Pure Science or Combined Science

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Pure Science or Combined Science
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Science Subjects

• Subjects offered at Sec 3 Express
• Biology (with SPA)
•     Chemistry (with SPA)
•     Physics (with SPA)
•     Science (Physics, Chemistry)
•     Science (Chemistry, Biology)
• Subjects offered at Sec 3 Normal Academic
• Science (Physics, Chemistry)
• Science (Chemistry, Biology)

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Physics applies scientific methodologies to
understand the most fundamental principles of
nature matter and energy, and how they interact.
Physics
It is the scientific study of matter and energy
and how they interact with each other. This
energy can take the form of motion, light,
electricity, radiation, gravity.
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Physics

• Are you interested in matter on scales ranging
  from sub-atomic particles to stars and even
  entire galaxies?
• Or are you interested in the world around us, the
  world inside us, and the world beyond us?
• Physics most fundamental science and the basis
  of many other sciences, including Chemistry.

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What Skills Do I Need to Study Physics?

• Critical Thinking skills (e.g. problem solving)
• planning investigations, observing,
  measuring, analysing data, drawing conclusions,
  developing and testing hypotheses.
• Science Process Skills (observing, communicating,
  classifying)
• Scientific Reasoning Skills (desire to probe,
  find information and seek explanation)
• Mathematics comfortable with mathematics
  concepts, since scientific laws are often
  expressed as mathematical formulae
• Technical Knowledge (learning how a machine
  operates will help you in fields such as
  electronics)

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Chemistry
Are you fascinated by chemical reactions? Do you
want to explore the world of atoms and
molecules? If so, then chemistry will really suit
you!
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Chemistry

• This is the study of interaction of energy and
  matter in chemical systems, particularly in
  reactions that involve electrons.

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• Critical Thinking skills (e.g. problem solving)
• planning investigations, observing,
  measuring, analysing data, drawing conclusions,
  developing and testing hypotheses.
• Science Process Skills (observing, communicating,
  classifying)
• Scientific Reasoning Skills (desire to probe,
  find information and seek explanation)
• Mathematics comfortable with mathematics
  concepts

What Skills Do I Need to Study Chemistry?
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Chemistry

• This subject is vital if you want to pursue a
  career in medicine, pharmacy or forensic science.
  

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Biology
It is the Science of Life. Are you intrigued
with the incredible variety of organisms that
inhabit our planet and wondered about their
origin and how they have evolved? How does the
human brain function to articulate and
comprehend? Why do cells divide, and how do
tissues age? What are clones and transgenic
animals?
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Biology
Biology is, at its heart, an application of
chemical properties in living things, which means
that it is also, ultimately, ruled by the
physical laws.
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• Critical Thinking skills (e.g. problem solving)
• planning investigations, observing,
  measuring, analysing data, drawing conclusions,
  developing and testing hypotheses.
• Science Process Skills (observing having an eye
  for details)
• Scientific Reasoning Skills (desire to probe,
  find information and seek explanation)
• English Language a higher level of competency
  needed

What Skills Do I Need to Study Biology?
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Science(Physics/Chemistry)Science(Chemistry/Biolo
gy)

• Broad-based training in the key areas of Physics,
  Chemistry and Biology
• Approximately 60 of the Pure Physics, Pure
  Chemistry and Pure Biology curriculum. 
• Syllabus of each component is less in terms of
  depth and breadth.

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Science(Physics/Chemistry)Science(Chemistry/Biolo
gy)

• The demands of the questions in the exam are less
  rigorous and students would be able to grasp
  science content matter more easily.
• Prepares students well for future courses that
  require some exposure to the physical sciences
  beyond the O-Level. 

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Pure Sciences
Combined Sciences

• Science Practical Assessment (SPA)
• Students assessed on Practical skills throughout
  Sec 3 and 4
• Mode of assessment for theory consist of multiple
  choice questions, structured and free-response
  questions

• Practical Examination
• One off Practical exam at the end of Sec 4
• Mode of assessment for theory consist of multiple
  choice questions, structured and free-response
  questions

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• Criteria for application
• Pure Sciences
• Triple science and double science classes are
• offered to pupils who thrive on a more science-
• oriented curriculum.
• Syllabus is designed to place less emphasis on
  factual material but greater emphasis on the
  understanding and application of scientific
  concepts and principles.
• At least a B3 for Sec 2 Express Science results

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Criteria for application
Science(Physics/Chemistry) or
(Chemistry/Biology) Good results for
respective component in Sec 2 Express/ Normal
Academic Science results
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Factors to consider when choosing a science
subject

• Your interest and competence (ability and
• skills) in the subject
• Your commitment to your studies and ability to
  work independently
• Your post-secondary education and career

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• If you aspire to
• be a doctor, scientist and engineer or
• intend to pursue the more rigorous courses in
  engineering or pure and applied sciences
• you are advised to apply for the
• Pure Sciences course

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• If you are more inclined towards disciplines of
• Languages
• Humanities and
• Aesthetics
• but want a good foundation in Science
• you are advised to opt for the Combined
• Science course

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Post Secondary Science Education

• Junior Colleges/Millenia Institute
• Course Requirements for H1 Biology (for e.g.)
• Biology at O level, either as a single subject
  or as part of a balanced science course.
• Course Requirements for H2 Biology
• Biology at O level, preferably as a single
  subject.

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Polytechnics

• Course Requirements for science related
• subjects
• Either Pure Sciences or Combined
• Science
• Pass in Science required for admission to many
  Polytechnic courses

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Polytechnics Courses

• Engineering
• Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Info-Communications, ICT
• Aerospace Electronics
• Nursing (NYP), Clean Energy (SP)

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University Science Courses
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