Biology GCSE

Grade C at GCSE in both Maths and English, or currently enrolling on these subject course/s. For school leavers looking to improve their grades, an interview with the course tutor is required. Course Content The course consists of theory and a scientific investigation (assessed coursework) as follows: • How do human bodies respond to changes inside them and to their environment? • What causes infectious diseases and how can our bodies defend themselves? • What determines where particular species live and how many of them there are? • Why are individuals of the same species different from each other? • Why have some species of plants and animals died out? • How do humans affect the environment? • Plants and animals are made of cells, but are there any differences in the contents? • How do dissolved substances get into and out of cells, plants and animals? • How do plants obtain the food they need to live and grow? • What happens to energy and biomass at each stage in a food chain? • What are enzymes and what are some of their functions? • How do our bodies keep internal conditions constant? • How are new medicines developed? • Which human characteristics show a simple pattern of inheritance? • How are dissolved materials transported around the body? • How do exchanges in the kidney help us to maintain the internal environment in mammals and how has biology helped us to treat kidney disease? • How do we use microorganisms? • How can we be sure we are using microorganisms safely? How will I be assessed? GCSE Science Biology 75% examination and 25% coursework. Progression Successful completion of this course enables you to proceed to AS/A Level Biology Fees • If you are aged 16-18 as of 31st August on the year of enrolment - no course fee. • If you are 19 or over as of 31st August a tuition fee will be applicable in most cases. Full fee costs £341. Bursary Funds There are financial support arrangements for 16-18 year olds and hardship funds available for the over 19’s. Please contact our Information Centre for details of costs and concessions on 01305 208808 or email: Rehabilitation of Offenders To help us look after students and assess risks, you will be asked to declare any unspent criminal convictions when you apply for a course at Weymouth College. We are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment for all. We welcome people with additional learning needs and/or disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds in all minority groups within the community, ensuring students receive fair treatment when studying at Weymouth College. Copies of the College’s Equality & Diversity policies can be found in the Library.