Biology A Level
The study of biology requires the construction of sound foundations built from exploring several fundamental concepts in the first year and the early part of the second year. In the remainder of the course, these concepts must coalesce into a coherent whole before moving onto more difficult ideas and their application in the wider world. Biology complements other STEM subjects such as chemistry, physics, psychology and maths. Teaching is delivered in a variety of formats and includes 10 % of online learning through Attain, Kerboodle and other platforms. A Level pass rates have been above the national average for the last three years (2017-2020). Read about Rehan Shafi, a 17 year old who got into study dentistry at University of Bristol after completing his A Levels with South & City College Birmingham https://www.sccb.ac.uk/news-events/latest-news/17-year-old-south-city-college-a-level-student-to-study-dentistry-at-bristol
You will learn about the applications of biology in a theoretical and practical context. Interpretation and evaluation of scientific information will be developed. OCR A syllabus is followed;
Year 1:
• Foundations in biology
• Exchange and transport
• Biodiversity
• Evolution
• Disease
Year 2:
• Communication
• Homeostasis & energy
• Genetics
• Evolution & ecosystems
10% of the A Level Biology assessment contains mathematical skills which includes statistics and overlaps with psychology.
15% of the A Level Biology assessment will be based on knowledge, skills and understanding on practical skills. You will carry out at least 12 practicals over the two years. Tutors will observe and assess students' competencies in practical work to achieve a practical endorsement.
There will be two papers at the end of the first year and three papers at the end of the years assessing the last two years content.
You will need 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, to include two science subjects at Grade 6 or above, maths and English at Grade 5.
Past students have gone onto study pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, medical biochemistry, radiography, psychology, nursing, optometry, chemical engineering, teaching, robotics and aviation science to name a few. There are many opportunities open to you if you have an A Level in biology, such as teaching, scientific research, working in industry, healthcare, nursing, medicine, pharmacy, pharmacology, biomedical sciences, the life sciences, neuroscience, genetics, agriculture, horticulture and animals. For all of these career paths, you need to take another relevant higher level qualification such as a degree, or foundation degree, depending on the career's entry requirements. Of course, higher education is not for everyone, so if you don't progress, you will find employers will favour the many transferable skills you will have acquired during your study of A Level Biology.
This course is part of the government funded Lifelong Learning Guarantee and is available free of charge to adult learners aged 19+ without a first full level 3 qualification.
See the West Midlands Combined Authority website for full eligibility criteria here.
Please contact our admissions team for the cost if you do not meet the criteria and we will confirm the fee.
