Study With Us

2 years

Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from microorganisms to mammoths.

The human genome has been sequenced and we know the complete arrangement of the three thousand million bases that make up human DNA. In Kenya, 350 people die every day from AIDS and in South East Asia the skies are dark with smoke as the last Bornean rainforests are burned to grow oil palms. Biologists are concerned with all these issues. They work in the fields of cell biology, medicine, food production and ecology and the work they do is vital to us all.

You will be learning through a variety of methods including, lectures, discussion, class activities, individual activities, laboratory practical work and field work. Independent learning skills will be developed making use of up-to-date technology.

In the first year, you will study the following topics:

Core content:

• Biological molecules
• Cells
• Organisms exchange substances with their environment
• Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

In the second year you will study the following topics:

• Energy transfers in and between organisms
• Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
• The control of gene expression

Your practical and investigative skills in Biology will be developed by undertaking 12 compulsory practical sessions during your course. However, additional practical work will be integrated wherever it is appropriate to the topic.

Throughout the course your level of attainment will be gauged by regular tests and homework assignments. A Level exams (three papers - two hours each) will take place at the end of the second year of the course. 10% of the examination marks will be awarded for mathematical skills and 15% will be awarded for questions based upon the compulsory practical element of the course.

5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4, including English Language and Grade 6 in Maths.

AND

Dual Science at Grade 6/6.

OR

Separate Sciences, Grade 6 in Biology.

Biology is regarded as a 'facilitating subject' which will increase your chance of progression to a Russell Group University.

Students progress to degree courses such as microbiology, genetics, biomedical science, biochemistry, nursing, medicine, zoology,veterinary science, pure biology and many more.