Entry requirements

Average score of 5 or above from 7 GCSEs (incl Maths, English and Science).

Minimum score of 6 or above in Science

Minimum score of 5 or above in Maths

How much does it cost?

Free to those aged 16-18

There is a range of financial support that you may be entitled to, including: Learner Support funds, grants and bursaries and employer support.

You will be required to pay for stationery and textbooks.

Why study?

This programme gives students the widest possible grounding in biological knowledge so they will be able to progress to any Biology-based university course including: Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary, Forensic and Biomedical Science or progress to a Science-based allied industry.

Where will this course take me?

Biology is a good supporting subject for many other career paths, and is respected academically by universities for entry to a variety of degree courses. Biology can lead to a wide range of careers such as Medicine, Veterinary, Pharmaceutical, Environmental and Conservation work, teaching, cosmetic industries, food technology, and forensic science.

Possible careers:

• Medicine
• Veterinary
• Pharmaceutical Science
• Environmental Science
• Conservation work

Core modules

Component 1: Energy for Life

Topics include the importance of ATP, how photosynthesis uses light energy to synthesise organic molecules, how respiration releases chemical energy in biological processes, microbiology, population size and ecosystems and human impact on the environment

Component 2: Continuity of Life

Considers how all organisms are related through their evolutionary history, how genetic information is copied and passed on to daughter cells, sexual reproduction in humans and plants, inheritance, variation and evolution, application of reproduction and genetics.

Component 3: Requirements for Life

Includes adaptations for gas exchange, adaptations for transport, adaptations for nutrition, homeostasis and the kidney, the nervous system.

Optional modules

There is a choice of one option from three for part of Component 3: Immunology and Disease, Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy or Neurology and Behaviour.

How will I be assessed?

Each Component is weighted 33.3% and will be assessed by a written examination of 2 hours duration in May/June. Each examination will have 100 marks available and will comprise a range of short and longer structured compulsory questions.

Component 3 paper comprises Section A, 80 marks based on the compulsory content of the component and Section B, 20 marks from a choice of the 3 options.

Assessment of Core Concepts from AS Level will also be included.

In addition, assessment of practical competency is carried out throughout the course and a Practical Endorsement may be awarded.

Will I have to provide anything?

A Level Biology Textbooks: Eduqas Biology for A Level Yr1 & AS and A Level Year 2 Student BookStudent Book by Dr. Marianne Izen, Publisher - Illuminate Publishing, ISBN: 978-1-908682-63-5.

PPE consisting of lab coat and goggles - specification (EN166) and UV Filter (EN170) will need to be purchased.

Ring binders, stationery, calculator.