Biology A Level

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Learner:School leaver (16-19), International, Adult

Subject:A-Levels

Course type:Full Time

Level:3

Duration:2 Academic years

About the course

This A Level Biology course provides an excellent introduction to the living world, from the smallest molecule to the largest ecosystem, resulting in a greatly enhanced understanding of this branch of science. You will be supported in applying for masterclasses, Nuffield Science placements, and social mobility progression programmes with University of Birmingham, as well as progression schemes for medicine and dentistry, which will enhance your applications to university. This qualification should be taken alongside two other A Level subjects and depending on your future career plans, it sits well alongside other science-related courses.

Biology is the study of life in all of its rich diversity. The course delves into the theoretical and practical applications of biology. You will develop skills in interpreting and evaluating scientific information. Year 1 covers foundations in biology, exchange and transport, biodiversity, evolution, and disease. In Year 2, the focus shifts to communication, homeostasis and energy, genetics, and evolution and ecosystems.

What are the entry requirements?

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.

Where can I progress next?

A Level courses are designed to prepare you for higher education and beyond, be it a degree, research or a wide range of careers. Past students have gone on to university to study pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, medical biochemistry, radiography, psychology, nursing, optometry, chemical engineering, teaching, robotics and aviation science to name a few.

Is this course free?

At South & City College Birmingham, we offer a wide range of courses for most age groups.

School Leavers: For learners who are between the ages of 16 to 18, studies will be free.

Adults: For learners who are aged 19 or over, the cost of study will depend on the course or programme that you choose. Some courses may even be free*. If the course is not free, students aged 19 at the start of their programme who wish to study need to either pay their course fees, or take out an Advanced Learning Loan.

*Eligibility criteria applies. There may be an exception for students aged 19 or over that are taking their first full Level 3 qualifications (equivalent to A Levels and Access to HE Diplomas), who could be supported by the Learner Support Fund, or free adult course funded by the WMCA. To find out what financial support is available to you or whether your course is free, call our friendly admissions team on 0121 694 5000 during office hours, or email us via: admissions-shared@sccb.ac.uk, we look forward to hearing from you.

Full details regarding our adult funding, or learner loans can be found on our website via: Money Matters

Higher Education: If you are planning to undertake one of our Higher Education courses you can apply for a loan with Student Finance England, or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan with the college to support towards your course fees. Adults may be eligible for FREE tuition through the WMCA's free courses for jobs offer.

Full details regarding our adult funding, or learner loans can be found on our website via: Money Matters

Enquire via our website today to chat to one of our Admissions team and make your right choice with South and City College Birmingham. Whatever your passion, we are here to help you land on your dream career path. Email: admissions-shared@sccb.ac.uk to find out what financial support is available. With various funds, loans and bursaries on offer, we may be able to help with travel expenses & childcare costs.

How will you learn?

Teaching is delivered in a variety of formats and includes 10 % of online learning through Attain, Kerboodle and other platforms. As well as classroom lessons, the college holds activities for British Science Week's ‘Meet the Scientist’. We also hold A Level revision workshops and conferences as part of the development of study skills.

Karuna Rivera-Gutorow, A Levels in Media Studies, Film Studies and English Language & Literature)

“ There’s been some very good and inspirational teachers here. My Film Studies teacher Donna Drew just taught me about Linkedin, guided me in the right direction about what contacts to get to be a director. The tutors give really good guidance and they feel like actual humans as well, that’s the good thing about the college. You can talk to them, they’re like your friend.”

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