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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.
Whilst a student can start the course with a Grade D/3 in Maths, they must also study GCSE Maths alongside the course in order to enrol.
Applicants who have relevant A level equivalent qualifications or above, who do not meet the above GCSE entry requirements, will be offered an interview.
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.
Office Use Only. Non Standard 39a.
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.
Explore potential careers via Career Match — it provides current local data on wages and employment prospects.
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Starting 1st September 2021 - Ending - 8th June 2022
REF S178N001
This course is FREE if you are - aged 19+ and live in the Liverpool City Region. If you are aged 19+ and live outside the Liverpool City Region, you are unemployed/in receipt of eligible benefits, or in work earning less than £17,004 annual gross salary, or you are aged 19-23 and have not already achieved a full level 2 qualification, this course is FREE. Please see our Fees and Discounts leaflet for details, or call 0151 551 7777.
The fee quoted is for the academic year 2020-21.
For advice and guidance, please contact Student Services via our online enquiry form
