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Biology

Submitted by admin on 14 December 2011 - 3.45am
Course Overview

Type of Course and Awarding Body 

A Level - AQA

AS and A2

Level 

Level Three

What's it all about? 

In the battle to wage war on human diseases, it is crucial to have a good grasp of the biological fundamentals. On our course you will explore these and relate them to various medical conditions. It's not all theory though because we will develop in you the necessary practical skills you need too. You will also discover how the organisms that give rise to some of these problems change and adapt to survive and, in many cases, fight back.

Progression 

The AS may be awarded as a discrete qualification providing points for entry to higher education. Successful students may progress to the one year A2 programme. All A2 programmes run subject to numbers. This subject is useful for students wishing to pursue a wide range of careers including health professions, environmental world and biotechnology.

Entry Requirements 

In our experience in order to be successful on this course you will need one of the following:

  • Five GCSEs at grade C or above including English and higher Maths. You will need to have achieved a grade B in your science GCSEs.
  • equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience.

Duration 

One year

Are there any exams? 

Unit 1 is assessed by a written exam (1 hour 15 minutes) which accounts for 33% of the total AS marks.

Unit 2 is assessed by a written exam (1 hour 45 minutes) which accounts for 47% of the total AS marks.

Unit 3 consists of a practical skills assignment (PSA) and an investigative skills assignment (ISA), which are externally assessed. This accounts for 20% of the total AS marks.

Course Content

What does the course involve? 

The AQA syllabus is followed, an exciting new specification from 2008. It aims to develop an enthusiasm for biology, practical skills and an understanding of concepts and principles.

The course has three units:

Unit 1 (Biology and disease) will cover:

  • how digestive and gas exchange systems may be affected by communicable and non-communicable diseases
  • how a knowledge of basic biology allows us to understand the symptoms of disease and interpret data relating to risk factors

Unit 2 (The variety of living organisms) will cover:

  • the influence of the environment and genetics on variation and biodiversity
  • how the variety of life is reflected in similarities and differences in its DNA and using DNA to establish relationships between organisms

Unit 3 will cover:

  • practical work in the contexts of Units 1 and 2
  • assessment of implementing skills on practical work as a whole
  • assessment by AQA set tasks.

When can I study? 

Various days and times
Course Facts

September

Full-time

Goschen Centre

Please contact info@cityplym.ac.uk or phone reception on 01752 305300 for details

Advanced

ASFT


Certain "part-time" courses may become "full-time" courses if additional courses are taken.

If you are aged 16-18, due to Government funding, tuition fees may not be applicable for your course (Please note: this does not apply to foundation degrees or access to higher education courses, and other courses not eligible for public funding).

Please note that fees quoted apply to courses starting in the academic year 2011 / 12 (August 2011 - July 2012). There may be a slight increase in fees for courses starting 2012 / 13.

September

Part-time

Kings Road Centre

Please contact info@cityplym.ac.uk or phone reception on 01752 305300 for details

Please contact info@cityplym.ac.uk or phone reception on 01752 305300 for details.

Please contact info@cityplym.ac.uk or phone reception on 01752 305300 for details

Advanced

ASPT


Certain "part-time" courses may become "full-time" courses if additional courses are taken.

If you are aged 16-18, due to Government funding, tuition fees may not be applicable for your course (Please note: this does not apply to foundation degrees or access to higher education courses, and other courses not eligible for public funding).

Please note that fees quoted apply to courses starting in the academic year 2011 / 12 (August 2011 - July 2012). There may be a slight increase in fees for courses starting 2012 / 13.

Click here to request an application form be sent to you through the post or download a printable copy.

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