GCSE Human Physiology and Health

GCSE Human Physiology and Health

What is Human Physiology and Health?
This is a comprehensive study of Human Biology with a particular emphasis on how the human body works.

Topics include blood, excretion and nutrition as well as having special sections on diseases and ecology.

Is Human Physiology and Health suitable for me?
Students greatly enjoy the techniques of teaching and the revision classes, but find remembering all of the different terms the most challenging aspect of the course.

How will I learn?
Lesson will involve studying and discussing the above topics, using textbooks, articles and videos. Hopefully this will stimulate questions such as:

• Why should we eat a balanced diet?
• What is the cause of anaemia (low red blood cell count)?
• Why should we practise personal hygiene?
• Why is parental care important?

During the course you will be required to sit tests on each of the topics. A mock will also be taken.

Practical sessions are also important. You will carry out these periodically and some will be assessed. You will be informed well in advance of any practical assessment.

Each week you will be expected to do at least four hours work in your own time. Library facilities along with the Science Work Area are available for this.

NB: By following the Foundation level some material will be omitted thereby making it easier to complete the specification.

How will I be assessed?
Coursework: 20% of total mark

The Foundation course allows grades G to C to be achieved.

i) 2 hour written examination consisting of compulsory short answers and structured questions. 80% of total mark.

ii) Coursework. This involves the centre assessing the following skills:- planning, implementing, analysing, drawing conclusions, evaluating and communication.

Progression
Students who follow this course do so for a number of reasons. Some need to increase their number of GCSEs in order to obtain employment, some in order to progress to an AS level course whilst some do the course as a back-up to the AS levels they are already studying. A number need a GCSE science qualification in order to go into primary school teaching.

Jane needed a C in Science to apply for Nursing. She was successful on the course and is training to be a nurse.

Michael was disappointed with D/D for Double Science. He took the course to support his A Level PE and is now studying Sports Science at Chichester.

Course costs
All students will be expected to provide a standard textbook, relevant materials, and their own stationery, computer discs and calculators (where appropriate).

Essential: £15 for textbook: Human Biology and Health Studies by Peter Givens and Michael Reiss -Nelson Thornes Publisher.

There are no additional course costs.

If the costs of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.

Course: AQA 3417