Year 1

In the first year, you will complete four different units.

1. ‘Development of Practical Skills in Biology’: In this unit, you will explore the importance of the scientific method and how to prepare, undertake, analyse, and evaluate practical experiments using specialised equipment. This unit is taught continuously across both years.

2. ‘Foundations in Biology’: This unit looks at some of the key foundation stones in Biology; from diverse types of cell structure and their composition, the roles and functions of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, and the role of nucleotides, nucleic acids, enzymes, and membranes in life on earth. The unit also explores the process of cell division and the cellular life cycle.

3. ‘Exchange and Transport’: You will explore the structure and function of exchange and transport systems, such as circulation systems, transpiration and translocation in animals and plants.

4. ‘Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease’: This serves as an introduction to ecology and explores the variety of organisms that are pathogenic and the way in which animals and plants have evolved defences to deal with disease, in addition to the treatment of disease.

Year 2

In the second year, there are two units.

5. ‘Communications, homeostasis and energy’: You will examine how organisms respond to stimuli and how this process works alongside homeostasis, photosynthesis, and respiration. You will also investigate the role of hormones, neurones, and chemicals in these processes.

6. ‘Genetics, evolution, and ecosystems’: This unit explores the role of genes in regulating and controlling cell function and development. Heredity and the mechanisms of evolution and speciation are also covered as is the manipulation of genomes, cloning and biotechnology. Lastly you will explore how ecosystems operate and how they are populated and regulated.

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including English Language.

A grade 5 in GCSE Maths and a grade 7 in GCSE Biology or 7-7 in GCSE Combined Science.

We will accept learners with a grade 6 in GCSE Biology or 6-6 in GCSE Combined Science if they pass an entrance test.

We recommend learners studying Biology also consider choosing Core Maths as a fourth subject to continue their development in mathematical development.