
- Analyse problems involving compound measures, such as speed, density, and currency exchange rates.
- Recognise and construct common 2D representations of 3D objects, including plans and elevations.
- Calculate perimeters of regular and composite 2D shapes, including circles, using given formulae.
- Calculate areas of triangles, circles, and composite shapes by selecting and applying appropriate formulae.
7
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Fundamentals of Physics
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the nature of physical quantities and how they are expressed., Understand the structure of matter., Understand simple motion with uniform acceleration., Understand the concept of density., Understand the effects of a force on a rigid body.
8
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Investigating a Vocational Area
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know how to research a vocational area., Know how to develop the skills and knowledge for a chosen job role.
9
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Plant and Soil Science
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the process of photosynthesis., Understand transpiration in plants., Understand the importance of the major mineral nutrients and trace elements to plant growth., Understand the terms soil texture and soil profile., Know about soil structure., Understand how to assess soil toxicity., Understand the use of bulky organic material., Understand the relationship between soil pH and plant growth.
10
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Career Development and Employability
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand that a career is important for personal and financial reasons., Know how personal qualities relate to career choices., Understand what is meant by employability and what skills are required to manage own career development.
11
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Working in Science and Technology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know how a science or technology based organisation operates., Know about the product development process in science or technology., Know the duties and responsibilities of a junior technician or assistant practitioner in a science or technology based organisation., Know the personal, communication and ICT skills needed to work in a science or technology based organisation., Know about health and safety working practices and procedures within a science or technology based organisation.
12
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Introducing Life Science
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the discipline of life science., Understand research methods used in life science., Understand applications of life science research., Know potential career paths related to life science.
13
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Introduction to Engineering Equipment and Materials
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know about engineering materials, Know how to use engineering tools
14
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Applications of Physical Science
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- be able to investigate motion, be able to investigate forces, be able to investigate light and sound waves, be able to investigate electricity
15
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Science in the World
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify key factors that influence the pace and direction of scientific research.
- Analyse how media outlets select and frame scientific stories for public consumption.
- Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of a specific scientific advance on society.
- Discuss the role of funding and government policy in shaping scientific agendas.
- Assess the reliability of scientific claims presented in popular media.
16
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Using Grammar and Punctuation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Construct grammatically correct sentences with accurate subject-verb agreement and appropriate tense.
- Identify and rectify common grammatical errors, including fragments and run-on sentences, in own writing.
- Apply commas, semicolons, and apostrophes correctly to enhance clarity in technical descriptions.
- Evaluate the impact of punctuation misuse on the interpretation of scientific data and instructions.
- Demonstrate the ability to proofread and edit written work to meet professional standards for grammar and punctuation.
17
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Practical Scientific Project
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Design a structured scientific investigation with clear aims and methodology.
- Select and justify the use of specific apparatus and techniques for data collection.
- Conduct experiments safely, following standard operating procedures.
- Analyze experimental data using appropriate mathematical and graphical methods.
- Evaluate the reliability and validity of obtained results.
- Present findings in a formal report format, adhering to scientific conventions.
18
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Personal Study Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to locate and retrieve information., Be able to store information electronically., Be able to summarise written materials.
19
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Working in the Engineering Sector
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know how an engineering organisation operates., Know about the product development process in engineering., Know the duties and responsibilities of a junior technician or similar role in an engineering organisation., Know the personal, communication and ICT skills needed to work in an engineering organisation.
20
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Word Processing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Create new documents from blank and template sources, and open existing documents from specified storage locations.
- Apply formatting and editing techniques to text, including font styles, sizes, paragraph alignment, and indentation.
- Insert and manipulate images, adjusting size, position, and text wrapping to achieve a professional layout.
- Save documents using appropriate filenames and file formats, and print documents with correct page setup and output settings.
- Evaluate document layout and proofread content using built-in review tools to ensure accuracy and professionalism.
21
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Introducing Engineering
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the main branches of engineering and their key characteristics.
- Explain the role of engineering in addressing societal, economic, and environmental challenges.
- Outline the stages of a typical engineering design cycle, from concept to implementation.
- Identify the essential skills and personal attributes required for a successful career in engineering.
- Explore various career pathways and progression routes within the engineering sector.
- Apply a systematic problem-solving approach to a simple engineering scenario.
22
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Forensic Science
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Perform paper chromatography to separate and identify soluble dyes in ink samples.
- Classify fingerprint patterns into loops, whorls, and arches using standard methodology.
- Compare fibre samples microscopically to determine common origin.
- Explain the principles and limitations of steganography in forensic investigations.
- Evaluate the reliability of graphology as a forensic tool for suspect profiling.
- Apply comparative analysis procedures to assess similarity between questioned and known samples.
23
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Engineering Maintenance
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the main purposes and benefits of engineering maintenance in industrial contexts
- Describe the difference between planned, preventive, and corrective maintenance
- Select appropriate tools, materials, and personal protective equipment for a given maintenance task
- Produce a clear maintenance plan including sequence of operations, safety checks, and resource requirements
- Perform a basic maintenance activity safely, following the plan and using tools correctly
- Evaluate the effectiveness of completed maintenance by conducting functional checks and recording outcomes
24
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Introduction to the Scientific Method
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand what science is., Know the difference between a scientific hypothesis and a theory., Understand the scientific method., Be able to use the scientific method to test hypotheses.
25
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Undertaking a Research Project
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to plan a research project., Be able to undertake a research project., Know how to evauate a research report.
26
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Study Management Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the concept of study management., Know the importance of study management., Know how to create a study environment., Be able to apply study management skills.
27
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Understanding Plagiarism
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the concept of plagiarism., Know types of plagiarism., Understand the avoidance of plagiarism., Be able to use appropriate citation methods.
28
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Undertaking Group Work
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the concept of group work., Be able to plan group work activities., Be able to undertake group work activity., Be able to evaluate a group's performance.
29
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Critical Thinking Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the concept of critical thinking., Know the importance of critical thinking., Be able to apply critical thinking skills., Be able to evaluate own critical thinking skills.
30
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Research Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the key concepts of research., Understand research ethics., Be able to plan a research project., Know how to structure a research report.
31
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Calculations
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers and numbers with up to three decimal places., Be able to use fractions., Be able to use percentages., Be able to convert between fractions, decimals and percentages., Be able to calculate ratio and direct proportion., Be able to evaluate expressions and make whole number substitutions in given formulae to produce results., Be able to use a calculator to calculate with fractions, decimals and percentages., Be able to use strategies to check calculations.
32
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Selecting Engineering Materials
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the properties of common engineering materials., Know how engineering materials are identified.
33
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Spreadsheets
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know different uses for spreadsheets., Be able to use formatting techniques to enter data into a spreadsheet., Be able to use multiple worksheets within a spreadsheet., Be able to use formulae in a spreadsheet to calculate data., Be able to present data in graphical form., Be able to sort and manage data in a spreadsheet., Be able to print a spreadsheet.
34
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Plant Science
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to name plants correctly., Know the structure and function of flowers., Understand the processes of pollination and fertilisation., Understand the processes of germination., Know the main external features of a dicotyledon and a monocotyledon., Understand the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.
35
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Introducing Environmental and Land-Based Science
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the discipline of environmental and land-based science., Understand research methods used in environmental and land-based science., Understand applications of environmental and land-based science research., Know potential career paths related to environmental and land-based science.
36
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Personal Career Planning
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand own skills, knowledge and abilities., Be able to relate current skills, knowledge and abilities to progression opportunities., Know personal development routes related to selected career paths., Be able to create a personal career development plan.
37
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Spelling Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to locate correct spellings., Be able to evaluate own spelling strengths and weaknesses., Be able to maintain a personal spelling programme over a time-span.
38
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Science Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to use a microscope., Know how to use a Bunsen burner safely., Be able to use a Bunsen burner safely., Be able to use a thermometer to take accurate temperature readings., Understand how the boiling point of a liquid can be altered., Be able to show how the boiling point of a liquid is affected by the addition of a solute., Be able to use the flame test technique to identify metals contained in solutions., Understand the changes that can occur when two substances react together., Understand the changes that can occur when substances react together.
39
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Valuing Equality and Diversity
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand aspects of equality., Understand aspects of diversity., Understand aspects of discrimination.
40
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Science and Cosmetics
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to test and compare a range of shampoos., Be able to make a shampoo using readily available substances., Be able to make a bath bomb., Understand changes in composition as a result of heating., Understand how smells travel from the source.
41
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Deliver a Presentation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the use of different presentation styles., Be able to prepare a presentation., Be able to deliver an audio-visual presentation., Be able to evaluate own presentation.
42
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Fundamentals of Process Science
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know the composition and properties of matter, Understand the concepts of force, energy, work and power, Understand the thermal properties of solids, liquids and gases, Know the nature and application of electricity
43
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Environmental Science
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know the importance and functions of the carbon cycle., Know the importance and functions of the nitrogen cycle., Know the processes that produce undesirable atmospheric changes., Know the economic and social consequences of pollution caused by humans., Understand the arguments for the continued expansion of recycling programmes.
44
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Data Handling and Probability
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to extract and interpret statistical information., Understand the difference between discrete and continuous data., Be able to represent discrete and continuous data., Be able to compare two sets of data using different types of average., Be able find the range to describe the spread within sets of data.
45
NOCN Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Study in Science and Engineering
Personal Learning Goals
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the concept of setting personal learning goals., Be able to set personal learning goals., Know how to evaluate own progress towards learning goals.
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 601/6278/8
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- NOCN
- Qualification Type
- Vocationally-Related Qualification
- Operational Start
- Jun 2015