Human Biology

This course can be combined with two other A Levels and goes particularly well with Sociology, Psychology or Physical Education.
Please note, you cannot study this alongside A Level Biology or a BTEC Certificate.

This exciting course will develop applied knowledge, understanding and skills in Applied Human Biology, particularly in the context of medical science. This qualification enhances your studies of biology to real life contexts such as researching human biology fundamentals, delivering presentations to help patients and health care professionals, and performing laboratory investigations involving biomedical techniques.

On this course you will:

• Study key knowledge and understanding relevant to human biology, looking at human cells, tissues, organs and systems. You will apply these to key concepts in endocrinology (hormones), neurobiology and reproduction. You will also study microbiology
• Learn about genetics and the different modes of inheritance, genetic counselling, genetic testing, gene therapy and genetic engineering
• Develop laboratory skills including using microscopes as a diagnostic tool, investigating biological molecules, planning a clinical investigation and report writing
• Continue on to year 2 (Certificate) when units include a mandatory unit on health and disease – looking at the causes and effects of diseases and disorders, curative management and preventative therapies, the role of immunology, techniques for diagnosis and monitoring. Plus two optional units, topics may include nutrition and metabolism, human reproduction, the brain or drug development
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills that you learn by completing an applied or practical assignment
• Develop independence and confidence in using skills that are relevant to medical science and that prepare you for progressing to university courses where independent study skills are needed
• Gain the following transferable skills that can be used in both higher education and other life and work situations, such as problem-solving, communicating effectively and researching topic areas and recording research sources, then use them to interpret findings and present evidence. You will learn to present information, this will involve managing time and identifying aims, purpose, resources and methods

There is one externally assessed exam unit each year (40%) and two assignment-based units (30% each). The qualification is graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction. You will need secure passes in all units in order to progress to year 2.

This course is ideal if you want to build applied knowledge and skills in Human Biology with a focus on applied rather than theoretical study. For those that will thrive on coursework, as well as some exam-based assessment, it complements an A Level programme. This course is the same size as an A Level and will be taken alongside two other A Levels. This Extended Certificate helps you to build broader knowledge and skills as part of your broader academic study programme at College.

Future Steps: The subject-specific knowledge, scientific understanding and broader transferable skills developed in this qualification will help you progress to employment or an Apprenticeship, or further at university in areas such as human biology or biological/biomedical/life sciences. Please note, this course is not suitable to progress to medicine or veterinary sciences but is ideal for a range of other health-professional routes as above.

You will have access to fully equipped laboratories in our Maths and Science Centre and PCs as well as access to a Learning Resource Centre (LRC).

There are some costs of materials and resources.