A / AS Level Human Biology
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PDF version- Course Description
- Entry Requirements
- Progression & Assessment
- Duration & Location
- Fees
- Further Information
Course Description
The course will develop interest in aspects of human biology including cells, heart and lung physiology, development and growth, disease and its control. In the A2 work topics include the production of energy, athletic performance, reproduction, populations, genetics, the nervous system, diabetes and kidney disease and ageing.
- The programme specializes in the study of those aspects of biology that relate particularly to humans.
- It adopts an approach based on situations in the ‘real world’ and thus is particularly relevant to students seeking a medically related career.
- The course offers opportunities to develop and generate evidence of attainment in all aspects of key skills.
- The specifications contribute to the students understanding of spiritual, moral and cultural issues.
Teaching and Learning Styles include personal research, practical studies, computer-based learning as well as more formal teaching methods.
Entry Requirements
Students wishing to study AS/A Level Human Biology must have 5 GCSEs at grade C and above including C in English Language, B in Science and B in Additional Science (or C in Biology) and C in Maths. These entry requirements may be waived for mature students.
Students who are not also studying AS Mathematics or AS Use of Mathematics will be required to take a small number of additional maths sessions to help with their studies in Human Biology.
Progression & Assessment
The new advanced level examination is in two parts – AS and A2. AS (advanced subsidiary) is taken at the end of year one of advanced level study. It can be taken as a qualification in its own right to allow students to broaden their studies or as the first year of a two year A level course.
Assessment is by written examination, case studies and practice coursework.
| Examination Board | OCR A level H423 AS H023 |
| Assessment | Written examination 80% and Practical coursework 20% |
| Programme Co-ordinator | Dr Andrew Gallimore |
| Teaching Staff | Dr Andrew Gallimore & Jane Woods |
This subject is particularly relevant to students seeking a medically related career such as hospital laboratory technology, nursing, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. Also, in combination with other suitable qualifications, it will allow entry into a wide range of Higher Education programmes.
Duration & Location
One year for AS Level; a further one year for A2.
A Level
Daytime – 5 hours per week (split into 3 sessions) over 2 years.
AS Level
Daytime – 5 hours per week (split into three sessions) over 1 year.
Starts September each year.
Fees
If you are under 19 on 31 August when your programme begins and are full-time, you will be entitled to free tuition and no examination fees wherever you live provided you are a European Community National. Mature students may also qualify for free tuition and no examination fees. Please ask our Guidance Services for details.
Further Information
Dr Andrew Gallimore
School of Access and Advanced Education
For further details please contact the Information Office on 01522 876274
