Or Application Form to be returned to Student Services
This is the single award GCSE Biology. It is an ideal qualification for students studying science further or a health related subject. This is a good subject to consider if you are thinking about a possible career in teaching or nursing where a GCSE Biology grade C/4 or above is required.
GCSE Biology aims to give you an understanding of how living organisms function and how living organisms interact with the environment. The Biology content is intergrated to show how science is everywhere in our lives.
The specification is based on topics that cover human and plant biology. It aims to give you an understanding of basic scientific concepts in a way that brings them to life and makes the knowledge relevant, rather than look at Science for its own sake. It also gives an insight into why the work of scientists is important.
This course is for students 19plus.
Applicants to this course will have already achieved Grade D/3 at GCSE (either Biology or Science) and have at least two other GCSEs at grade D/3 or above.
If you have not taken the GCSE course before or have studied abroad, you will complete a short diagnostic test after interview to help decide whether this course is suitable for you.
Satisfactory interview, assessment and reference.
If English is not your first language, you may need an assessment before enrolling on this course. To discuss further, please contact the ESOL department on 0151 551 7144.
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In GCSE Biology students are examined at the end of the course by completing
two exam papers (50% of the overall grade each).
Paper 1 - Topics 1-4; Cell
Biology; Organisation; Infection and response and Bioenergetics
Paper 2 -
Topics 5-7; Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, Variation and evolution and
Ecology
Exam papers will take the form of structured, closed/short answer and
open responses. Students also need to take a controlled assessment that covers a
minimum of one practical investigation based on the topics taught. The
controlled assessment is not tiered but students take either the Foundation Tier
or the Higher Tier for written papers.
This is an intensive course requiring full commitment and attendance. You will have access to learning materials on our virtual campus to support your studies.
The exam board is AQA. The specification is GCSE Biology, the syllabus number is 8461 and it is available at Foundation and Higher Tiers. You can find more information at www.aqa.or.uk.
Key handouts and materials are provided, however you might wish to purchase a text book or a lab coat to support your studies.
The study of the GCSE Biology can lead to the study of health sciences and psychology in further and higher education. It is also an important entry requirement for many higher level vocational qualifications or career paths.
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This course is FREE if you are aged 19+, unemployed/in receipt of eligible benefits or in work earning less than £17,550 annual gross salary (or £9/hour), and you do not have a level 3 qualification. Please see our Fees and Discounts leaflet for details, or call 0151 551 7777.
The fee quoted is for the academic year 2019-20.
Planned Timetable
| Day | Times | Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 18:00 — 21:00 | 12 Quays |
For advice and guidance, please contact Student Services on 0151 551 7777 or call into our Conway Park Campus. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11 to 4pm and Wednesdays 4 to 6.30pm (term time only).
