GCSE Biology

**This course may be FREE if you earn less than £25,000p.a. Other learners may be eligible to a reduced fee of £360. Contact us for more details.**

This course is aimed at students aged 19+. The AQA GCSE focuses on all aspects of Biology at Level 2, including practical activities. It is an intensive, one-year course taught in an evening over 32 weeks. The pace is fast, and you will be expected to make time at home to consolidate what you have learned in class. Good attendance is essential to you succeeding on this course.  

You need to have a good grasp of written English and comprehension, and basic maths skills. You may have to complete an initial assessment to check that you are working at a strong Level 1 standard as a minimum. If suitable, you will be invited for interview. 

GCSE Science to at least a grade D would be beneficial. 

GCSE Biology covers a broad range of biological topics including human physiology, disease, plant biology, genetics and ecology.  

You will study the following topics: 

• Cell biology
• Organisation
• Infection and response
• Bioenergetics
• Homeostasis and response
• Inheritance, variation and evolution
• Ecology

You will also carry out ten required practical activities.

This course will be delivered on-site.  

You need to maintain a good level of attendance throughout the course.  

You will need to bring basic stationery, including a calculator, to lessons. It is strongly recommended that you also purchase the CGP Revision Guide for the course to support your study. You will also need a device with Internet access to make use of electronic resources. 

Assessment of your progress is made throughout the year by your tutor.  

You will be given homework regularly in addition to the work completed in class. 

At the end of the course, there are two written examinations, each assessing different aspects of the course content, available at Foundation or Higher tier. Some questions will draw on the knowledge you have obtained from carrying out required practical activities. 

Our GCSE Biology qualification will enable you to progress to many advanced science-based courses.

GCSE Biology is also a basic requirement for many degree courses in science or health-related subjects and is an essential requirement for teaching (PGCE). 

For more information, contact the Adult English and Maths Team on 01332 387465 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk