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Biology (A-level)

Students will study a variety of topics including: Development of practical skills in biology Foundations in biology Exchange and transport Biodiversity, evolution and disease Communication, homeostasis and energy Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

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Course Summary

Subject Area: A Levels
School Leaver - Academic
Location: Joseph Wright Centre
Full Time or Part Time: FT
Level: 3
Number Of Years: 2
Interview Required?: Y
Joseph Wright Centre

Apply now at: https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/course/biology-a-level
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Course Information for Students

Students will study a variety of topics including:

  • Development of practical skills in biology
  • Foundations in biology
  • Exchange and transport
  • Biodiversity, evolution and disease
  • Communication, homeostasis and energy
  • Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

If you are interested in studying A-level Biology, you may also be interested in our additional pathways, T-level in Health, T-level in Science or Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management. All A-level applicants are encouraged to research alternative pathways before accepting their offer to study A-levels.

You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language at grade 5 and Maths at grade 5.

In addition, you should have GCSE Combined Science at grade 6,6 or above.  If you have taken Triple Science, then Biology must be at grade 6, with the other two sciences at grade 4.

A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.

It is assumed that students enrol on a two-year A-level programme of study consisting of three or more subjects. However, students will be expected to demonstrate a committed attitude to learning and make positive progress in their first year of study.

  • Module 1: Development of practical skills – this module underpins the whole of the course and covers the practical skills that students should develop throughout. The practical skills in this module can be assessed within written examinations and within the Practical Endorsement.
  • Module 2: Foundations in biology – covering concepts required throughout the remaining modules
  • Modules 3 and 4: Exchange and transport, biodiversity, evolution and disease
  • Modules 5 and 6: Communication, homeostasis and energy, genetics, evolution and ecosystems

This course will be delivered on-site at the Joseph Wright Centre.

N/A

You will be assessed by external examination at the end of Year 2.

Careers

The list of career opportunities is varied and endless, including:

  • Academic and research roles
  • Biological technology
  • Medical and health services
  • Genetic counselling
  • Health education
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmaceutical/medical product sales
  • Marine biology

For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk

Course Information for Employers

If you are an employer and would like to know more about the apprenticeships and professional training we deliver or how you can get involved in co-creating and co-delivering curriculum, please contact us via email on businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk, call us on 01332 387 421 or visit our employer pages here.

Career Information



This course could lead to one of these careers...

Generalist Medical Practitioners

£38733

Generalist Medical Practitioners

Natural and Social Science Professionals

£39007

Natural and Social Science Professionals

Laboratory Technicians

£22447

Laboratory Technicians

Biological Scientists

£32759

Biological Scientists

More Careers Information at: https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/career-pathways
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DCG Success Stories

Rabina Burlakoti holding her results.

Rabina Burlakoti

Rabina Burlakoti (20) was elated to have achieved three Bs in A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics.

I have loved it at Derby College and have especially enjoyed the practical side of the education.

Read More about Rabina Burlakoti

Professor Sarah White

Sarah White

Professor Sarah White looks back fondly on her time as an A-level student at South East Derbyshire College, now part of Derby College Group.

I enjoyed my years at South East Derbyshire College. At that time if you were registered on certain courses, you could access evening classes at college for free or at a substantially discounted rate.

Read More about Sarah White

Shareen Akhtar with her dog Riken

Shareen Akhtar

RSPCA vet “100 per cent” owes job she loves to Derby

Going to Derby College for my A levels is 100 per cent the reason why I'm now a qualified vet doing a job I absolutely love. I was quite good at chemistry and biology but I found physics difficult. Fortunately I had a very supportive physics tutor who found ways to make the subject easier for me to learn. My grades shot up in my repeated year to three As.

Read More about Shareen Akhtar

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Course Information Last Updated On: February 15, 2024 3:32 pm