A Level Biology

Course Code: Q100152

Key Information

  • Course type

    A Levels

  • Campus:

    Sixth Form Campus

  • Start Date:

    08 Sept 2025

  • Duration:

    2 years

  • Attendance:

    Full-time

  • Fees:

    Free

A Level Biology

For those who have an interest in the natural world and how it works, biology is the study of life and living organisms, including their physical structure, chemical processes, molecular interactions, physiological mechanisms, development and evolution.

Units include:

  • core concepts of biology
  • biodiversity, classification and physiology
  • energy for life
  • continuity of life
  • requirements for life
  • optional unit in neurobiology and behaviour.

You will develop skills to allow independent learning and problem solving – a crucial element of being successful in this pure science subject. Practical work will be emphasised and you will be supported to complete the course with a practical endorsement alongside your A Level qualification. You will also have the opportunity to visit the New Forest to carry out ecological investigations as well as attending events at different universities.

The options of work experience available alongside the Extended Project Qualification, allow you to develop additional skills which will be useful for university and apprenticeship applications.

Apply

Did you know?

This course can be combined with additional A Levels or a Sixth Form vocational course.

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English Language. You will also need grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths, and grade 6 or above in Biology and one other GCSE Science subject, or 6s in GCSE double Science.

You will have a 9.55am start, one lesson in the morning, one in the afternoon and a guaranteed 4pm finish. You will also have at least one morning and one afternoon per week free for private study.

You will tatke three two-hour written exams which are a mixture of short and extended answer questions, data response and an essay.  Students will also gain a practical endorsement as part of the course.

School Leavers under the age of 19 do not have to pay fees on any full time courses, though may have to pay for their second year if turning 19 during their studies. If you’re aged 19 or over you might qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. It’s easy to apply for and you won’t have to pay anything back until you’re earning over £25,000. If you are studying a part-time course and you receive one of the following benefits, or you depend financially on someone who does, you may be entitled to have your tuition fees waived: Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support. You will, however, have to pay any awarding body/assessment fees (unless you are on a first full level 2 course). * If you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit or receive other allowances, you may be eligible to claim concessionary rates. If you are entitled to a fee concession you will be asked to provide proof of your entitlement. It is essential that you inform us if your entitlement changes at any time during your course.

You could progress to university or straight to employment, particularly in medicine, dentistry and veterinarian sciences, as well as biochemistry, marine biology, bioengineering and many more non-science related subjects.

Copyright 2024 © City of Portsmouth College | Site by Lake Solutions