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Starts

2 Sep 2024

Study mode

Full Time

Campus

Framwellgate Moor Campus

Duration

2 Years

Level

Level 3

Awarding body

AQA (Assessment & Qualifications Alliance)

Course code

ALEVF3002AS1

Fee Information

Standard Fees of £811.00 for the first year

Advanced Learner Loan Fees of £811.00 for the first year

Please note, these prices are for the current academic year and may be subject to change for our courses starting in future years. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college, please see Fees and funding for more information.

Age 16-18

FREE (If meet residency criteria and not enrolled at another educational institution).

If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course will be FREE. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips.

Age 19+

If you are aged 19 or older on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course could be free dependant on the level of the course and your eligibility criteria. The rules regarding fee reduction are complicated, we would encourage you to contact our Advice, Support and Careers Team on 0191 375 4400, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or connect on live chat (bottom right of your screen).

Student Finance

If you are aged 19 or over and not eligible to get your course free, you could apply for an Advanced Learner Loan from the Student Loans Company to help towards the cost of some, or all, of your fees. If the amount of Advanced Learner Loan available to you is less than the Advanced Learner Loan Fee for your course, you would need to pay the difference. See our Funding Your Study page for more information or visit the Student Loans Company website to find out more.

Course details may be subject to change. If you are interested in studying A Levels at New College Durham please just complete one application form and you will be able to choose your subjects once you have had your interview. You do not need to apply for each of the subjects you are interested.

Biology is a topical and evolving subject. This course covers a variety of areas from evolution and ecosystemsto enzymes.You will study biology and disease, the variety of living organisms, practical and investigative skills, populations and environment, and control in cells and organisms.

Entry Criteria

You will need to hold a minimum of 5 GCSEs at 9 to 4 (A* to C) which must include maths and English.

Ideally you will hold: [[[GCSE Maths - grade 6 ~ GCSE English Language - grade 6 ~ GCSE Science - grade 6,6 (6 in Biology)

What are the next steps?

You will be invited into the College for an interview with one of our lecturers. You will also have the opportunity to take a tour of the College.

Study Aims

  • Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
  • Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
  • Develop confidence and competence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
  • Understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.

Modules Studied

Core content:

  • Biological molecules
  • Cells
  • Organisms exchange substances with their environment
  • Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
  • Energy transfers in and between organisms
  • Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
  • Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
  • The control of gene expression.

Teaching and Assessment

You will be taught by lecturers who are specialists in their subjects. Teaching is classroom based and involves group work and individual work. Independent study is essential outside of the classroom and frequent homework will be given. You will sit monthly in-class assessments, for which you will receive extensive feedback, as well as other assessments throughout the academic year which will help you track your progress. Terminal exams will be in May/June.

Placement

Work placements are an important part of the programme and you will be given assistance in finding a suitable position.