Biology GCSE

Biology (GCSE)

BIOLOGY

GCSE Spec B (AQA)

Campus: Cheadle and Marple

(30.07.09)

Course overview

Biology is the study of living things and living processes. You will study about Humans as Organisms, Green Plants as Organisms, Genetics, Evolution, Environment, Controlling Disease and Microbiology. You will develop experimental and investigative skills and develop an understanding of Scientific Activity and the Applications of Science.

This course is aimed at students who:

want to achieve a pass in a national Curriculum Science subject

enjoy investigative and experimental work

are interested in how living organisms work

want to find out about how Biology is used in modern society.

Special entry requirements

No formal qualifications are needed for this course, however private study is a vital part of the course (i.e. 2-3 hours per week) and you need to be committed to the subject and have the ability to meet deadlines.

It is suggested that, to assist you in your study of this course, you read the following texts:

- Revision Guide for GCSE Biology (Richard Parsons)

- Biology for Life (MBV Roberts)

How you will learn

Through a variety of learning experiences from group and individual practical tasks, exam-focussed teaching, revision sessions, work sheet based tasks and full class debate.

Practical work will be an important part of your course. It is essential for your coursework and it also forms a vital part of the week by week teaching. It helps you gain a more in-depth understanding of biological principles.

You will have teachers who have a great enthusiasm for the subject. There will be about 15 students per class, varying from mature students to students who have just finished their GCSEs at school.

How you will be assessed

Coursework makes up 20% of your final GCSE grade. Four skills will be assessed during your course: planning; obtaining evidence; analysing and considering evidence; evaluation.

Other complementary subjects

Almost anything. Students who are on an AS or Level 2 Vocational programme may opt to take this subject to broaden or improve their GCSE profile.

What you can do after this course

It has proved useful for students going on to study AS Level Biology or Level 3 Vocational Health and Social Care.

It is also useful for students who wish to achieve a GCSE pass at Science National Curriculum Level for teacher training, nursing, speech therapy, midwifery, the police and ambulance services.

What the students say

An enjoyable course which helped me to go on and study A Level Biology Michael McDermott

This course provided me with an excellent start to my study in Biology Denise Thomason (who has since qualified with a First Class Honours degree in Biology)

Other useful information

Examination results are above the national average.

Most students only take this subject at Foundation Level, however Higher Level is available for students who do more self supported study.