Science for public understanding

What is it? An AS-level in arguing about science. Should we grow GM crops? What are the rights and wrongs of cloning? Are mobile phones safe? Why are so many people still dying of malaria – and how do we develop the drugs to treat it? By the end of this course, you'll have opinions on these issues and many more – as well as the scientific know-how to back up your views.

Why do it? "Students enjoy the opportunity to express their own opinions," says Angela Melamed, the principal examiner in science for public understanding at AQA. "They can't do that in ordinary science lessons."

What skills do you need? A science GCSE will help, but it's not a requirement. Communication skills and an interest are more important.

How much practical work is there? None.

Ratio of coursework to exams: 30:70. For your first piece of coursework, you'll do an essay on a scientific topic of your choice. For your second, you'll review a scientific book.

Is it hard? A very wide range of skills are required. As a result, it's easy to pass, but it's difficult to get a top grade.

Who takes it? A mixture of arts and science students, of which 60 per cent are girls.

How cool is it? It's developing a cult following. "We recruit mainly on the grapevine," says Angela Melamed.

Added value: There's a conference every year for students of this AS-level.

What subjects go with it? Any. But it goes particularly well with biology, geography and psychology.

What degrees does it lead to? There are a few degrees in the same subject area, such as science communication and policy.

Will it set you up for a brilliant career? Not directly. But it will be helpful in almost any job, from helping medical professionals to deal with the ethical dilemmas they face, to making journalists better at assessing the latest scientific research.

What do the students say? "Studying how diseases are discovered was really interesting," says Melina Mendoza, 17, who is also studying for A-levels in Spanish, Psychology and German at North Westminster Community School. "I did my book review on a study of crop circles."

Which awarding bodies offer it? AQA.

How widely available is it? Nearly 100 centres offer it.

c.rudebeck@independent.co.uk