OCR AAQ in Applied Science: Scientific developments

Course: OCR Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification Cambridge Advanced Nationals in Applied Science.

Unit F181: Science in society
Topic Area 3: Scientific developments

3.1 Hypothesis, theory, and law
3.1.1 Scientific use of terms
3.1.2 Scientific theory vs scientific law

3.2 Using new technologies in science
3.2.1 New technologies play an important part in continuing scientific development
3.2.2 Limitations and risks of new technologies in society

3.3 Implications and limitations of scientific developments
3.3.1 Considerations for scientific developments
3.3.2 Contemporary issues that science will need to solve in the future

• Know how to write a hypothesis and predictions
• How a hypothesis may become a theory
• How the term theory is used in science and in everyday language
• The role of assumptions, estimations and approximations in science
• Know how a law is different from a theory
• Both theories and laws require evidence and can be open to change and revision
• Robotics and automation.
• Computer-aided design (CAD).
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
• Quantum computing.
• Big data analytics.
• Advanced imaging technologies.
• Augmented and virtual reality.
• Know the importance of funding in science
• The role of private companies, charitable foundations or governments in scientific research
• Factors that affect research that is carried out
• How scientists receive funding for research
• What issues might arise and how they are classified as social, ethical or moral issues