What should I focus on for OCN London Vocationally-Related Qualification Applied Science?

Always use key terminology precisely, such as ‘communicable’ versus ‘non-communicable’ disease.

What should I focus on for OCN London Vocationally-Related Qualification Applied Science? (2)

Support definitions with clear examples (e.g., influenza as a communicable disease, diabetes as a non-communicable disease).

What should I focus on for OCN London Vocationally-Related Qualification Applied Science? (3)

When discussing factors affecting health, cover a range: biological, environmental, and behavioral.

What should I focus on for OCN London Vocationally-Related Qualification Applied Science? (4)

Structure answers to show understanding of cause-and-effect relationships (e.g., ‘smoking causes lung cancer by damaging lung tissue’).

What should I focus on for OCN London Vocationally-Related Qualification Applied Science? (5)

Use a structured, up-to-date portfolio to present evidence of each stage: self-audit, career research, plan, and review.

What are common mistakes in OCN London Vocationally-Related Qualification Applied Science?

Confusing ‘health’ solely with physical fitness and ignoring mental/social aspects.

What are common mistakes in OCN London Vocationally-Related Qualification Applied Science? (2)

Believing all diseases are caused by germs, overlooking non-infectious causes like genetic disorders or lifestyle.

What are common mistakes in OCN London Vocationally-Related Qualification Applied Science? (3)

Assuming that a poor diet is the only lifestyle factor affecting health, neglecting exercise, smoking, and alcohol.

Applied Science

OCN London

Vocational

Specification: 601/5811/6

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

907

Exam Tips

955

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

What Gets Top Grades

Distinction / Top Band

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

OCN London

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing ‘health’ solely with physical fitness and ignoring mental/social aspects.
•Believing all diseases are caused by germs, overlooking non-infectious causes like genetic disorders or lifestyle.
•Assuming that a poor diet is the only lifestyle factor affecting health, neglecting exercise, smoking, and alcohol.
•Overestimating skills without supporting evidence, or being too modest and missing relevant abilities.
•Choosing a career based only on superficial interest rather than matching actual skills and personal requirements.
•Confusing learning routes (e.g., academic vs. vocational) or failing to check entry requirements.
•Setting vague goals like ‘get better at science’ instead of specific actions such as ‘complete a Level 1 lab skills unit by June’.
•Not recording evidence of development activity or not reviewing progress, treating the plan as a one-off task.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Always use key terminology precisely, such as ‘communicable’ versus ‘non-communicable’ disease.
•Support definitions with clear examples (e.g., influenza as a communicable disease, diabetes as a non-communicable disease).
•When discussing factors affecting health, cover a range: biological, environmental, and behavioral.
•Structure answers to show understanding of cause-and-effect relationships (e.g., ‘smoking causes lung cancer by damaging lung tissue’).
•Use a structured, up-to-date portfolio to present evidence of each stage: self-audit, career research, plan, and review.
•Make explicit references to the applied science context—link every claim to examples from science or technology roles.
•Check that all goals in your plan are SMART and that you have included evidence of monitoring and adapting your plan.
•When reflecting on development activities, go beyond describing what you did: explain what you learned and how it has prepared you for your chosen path.

Specification Topics

5 topics

OCNLR Level 1 Award in Skills for Professions in Applied Science and Technology

This element introduces learners to the fundamental concepts of health and disease, exploring the distinction between being healthy and having a disease. Learners will examine various factors that influence health, including lifestyle, environment, and genetics, and will investigate the biological, chemical, and physical causes of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Understanding these principles is essential for anyone pursuing a career in applied science and healthcare, as it forms the basis for promoting wellbeing and preventing illness.

Causes of Disease and Maintaining Health, Forensic Detection, Global Warming and Climate Change +26 more

0 objectives117 tips120 pitfalls29 subtopics

OCNLR Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Professions in Applied Science and Technology

This element focuses on the learner's ability to conduct an honest self-audit of their current skills, knowledge, and personal attributes, and systematically align these with potential career pathways in applied science and technology. It guides learners through exploring suitable development routes and constructing a realistic, time-bound action plan to bridge identified gaps, culminating in the active implementation and review of that plan.

Action Planning for Own Development, Digital Content Creation – Audio and Video, Digital Content Creation – Text and Image +47 more

0 objectives196 tips207 pitfalls50 subtopics

OCNLR Level 2 Certificate In Skills for Professions in Applied Science and Technology

This subtopic develops learners' practical investigative skills in applied chemistry, focusing on the analysis of chemical bonding, energy transfers during reactions, the properties and testing of organic compounds, and the emerging applications of nanochemicals. Through hands-on experiments and research, students gain the competency to conduct systematic scientific enquiries and evaluate the uses of chemical substances in professional contexts such as healthcare, materials science, and environmental technology.

Applications of Chemical Substances, Collaborative Working Using Digital Technology, Creating and Publishing Websites +47 more

0 objectives185 tips202 pitfalls50 subtopics

OCNLR Level 2 Award in Skills for Professions in Applied Science and Technology

This element explores the practical investigation of chemical substances, focusing on their bonding, energetic changes, organic structures, and nanochemical applications. Learners will develop laboratory skills to classify substances by bonding types, measure temperature changes in reactions, identify organic functional groups, and evaluate the uses of nanomaterials in industry and medicine. Mastery of these areas prepares learners for roles in applied science sectors such as pharmaceuticals, materials testing, and environmental analysis.

Applications of Chemical Substances, Collaborative Working Using Digital Technology, Creating and Publishing Websites +47 more

0 objectives193 tips205 pitfalls50 subtopics

OCNLR Level 2 Extended Certificate in Skills for Professions in Applied Science and Technology

This subtopic explores the practical investigation of chemical substances, focusing on how different bonding types, energy changes in reactions, and the properties of organic compounds underpin their real-world applications. Learners will gain hands-on experience with laboratory techniques to analyse exothermic and endothermic processes, classify organic compounds, and evaluate the emerging uses of nanochemicals in areas like medicine and materials science.

Applications of Chemical Substances, Collaborative Working Using Digital Technology, Creating and Publishing Websites +47 more

0 objectives216 tips221 pitfalls50 subtopics

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