Biology — A Level
Maths and Science
Course ID: 177030
Course Year: 25/26
Course Details
- Learn about the natural world and life in all its forms through the Biology A-level.
- Gain critical skills as well as core knowledge, including analytical skills and practical techniques.
- Part of a full A-level programme – you will be asked to confirm your choice of additional A-levels when completing the application form.
What to expect from the course
- Biology is the study of life in all its forms, from the incredible complexity of a bacterial cell to the most elaborate computational system in the known universe, the human brain.
The A level course will take students on a journey from the level of the molecule, through to cells and how they combine to form tissues, organs and multicellular organisms and the way in which all life interacts to form complex ecosystems on the only planet known to sustain life.
The A level is assessed by three exams at the end of the course and a range of required practicals that provide hands-on experience of biology in action. The exams are designed to determine the core knowledge, the application of knowledge and the synoptic understanding of the whole course. The exams include a range of short and longer answer questions and also an essay in the third paper.
We are in midst of an explosion in biological technologies that are already having a life-transforming impact on every part of our lives, whether it's treating or curing disease through gene technology, developing sustainable resources through bio fuels and recycling or increasing computing power using organic neural networks. To be part of this exciting future, A level Biology is your vital first step.
Qualifications
A Level Biology and UCAS points for H.E
Why study with us?
Students are provided with the highest quality guidance and resources to help them develop their knowledge and skills.
Students will use a comprehensive and mobile-friendly Virtual Learning Environment that provides a wide range of support materials and opportunities for extended and independent learning.
Students will take part in a residential trip to a Field Studies Council Centre to carry of fieldwork as part of their practical certification.
The department has strong links with University of Liverpool and Edge Hill University where the students will visit and carry out workshops directly linked to their Biology specification.
Staff are experienced A level examiners able to provide expert insight into exam technique.
Staff have a wide range of clinical, research and industrial experience.
Students are encouraged to take part in the Royal Society of Biology Olympiad, where we have had award winners over the past two years.
The department offers science beyond A level (at HNC and HND), so has a range of equipment including IR spectrometer, HPLC, PCR and electrophoresis that other centres do not usually have.
Student Benefits
Academy Bakery
The Academy Bakery is located on the Duke Street campus, producing a range of first class baked goods daily. These include artisan breads, patisserie and biscuits, as well as special occasion/novelty cakes by award-winning master-bakers. Students are offered a range of discounts throughout the year.
The Academy Bakery
Academy Hair and Beauty Salons
Duke Street is also home to The Academy Hair and Beauty salons. They offer generous student discounts on a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, at a fraction of high-street prices. These include styling, cutting, perming, highlights, facials, manicures, electrolysis and traditional and homeopathic massage.
The Academy Salons
Academy Restaurant
Duke Street campus is also home to the College’s Academy Restaurant. Often referred to by it’s customers as Liverpool’s hidden gem, the restaurant serves top class cuisine, at highly competitive prices. Food is expertly prepared by professional chef/tutors and young chefs in training and offers students a range of discounts at different times of the year.
The Academy Restaurant
Microsoft Office 365 - Free
When you become a student of the College you’ll receive full access to Microsoft Office 365. This allows you to install the software on your own computer and other devices at home, completely free of charge.
Onsite Sports Facilities/Fitness Suite
The college has excellent sports and fitness facilities at its Roscoe Street campus. Students pay a one-off membership fee for all year round usage of weekly supervised gym sessions, as well as access to a number of sporting clubs and events.
Career pathways
- The UK life sciences industry employs 248,400 people in 5,8701 businesses and generates a turnover of £73.8bn (Office for Life Science report, May 2019). The growth of the life sciences sector is forecast to increase further, so there is no better time to pursue a career in life sciences.
The range is biology-related careers is vast and could be grouped into four sectors: healthcare, research and education; manufacturing and industry; the environment. Though many students begin to study biology at A level with the idea of a medical or forensic science career, they soon realise there many more pathways to exciting and fulfilling careers in the life sciences
The majority of students continue onto higher education, but there are many opportunities in employment and higher apprenticeships after A levels. The New Scientist Jobs website provides a snapshot of range of opportunities available from bioinformatics, biotechnology, medicine and medical research through to education and ecology.
We're here to help...
Contact us to discuss your application or find out more:
: 0151 252 3000: enquiry@liv-coll.ac.uk
Entry Requirements
A Level Entry Requirements for 16-18s:
The most important entry requirement is that you are committed and determined to do well
You need to achieve a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, with at least 2 at Grade 5. These must include Maths and English.
To study this particular A level you need to achieve Grade 6 in GCSE Sciences and Maths
Fees
If you are 16-18 years old at the start of your course, studying at The City of Liverpool College is free. If you are aged between 19-23 and don’t already hold a Full Level 3 qualification you won't have to pay any fees for this course. 24 years old or over or 19-23 and already hold a Full Level 3 qualification at the start of the course, fees are payable by all students unless sponsored by an employer.
Fee for25/26 is 500.00
In future years this fee may be subject to change.
