A Level Biology
Course outline
Biology is the study of life in all of its forms. It combines problem solving with practical skills and enables you to develop a scientific approach to the subject.
The course covers cell biology, biochemistry, genes and health, the cardiovascular system, disease, biodiversity and ecology. You will then expand on the topics, looking at areas such as DNA profiling. You will also study the immune system and forensics, ecology, plants and the environment, the nervous system, including brain scans, and various diseases and changes related to exercise, such as respiration and homeostasis.
There are 18 core practical components in total across the two years but you can expect to do more than this. You will be doing a good combination of practical and theory-based work throughout your studies in this subject.
A trip is a key component of our ecology and environment topic. This trip is required in order to complete a required practical and there may be a small cost for this. More details of this will be available when you enrol with us.
You will typically study this course alongside 2 or 3 other A Levels and you will be able to select your chosen subjects when you apply online.
You can choose any A Level combination when you apply but with A Level Biology we find that A Level Chemistry goes particularly well alongside. This combination unlocks a range of higher level study options at University. Other complementary subjects include Maths, PE, Geography and Psychology.
Aged 19 or over?
If you don't already hold a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to at least two A Levels, or a Level 3 vocational qualification), you may be able to study this course fully funded!
The Government’s new National Skills Fund programme has created new opportunities for adults, aged 19 and over, to access fully funded full-time learning.
For more information, view our Funded Courses for Over 19s page.
If you are aged 16-18 without having achieved a Level 3 qualification, you will also be eligible for full funding.
How to apply for this course
Apply now to study an A Level Programme in 2024/25
You will select your individual subjects when you complete the application.
Want to find out more first?
Get in touch by hitting the button below and filling out our enquiry form.
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Location:
Chaucer Street
Nottingham NG1 5LP |
Date:Start: Monday 2nd September 2024 |
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Course code: C000450 / Q000527 |
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| Qualification | A Level Biology Edexcel A (Salters-Nuffield) |
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| Duration | 2 years |
| Level | Level 3 |
| Entry requirements | 2 year A Level Programme:
The following qualifications are NOT accepted:
The programme of study is for 2 years, and you will be expected to be achieving a minimum of grade D in all subject assessments by the end of year 1 to progress to your 2nd year. Applicants with predicted GCSE grades 1 or 2 points below the entry requirement for an A Level: If your predicted grades do not meet the entry requirements for either 1 or 2 of your chosen A Level subject choices, don’t worry we will still make you a conditional offer. We advise that you think about a second choice of course as a back-up plan. You can meet with us for a supportive, friendly and impartial discussion to look at other courses that Nottingham College has to offer. For more information contact High Pavement Sixth Form admissions by telephone on 0115 9100 100 or email at feadmissions@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk Applicants who choose 4 subjects but only have the entry requirements to study 3: If your predicted grades do not meet the entry requirements to study 4 A Level subjects, don’t worry we will still make you a conditional offer for all 4. At your ‘Get Ready for College’ day you will undertake tasters in your subjects and at this point you can discuss your options with subject staff at the event, to help you finalise your subject choices. Final A Level choices however will be made at enrolment in August when your GCSE results are confirmed. |
| Teaching & assessment | You will complete 3 exams, each being 2 hours long and includes all topics studied. To prepare you for these, you will complete tests throughout your studies and homework assessments. |
| Progression | The course covers a broad range of biological topics and may be used for progression to university to several areas relating to science and biology. Examples of courses previous students have progressed to include medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, biomedical science, biochemistry, physiotherapy, paramedic science, biology, genetics, zoology, ecology, neuroscience, cancer biology. The course will also allow for progression onto apprenticeships and develop desirable skills for employment for anyone not wishing to progress to university. |
| Additional information | Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees. If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information. |
